Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Understanding COVID‑19 preventive behavior: An application of the health belief model in the Philippine setting

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Engracia Arceo
. John Edlor Jurado
. Leslee Anne Cortez 1
. Nestor Sibug 2
. Gestrelle Lides Sarmiento
. Amica Coleen Lawingco
. Carisse Carbungco
. Raphael Enrique Tiongco

1 Department of Education, Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines

2 Department of Psychology, Holy Angel University, Angeles City Philippines

Abstract
BACKGROUND: With the Philippines emerging as the hotspot in the Western Pacific Region for
the COVID‑19 cases, the study aimed to understand the COVID‑19 preventive behavior of Filipinos
using the health belief model (HBM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross‑sectional study included 304 respondents recruited for
the whole month of July 2020 through various social media platforms. Participants were requested
to answer an online questionnaire, and results were analyzed using SPSS software.
RESULTS: The majority of respondents were female (71.1%), with an average age of 29,
college graduate (57.6%), and living in an area where modified general community quarantine is
implemented (63.2%). Good preventive behavior was noted among the participants, and not shaking
of hands with others and refraining from touching of surfaces were reported as the most practiced
behavior. Spearman’s correlation and Pearson’s Chi‑square showed that age and sex are significant
predictors for the HBM constructs and preventive behavior. Furthermore, results showed that cues to
action, self‑efficacy, and perceived barrier have a significant association with COVID‑19 preventive
behavior.
CONCLUSION: Findings prove that HBM is useful in understanding preventive behaviors in times
of coronavirus pandemic. Strategies that promote a supportive environment and help overcome the
perceived barriers can guide Filipinos to adopt the desired health behavior. Interventions to promote
preventive behaviors should be focused on males and younger individuals.

Keywords

COVID‑19 preventive behavior
Filipino COVID‑19
health belief model
Philippines
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 11, Issue 5
June 2021
Pages 1-7

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