1. COVID-19 risk perceptions, self-efficacy, and prevention behaviors among California undergraduate students.
- Author
-
Lee AR, Gonzalez A, Garcia JM, Martinez LS, and Oren E
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, Universities, Young Adult, Adolescent, California, Adult, Health Behavior, Surveys and Questionnaires, SARS-CoV-2, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Risk Assessment, COVID-19 prevention & control, COVID-19 psychology, COVID-19 epidemiology, Students psychology, Students statistics & numerical data, Self Efficacy
- Abstract
Objective: College students play a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the viral agent responsible for COVID-19. We aim to understand risk perceptions, self-efficacy, and adoption of prevention behaviors in this population to inform prevention strategies., Participants: Undergraduate students attending a large public university., Methods: A convenience sample of students were surveyed (April-June 2020). Participants self-reported risk perceptions, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, self-efficacy, and prevention behavior engagement., Results: A total of 1,449 students were included in the analysis. The majority were women (71.2%) and aged 18-24 (86.6%). Freshmen had the lowest risk and threat perceptions, as did men; men also had lower self-efficacy. Women engaged significantly more in prevention behaviors compared to men., Conclusions: Perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 was low, but overall adoption of prevention behaviors was high due to local mandates. Freshmen men were identified as having the greatest need for changing perceptions and behaviors.
- Published
- 2024
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