Factors influencing intention to adhere to precautionary behavior in times of COVID- 19 pandemic in Sudan: an application of the Health Belief Model

ABSTRACT

BackgroundCorona virus disease (COVID-19) is highly infectious disease caused by the novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). Several public health and social protective measures that may prevent or slow down the transmission of COVID-19 were introduced. However, these measures are unfortunately neglected or deliberately ignored by some individuals. MethodsWe did a cross sectional online based survey to identify possible factors influencing intention to adhere to precautionary measures and preventive guidelines against COVID-19 during lockdown periods in Sudan. The questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data of study participants, their health beliefs and intention regarding adherence to precautionary measures against COVID-19 based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model. ResultsTotal of 680 respondents completed and returned the online questionnaire. Significant predictors of intention to adhere to the precautionary measures against COVID-19 were gender ({beta} =3.34, P <0.001), self-efficacy ({beta}= 0.476, P<0.001), perceived benefits ({beta}= 0.349, P<0.001) and perceived severity ({beta}= 0.113, P=0.005). These factors explained 43% of the variance in respondents intention to adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures. Participants who were female, confident in their ability to adhere to the protective measures when available, believing in the benefits of the protective measures against COVID-19 and perceiving that the disease could have serious consequences were more likely to be willing to adhere to the protective measures. ConclusionFemale respondents and respondents having higher self-efficacy, higher perceived benefits and higher perceived severity were more likely to be willing to adhere to the protective measures against COVID-19 in Sudan.