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Journal of Public Health

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28-12-2022 | COVID-19 | Original Article

The predictors of COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among adolescents: the role of health belief model and health literacy

Authors: Parvaneh Vasli, Zahra Shekarian-Asl, Mina Zarmehrparirouy, Meimanat Hosseini

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of the Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs and health literacy (HL) in shaping the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preventive health behaviors (PHBs) among adolescents.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 503 adolescent girls and boys, randomly selected via cluster sampling. For this purpose, the data were collected online through four research tools, including the demographic-clinical characteristics information questionnaire, the COVID-19 PHB Scale based on HBM, and the Health Literacy Scale for COVID-19. The data analysis was then performed by regression analysis along with the structural equation modeling (SEM), considering the significance level of 0.05.

Results

The regression analysis results demonstrated that following the one-unit increase in the values of self-efficacy and cues to action, the COVID-19 PHBs elevated by 0.063 and 0.078 units, respectively. In addition, the COVID-19 PHBs subsided by 0.018 with the rise in the value of perceived barriers (P < 0.001). According to the path analysis, the direct path from the COVID-19-related HL to the COVID-19 PHBs (B = 0.097, β = 0.087, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.005 to 0.189) was significant. Furthermore, the indirect path from the COVID-19-related HL to the COVID-19 PHBs through perceived susceptibility (B = 0.017, β = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.001 to 0.032), perceived barriers (B = 0.029, β = 0.026, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.055), self-efficacy (B = 0.094, β = 0.084, 95% CI = 0.031 to 0.156), and cues to action (B = 0.153, β = 0.137, 95% CI = 0.092 to 0.215) was significant.

Conclusion

In keeping with the study results, it is essential to take some effective measures to boost the HBM constructs and HL among adolescents to improve their PHBs during pandemics such as COVID-19.

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Title: The predictors of COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among adolescents: the role of health belief model and health literacy
Authors: Parvaneh Vasli
Zahra Shekarian-Asl
Mina Zarmehrparirouy
Meimanat Hosseini
Publication date: 28-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01808-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The predictors of COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among adolescents: the role of health belief model and health literacy

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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