Umm Al-Qura University

Umm Al-Qura University

Commitment to COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Saudi Arabia: An Application of the Health Belief Model


- 2023/08/20

 

F. Almoayada*,  G. Elhessewia,b,  A. Alhashema,  S. Mahbouba,  L. Fialaa,c
Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Nursing Administration Department, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt.
c Department of Public Health, Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt
Volume: 8 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 24-28 | June 2022 | https://doi.org/10.54940/ms69160896 
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Received: 29 August 2021 | Accepted: 31 January  2022 | Online: 1 June 2022
 

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic mandated nationwide public health initiatives and social measures to take place to limit cross contamination and save lives.
Aim of the study: This study used the Health Belief Model (HBM) to help finding barriers and motivating factors for commitment to precautionary measures to COVID-19 infection among the public in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Methods: This was a cross sectional study that included 739 participants recruited using nonprobability random sampling. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire in June 2020. Data were analyzed using JMP software version 14.2.
Results: The study showed high commitment to COVID-19 precautionary measures (84.8%). The most commitment was reported in mask wearing (77.5%) and hand washing (69.8%), while the least was in keeping physical distance (54.9%) and avoiding social gathering (43%). Commitment level was significantly associated with the six components of health belief model (P˂0.05). Self-efficacy and ‘cues to action’ were found as significant predictors of commitment (P<.001).
Conclusions: High commitment rates to COVID-19 precautionary measures were reported mainly in mask wearing and hands washing. There is a need for public health programs that are supported by public policies. The focus of the programs should be on building self-efficacy and facilitating motivating factors.

Keywords:

COVID-19, Infection Control, Motivation, HBM.

How to Cite: 

Almoayad, F., Elhessewi, G., Alhashem, A., Mahboub, S., & Fiala, L. (June 2022). Commitment to COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Saudi Arabia: An Application of the Health Belief Model. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Medical Sciences, 8(1), 24–28.

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