Determinants of university students' safety behavior during a pandemic

Abstract

After the government allowed onsite classes in the Philippines, strict COVID-19 protocols were implemented in educational institutions as a precautionary measure. This research investigated the safety behavior of students to determine areas of weaknesses and identify suitable interventions in the event of another pandemic. The influence of safety belief, fear of COVID-19, perceived behavioral control, and social impact on the safety behavior of university students was explored using structural equation modeling. Data were gathered from students who attended onsite classes during the pandemic from October to November 2022. A total of 422 students from 19 schools and universities in the Philippines participated. Participants experienced a moderate level of anxiousness thinking about COVID-19 but were generally not worried about getting infected. The feeling of control in adhering to safety measures inside the campus is primarily low, especially wearing face masks and practicing hand hygiene. However, despite this feeling of low control, the participants exhibited positive safety behavior, especially in wearing face masks and/or face shields and practicing proper hand hygiene. A sense of control over safety actions favorably translates into actual safe behavior. Belief significantly influences behavioral control, and confidence in safety practices brings self-efficacy. Anxiety and worry about COVID-19 infection have a relatively strong effect on safety behavior. This study's findings would help policymakers develop safety guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of the university population. In addition, this would help school authorities to create suitable interventions to ensure students follow safety protocols.