University of Twente Student Theses
A cross-sectional study on the relationship between self- protective behaviour and socio-demographic, as well as, personal characteristics during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK
Senger, J. (2021) A cross-sectional study on the relationship between self- protective behaviour and socio-demographic, as well as, personal characteristics during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
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| Abstract: | Background: As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, measures to secure society’s health were obliged by the government. The UK was severely impacted with the second-highest death rate of Covid-19 cases in Europe. Human behaviour is the strongest determinant for spreading the virus. The Health Belief Model gives a theoretical base for different determinants influencing health behaviours. Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate whether socio-demographic and psychological characteristics, as well as the perceived severity and susceptibility to Covid-19, and the perceived benefits and barriers of performing the desired behaviour(Health Belief-Modell, are predictive factors for engaging in self-protective behaviours as recommended by the government to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus disease. Method: For this cross-sectional study, 1001 participants, living in the UK, were recruited to participate in an online questionnaire. Measures included demographics, housing situation, work and employment status, health and psychological statuses, self-protective behaviours as well as digital literacy and internet usage behaviour. The relationships were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results: Significant predictors for self-protective behaviour were found to be gender, age, well-being, being vaccinated, being able to work from home since the beginning of the pandemic, knowing people in the immediate social environment that have been infected with Covid-19, assessing the strictness of the measures and performing the unwanted behaviour of consuming more alcohol and avoiding going to the doctor. Conclusion: The findings supported that the adherence to governmental recommended self-protective behaviors is predicted by socio-demographic factors, psychological characteristics, the perceived severity and susceptibility of contracting Covid-19, and the perceived barriers and benefits of performing the behaviour. To increase adherence and thus reduce the negative impact for future outbreaks, it is recommended to focus on the least adherent groups. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/88352 |
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