The Role of Self-Efficacy in Perceived Sensitivity and Severity to COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors

Self-efficacy is central to behavior, especially preventive behaviors of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). Identifying the factors that lead to increased self-efficacy in individuals can pave the way for necessary decisions to change the behavior of the society. This study aimed at determining the relationship between people’s self-efficacy and perceived severity and sensitivity to preventive behaviors of Covid-19 in Sari, Iran.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed in 268 patients attending certain health centers in Sari, 2020.The subjects were selected using convenience sampling. To collect the data, a researcher-made questionnaire was administered online consisting of three sections.

The mean age of the study population was 36.81±8.6 years and 17.5% of the patients were confirmed cases of Covid-19. Among the people studied, 81.3% used soap and water to disinfect their hands. There were significant correlations between self-efficacy and perceived severity (B: 0.163, CI 95%: 0.068-0.257) and perceived sensitivity (B: 0.164, CI 95%: 0.060-0.267). Perceived sensitivity and severity also predicted 10% of the variance in self-efficacy.

Perceived severity and sensitivity to Covid-19 preventative behaviors could affect people’s self-efficacy.