ABSTRACT

Efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 within the United States have been compromised by varying levels of engagement in preventive behaviors, such as mask wearing, social distancing and vaccine uptake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential predictors of both (1) engagement in behaviors aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and (2) intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19. It was hypothesized that Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs would predict each outcome. Additionally, given the politicization of the pandemic in the US, HBM constructs were considered as possible mediators of a relationship between political party affiliation and each outcome. A total of 205 participants completed an online survey, and data from 186 were analyzed using linear and ordinal regressions. Findings indicate that greater perceived response efficacy predicted greater engagement in preventive behaviors and intention to get vaccinated. Other HBM constructs were not significant predictors of either outcome. Mediation analyses indicated that affiliation with the Republican Party predicted reduced engagement in preventive health behaviors and vaccination intention, although effects were fully and partially mediated by lower levels of response efficacy. Understanding the predictors of adherence to recommended strategies is essential to developing effective public health campaigns that address risk factors for non-adherence and target those least likely to adhere. Public health interventions aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the US should emphasize the efficacy of preventive behaviors and encourage public trust in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, particularly among Republicans.

摘要

控制 COVID-19 在美国境内传播的努力因参与预防行为的不同程度而受到影响，例如戴口罩、保持社交距离和接种疫苗。本研究的目的是评估 (1) 参与旨在减少 COVID-19 传播的行为和 (2) 接种 COVID-19 疫苗的意图的潜在预测因素。假设健康信念模型 (HBM) 构造将预测每个结果。此外，鉴于美国流行病的政治化，HBM 结构被认为是政党隶属关系与每个结果之间关系的可能中介。共有 205 名参与者完成了在线调查，并使用线性和有序回归分析了 186 名参与者的数据。研究结果表明，更大的感知反应效力预示着更多地参与预防行为和接种疫苗的意图。其他 HBM 结构不是任一结果的重要预测因子。中介分析表明，加入共和党预示着参与预防性健康行为和接种疫苗的意愿会降低，尽管效果完全和部分由较低水平的反应效力调节。了解坚持推荐策略的预测因素对于开展有效的公共卫生运动至关重要，这些运动可以解决不依从的风险因素并针对那些最不可能坚持的人。