Predicting Factors of Protective Behaviors Against COVID-19 Based on Protection Motivation Theory: A Cross-Sectional Study

Today, COVID-19 has become a global pandemic. Prevention has been described as the best way to break the transmission chain. The present study aimed to determine the predictors of protective behaviors against COVID-19 based on the protection motivation theory. The participants in the present cross-sectional study were 662 Sabzevar city (Iran) residents. Data was collected through a virtual questionnaire distributed through virtual media in non-probable methods (non-probability and snowball). The questionnaire used in this study was researcher-made that covered demographic questions and protection motivation theory variables. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. Independent t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson, and linear regression were used for data analysis by SPSS23. In this study, the mean age of the participants was 40 years, 59% men and 76% married. The results showed that response efficacy, perceived rewards, and self-efficacy variables predicted at least 25% of protection motivation variability. Among these variables, self-efficiency had a more critical role than other variables (Standardized β = 0.276). Based on the findings of this study, protection motivation theory has an essential role in predicting the factors affecting the motivation to protect from Covid-19. Therefore, it is suggested that this theory be applied in educational planning to prevent Covid-19 and transmission chain disruption.