Health-Seeking Behavior, Knowledge, Social Stigma, and Adherence to Protocols for COVID-19: A Causal Model

The worldwide pandemic caused by COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2, has caused considerable disruption. Despite the government's attempts to manage the virus, there remains an ongoing increase in the number of cases, and is unclear how successfully people are following the prescribed policies, including being vaccinated. As of August 16, 2022, the DOH Dashboard reported that Region X, Philippines booster shot rate is very low of about 14.84 percent (DOH, 2022b). This study aimed to develop a causal model on adherence to the COVID-19 protocols. This study was anchored on the Theory of Health Belief Model, Health Behavior and Health, Social Cognitive Theory, Protection Motivation Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and the Theory of Reasoned Action. This was conducted in a primary and secondary-level public medical facility utilizing the descriptive correlational and causal-comparative research designs to 302 participants. Clients exhibit high health-seeking behaviors, in terms of perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived self-efficacy, social stigma in labeling stereotype, knowledge about COVID-19, especially awareness, and adherence to COVID-19 protocols, in terms of preventive, regulatory measures, and vaccination but moderately high health seeking behavior in perceived barriers. moderately high knowledge on prevention and treatment and management, and moderately high level of social stigma among clients, in terms of separation and discrimination. There is a significant relationship between adherence to COVID-19 protocols and clients' health-seeking behavior, knowledge, and social stigma. Knowledge of COVID-19, in terms of awareness and prevention, alongside social stigma related to separation, significantly influence adherence to protocols. The best fit model is Causal Model 3 anchored on knowledge and social stigma known as Macabaya’s Model on Adherence to COVID-19 Protocols.