Background Corona virus disease (covid-19) is an emerging highly infectious disease caused by novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). Several public health and social protective measures that may prevent or slow down the transmission of the COVID-19 were introduced. However, these measures are unfortunately neglected or deliberately ignored by some individuals.
Objective To identify the factors influencing intention to adhere to precautionary measures against COVID-19 in Sudan.
Methods and Design Cross sectional online based survey using virtual convenience sampling technique.
Variables Measured Perceived threat of corona virus (perceived severity and perceived susceptibility), perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy and intention to adhere to precautionary behavior towards COVID-19
Results The significant predictors of intention to adhere to the precautionary behavior against COVID-19 were: gender (β =3.34, P <0.001), self-efficacy (β= 0.476, P<0.001), perceived benefits (β= 0.349, P<0.001) and perceived severity (β= 0.113, P=0.005). These factors explained 43% of the variance in participants’ intention to adhere to the protective measures. Participants who were female, confident in their ability to adhere to the protective measures when available, believing in the benefits of the protective measures against COVID-19 and perceiving that the disease could have serious consequences were more likely to be willing to adhere to the protective measures.
Conclusion
Health Belief model is a useful framework for addressing factors influencing intention to adhere to precautionary behavior during COVID pandemic.
