Understanding precautionary behaviors among neighbors of COVID-19-positive patients using health belief model: An analysis from available evidence

Medical Journal of Babylon

article

Nilanjana Ghosh¹  Sudip Bhattacharya²  Tulshi Pramanik³  Indranil Chakrabarti⁴ 

[1]Department of Community Medicine, North Bengal Medical College

[2]Department of Community Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences

[3]Deputy II CMOH

[4]Department of Pathology, North Bengal Medical College

关键词: Community experiences;    health behavior model;    precautionary behaviour;    risk perception;   

DOI  :  10.4103/MJBL.MJBL_45_20

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications

【 摘 要 】

Background: COVID 19 pandemic is a unique public health challenge affecting millions globally. Asymptomatic carriers are a primary concern. Prevention is the only cure. Interruption of transmission dynamics is identified and accepted as a key containment strategy to prevent community spread. Risk perceptions influence precautionary behaviors which subsequently affect adherence to lockdown and home quarantines. The presence of positive patients in locality creates panic as many contacts have to undergo testing and quarantines/isolations. Objectives: The present study assesses the perception of close contacts in the neighborhood applying the health behavior model after one of their neighbors tested positive. Materials and Methods: A mixed-method month long study was conducted among close contacts of a proven positive case. Data were elicited using online questionnaires after necessary consent and permission and analyzed accordingly. Results: The perceived stress and susceptibility were high. Risk perception was high, and health care workers were considered a potential threat to the community. Similar studies have been compared. The residential complex was declared a containment zone. Conclusion: Researchers concluded risk perceptions as high and emphasized the need for pandemic preparedness. A larger study is recommended.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-SA