Factors affecting emerging infectious disease prevention behaviors among young workers based on ecological modeling

This cross-sectional, descriptive survey study aimed to identify the factors affecting emerging infectious disease prevention behaviors among young workers aged < 40 years. The factors affecting infection prevention behaviors among young workers were investigated with respect to perception of personal, inter-personal, organizational, and community responses based on ecological modeling. A total of 260 young workers residing in Jeollabuk-do region in South Korea were selected via convenience sampling. Multiple regression analysis performed to assess the factors affecting emerging infectious disease prevention behaviors. Multiple regression analysis revealed that infection prevention behaviors were significantly higher among healthy female participants compared with that in not very healthy female participants. Furthermore, infection prevention behaviors were significantly lower among those residing with family members with a confirmed diagnosis compare with that in those who did not. The infection prevention behaviors were higher among participants with higher levels of perceived susceptibility and perceived self-efficacy showed higher infection prevention behaviors. Thus, health managers should actively promote the implementation of infection prevention behaviors in the workplace by developing executable infection prevention guidelines and programs to enhance the perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy of workers in preparation for outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.