Correlation Between Health Beliefs and Mask-Wearing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mask-wearing is crucial for reducing SARS-COV-2 transmission, but early recommendations faced challenges.
• Health literacy, depression, anxiety, and health beliefs may impact mask-wearing behaviors.
• Perceptions of COVID-19 severity, susceptibility, benefits, and barriers are potential factors in mask adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between health beliefs (Health Belief Model), mental health, health literacy, and mask-wearing.
• Investigate correlations between these factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of the Behavioral Outcomes During Social Distancing cohort study.
• Data collected from 346 US adults at two time points (March-August 2020).
• Bivariate Pearson and Spearman correlations were used for analysis.

Main Results:

• Participants perceived COVID-19 as moderately severe and felt susceptible.
• Higher perceived benefits and lower perceived barriers were associated with increased mask-wearing.
• Mask adherence correlated positively with perceived severity, susceptibility, and benefits.
• No significant association found between mask-wearing and depression, anxiety, or health literacy.

Conclusions:

• Health beliefs are significant predictors of mask-wearing behavior.
• Interventions targeting Health Belief Model concepts may improve adherence to public health measures.
• Further research should explore health beliefs' influence on other mitigation strategies like vaccination and social distancing.