Dimensions of COVID-19 Pandemic Preventive Behaviour Among High School Students in Leyte and Biliran Province, the Philippines

Abstract

The onset of COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected all sectors of the society including the education sector. Schools at all levels were forced to adopt measures that allow for continuity of the educational process while maintaining health safety. Considering the scope and impact of COVID-19 pandemic, a collective behaviour may be necessary to effectively and efficiently curb and reduce its impact. This paper reports on findings of a study that explored the antecedents to COVID-19 pandemic preventive behaviours among high school students. This study is imperative because conditions in high schools and classrooms, specifically, result in elevated vulnerability for COVID-19 transmission among students and teachers. Following the survey research design, the study was divided into two phases: Phase 1 (exploration phase) participated by 300 students; and Phase 2 (confirmation phase) participated by 300 students between grades 7 to 12. Data collected in Phase 1 underwent exploratory factor analysis using SPSS while data collected in Phase 2 underwent confirmatory factor analysis using SPSS Amos. Results revealed seven dimensions of COVID-19 pandemic preventive behaviours including (a) direct preventive behaviours, (b) healthy habits and lifestyle, (c) limited physical social contact, (d) COVID-19 curiosity, and (e) COVID-19 support. Findings of this study may be informative to policymakers in developing strategic response to COVID-19 pandemic not only in schools but also other relevant sectors. In addition, these findings may also be informative to other researchers conducting related studies on COVID-19 pandemic preventive behaviour such as those exploring antecedents to COVID-19 pandemic preventive behaviours among others.