Media Dependence of Nursing Students on COVID-19-Related Infection Prevention Behavior: Mediating Effect of Risk Perception

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of risk perception in the relationship between media dependence and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related infection prevention behavior of nursing students. Methods: The survey data of 159 nursing students were analyzed. The independent variable was media dependence, the dependent variable was COVID-19-related infection prevention behavior, and the parameter was risk perception. The hypothesis was tested using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method to analyze the covariate structure. Results: COVID-19-related infection prevention behavior showed a positive correlation with media dependence and risk perception. With regard to the relationship between media dependence and COVID-19-related infection prevention behavior, risk perception showed a partial mediating effect. Conclusion: To improve infection prevention behavior, it is necessary to use various media suitable for the age group to access information about COVID-19. Particularly, nursing students take care of various infected patients through clinical practice or medical service. Therefore, it is required to raise risk awareness and improve infection prevention behavior through clinical practice or medical volunteer activities.