Factors associated with Preventive Behavior of COVID-19 Frontliners in Cagayan: Using Health Belief Model

Abstract

The COVID19 pandemic has undoubtedly paralyzed our medical system. The front liner is considered the leading player in this battle and is therefore the first group to be seriously affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. This study was conducted to determine frontliner health beliefs about COVID 19. This descriptive correlation study investigated the 384 randomly selected frontliners working in the community and government hospitals and municipalities in Cagayan, Philippines.  The research interviewed doctors, nurses, medical technologists, respiratory therapists, radiologists, midwives, ambulance crews, janitor, guards, and members of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team through phone survey. Results showed that respondents have perceived barriers, perceived benefits, perceived severity of covid-19 and cues to action as COVID-19 frontliners in Cagayan. Family illness, occupation, employment status, employment agency, and age were found to be significantly associated with the frontliners’ preventive behavior.