Preventive Behavior Against COVID 19: Role of Psychological Factors

Abstract

Rapidly spreading novel corona virus has affected millions of people across the world. Due to lack of vaccine and pharmaceutical treatment of COVID 19 along with high rate of transmission of the virus, it has created a serious challenge to control the spread of the disease. Personal protective practices such as hand hygiene, use of face mask, social distancing, etc., are being suggested by the health officials as preventive behavior against COVID 19. Sine these preventive measures are largely behavioral, psychological factors need to be considered in context to the preventive behavior against COVID 19. Significant association of preventive behavior with psychological factors like perceived susceptibility, severity, risk, and fear of a disease has been reported. Adherence of the general public to the recommendations of the health officials helps in mitigating and management of COVID 19. The present chapter focuses on the psychological factors influencing preventive behavior against COVID 19.