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Understanding social distancing intention among university students during Covid-19 outbreak: an application of protection motivation theory

Haque, A. K. M. Ahasanul and Karim, Wasiul and Kabir, SMH and Tarofder, Arun Kumar (2020) Understanding social distancing intention among university students during Covid-19 outbreak: an application of protection motivation theory. Test Engineering and Management, 83 (5). 16360 -16377. ISSN 0193-4120

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Abstract

The Covid-19 outbreak has clearly pierced the life of humankinds in almost all countries and all members of the society. Understanding and practicing measures for self-protection and maintaining social distance for prevention of transmission of infection are the new guidelines. This study examined decision factors such as perceived severity, susceptibility, response efficacy, self-efficacy and social distancing intention for students in Malaysia in response to the pandemic. The study was conducted following a quantitative research approach. Primary data were collected through Google form and online social media from 256 students studying in International Islamic University Malaysia. For the purpose of the study, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling techniques were performed. The analyses revealed that two variables (response efficacy and self￾efficacy) of the protection motivation theory were significant predictors of social distancing intention during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic crisis. However, perceived severity and perceived susceptibility were not significant predictors of intention to engage in social distancing behaviour. The findings demonstrated that PMT was a constructive framework for understanding intention to engage in social distancing behaviour during a pandemic. The findings may help in filling the intention-behavioral gap in relation to social distancing.

Item Type: Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords: Social Distancing, Students, Covid-19, PMT
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences > Department of Business Administration
Depositing User: Prof. Dr Ahasanul Haque
Date Deposited: 22 Jul 2021 23:02
Last Modified: 22 Jul 2021 23:02
URI: http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/90965

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