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Differences in Preventive Behaviors of COVID-19 between Urban and Rural Residents: Lessons Learned from A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Author

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  • Xuewei Chen

    (School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA)

  • Hongliang Chen

    (College of Media and International Culture, Public Diplomacy and Strategic Communication Research Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in preventive behaviors of COVID-19 between urban and rural residents, as well as identify the factors that might contribute to such differences. Methods: Our online survey included 1591 participants from 31 provinces of China with 87% urban and 13% rural residents. We performed multiple linear regressions and path analysis to examine the relationship between rural status and behavioral intention, attitude, subjective norms, information appraisal, knowledge, variety of information source use, and preventive behaviors against COVID-19. Findings: Compared with urban residents, rural residents were less likely to perform preventive behaviors, more likely to hold a negative attitude toward the effectiveness of performing preventive behaviors, and more likely to have lower levels of information appraisal skills. We identified information appraisal as a significant factor that might contribute to the rural/urban differences in preventive behaviors against COVID-19 through attitude, subjective norms, and intention. We found no rural/urban differences in behavioral intention, subjective norms, knowledge about preventive behaviors, or the variety of interpersonal/media source use. Conclusions: As the first wave of the pandemic inundated urban areas, the current media coverage about COVID-19 prevention may not fully satisfy the specific needs of rural populations. Thus, rural residents were less likely to engage in a thoughtful process of information appraisal and adopt the appropriate preventive measures. Tailoring health messages to meet rural populations’ unique needs can be an effective strategy to promote preventive health behaviors against COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuewei Chen & Hongliang Chen, 2020. "Differences in Preventive Behaviors of COVID-19 between Urban and Rural Residents: Lessons Learned from A Cross-Sectional Study in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:12:p:4437-:d:374150
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    2. Kuo-Wei Hsu & Jen-Chih Chao & Ching-Yi Hsu, 2021. "Environmental Risk Perception and Preventive Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Central Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-10, September.
    3. Bo Zhang & Zhongjie Li & Lei Jiang, 2021. "The Intentions to Wear Face Masks and the Differences in Preventive Behaviors between Urban and Rural Areas during COVID-19: An Analysis Based on the Technology Acceptance Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-15, September.
    4. Weerawat Ounsaneha & Orapin Laosee & Thunwadee Tachapattaworakul Suksaroj & Cheerawit Rattanapan, 2023. "Preventive Behaviors and Influencing Factors among Thai Residents in Endemic Areas during the Highest Epidemic Peak of the COVID-19 Outbreak," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-13, January.
    5. Sunhee Kim & Seoyong Kim, 2020. "Analysis of the Impact of Health Beliefs and Resource Factors on Preventive Behaviors against the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-21, November.
    6. Wei Hong & Ru-De Liu & Yi Ding & Jacqueline Hwang & Jia Wang & Yi Yang, 2021. "Cross-Country Differences in Stay-at-Home Behaviors during Peaks in the COVID-19 Pandemic in China and the United States: The Roles of Health Beliefs and Behavioral Intention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
    7. Nan Li & Muzi Chen & Difang Huang, 2022. "How Do Logistics Disruptions Affect Rural Households? Evidence from COVID-19 in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    8. Takahashi, Shuko & Yamada, Shohei & Sasaki, Satoshi & Takahashi, Naomi & Nohara, Masaru & Kawachi, Ichiro, 2022. "A high level of vaccine knowledge increases people's behavioral risks for contracting COVID-19 in Japan," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
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