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Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among University Students in Beijing, China: An Empirical Study Based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Jiabin Li

    (Advising Center for Student Development, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
    The authors contributed equally to the study.)

  • Xianwei Liu

    (Institute of Higher Education, Research Centre for Capital Engineering Education Development, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
    The authors contributed equally to the study.)

  • Yang Zou

    (College of Business Administration, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing 100070, China)

  • Yichu Deng

    (Publicity Department, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China)

  • Meng Zhang

    (School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China)

  • Miaomiao Yu

    (Institute of Education Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Dongjiao Wu

    (School of Marxism, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Hao Zheng

    (China Youth & Children Research Center, Beijing 100089, China)

  • Xinliang Zhao

    (Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, Beijing 100045, China)

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs), among other social systems, have an irreplaceable role in combating COVID-19. However, we know little about institutional and individual factors that might facilitate university students’ beliefs and behaviors toward preventive behaviors for COVID-19 within the higher education context. Our study applies an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to investigate the structural relationships among the institutional climate, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and preventive behaviors of university students and to detect the moderating impacts of perceived risk on the structural model. Data were collected from 3693 university students at 18 universities in Beijing, China through an online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup analysis were performed to examine the empirical model. The results reveal that (1) the institutional climate has a significant, direct effect on preventive behaviors for COVID-19 among university students, (2) the TPB components, namely attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, partially mediate the relationship between the institutional climate and preventive behaviors for COVID-19, and (3) perceived risk moderates several paths in the model. Theoretical and practical implications are offered, and recommendations for future research are outlined.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiabin Li & Xianwei Liu & Yang Zou & Yichu Deng & Meng Zhang & Miaomiao Yu & Dongjiao Wu & Hao Zheng & Xinliang Zhao, 2021. "Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among University Students in Beijing, China: An Empirical Study Based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:7009-:d:585709
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xiaojie Zhang & Lili Wang, 2022. "Factors Contributing to Citizens’ Participation in COVID-19 Prevention and Control in China: An Integrated Model Based on Theory of Planned Behavior, Norm Activation Model, and Political Opportunity S," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Yang Zou & Xianwei Liu & Miaomiao Yu & Yichu Deng, 2023. "Linking Cultural Tightness, Components of Norm Activation and COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among University Students: Evidence from Beijing, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-14, March.

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