RISK PERCEPTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: AN EXTENDED HEALTH BELIEF MODEL

Abstract

The study examined the impact of perceptions toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and participation in physical activity (PA) among university students (73 males and 77 females) in Seoul, South Korea.  An online questionnaire based on an Extended Health Belief Model was used to collect data for a gender-stratified multiple regression analysis, which revealed that both male and female students (β = 432 and 396; p-value <0.01 and <0.05, respectively) were more participatory in vigorous PA if they had higher self-efficacy.  Male students participated more in moderate (M)PA when they perceived fewer barriers to PA (β = -161, p-value <0.05), while females took part in MPA when they perceived a low risk of COVID-19 infection (β = -76, p-value <0.05).  The findings of this research, highlighting the different perceptions on COVID-19 and PA participation among male and female university students, can form a basis for developing effective intervention programs in future pandemics in South Korea.