Determining the effect of perceived COVID-19 transmissibility on hygiene and avoidance behaviors by path analysis: A community based study

The main purpose of this research is "Determining the Effect of Perceived COVID-19 Transmissibility on Hygiene and Avoidance of COVID-19 Behaviors by Path Analysis". For this purpose, first of all, information about the purpose, importance, assumptions, limitations, general information (pandemic, coronaviruses, COVID-19, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, transmission routes), perceived COVID-19 transmissibility, avoidance of COVID-19 and Hygiene were given. The universe of the research; It consists of individuals aged 18 and over living in Adana city center in July-August 2022. Convenience sampling method was used in the research. In the research; descriptive statistics, difference tests, path analysis techniques were used. Data obtained from 412 people in total were evaluated with SPSS and AMOS package programs. The reliability coefficient of the research is Alpha = 0.887. Since this value is between 0.80≤α<1.00, the reliability of the study is high. In order to determine whether there is a difference in perceived COVID-19 transmissibility, avoidance of COVID-19 and hygiene behaviors according to demographic data; "Independent Samples T-Test" and "One-Way ANOVA" tests were performed. As a result of the independent samples t-test, all dimensions according to the participants' marital status, gender, education level, age and income level said "I am undecided". The fit values found as a result of the path analysis showed that the model with construct validity was found. According to the path analysis results of the research; The direct effect of the independent variable, perceived contagiousness of COVID-19, on the dependent variables of hygiene behaviors and avoidance of COVID-19 was found to be significant and positive.