Preventive Health Behavior in Latvian Socio-Demographic Groups during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Description

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has once again raised questions about the preventive behavior. The spread of the coronavirus is still relevant and dangerous for risk groups in society (WHO, 2022). It is important to understand preventive health behavior to predict and reduce threats to Latvian society, but there are few such studies in Latvia. The aim of this study was to examine preventive health behavior of COVID-19 in various socio-demographic groups of Latvia.. 642 respondents from Latvian population (age 18 to 95) participated in the study (M = 49.93; SD = 18.22), (53.9% of female) divided into age groups 18 – 44 years (42.2%), 45 – 64 (34.1%) and 65< (23.7%). 15.7% of respondents had primary or lower level of education (n = 101), 29.9% had higher education level (n = 192). 33.5% of respondents were from region of Riga (n = 215). All respondents filled out a demographic survey (data on gender, age, education level and residence in the region) and "COVID-19 related preventive health behavior" scale (Krumina et al., 2022). Data collection was performed through TNS Latvia Ltd during the second wave of pandemic within the EUF project "Complex health promotion and disease prevention measures" (Id. No.9.2.4.1/16/I/001) and later data analysis was performed.. Results showed statistically significant gender differences in COVID-19 preventive behavior (p < .01) using Mann–Whitney test. Men had lower indicators in social distancing and compliance with hygiene recommendations. Kruskal–Wallis test presented that in general, younger people, respondents with primary level of education and residence outside of Riga and Pieriga have lower indicators in COVID-19 preventive behavior.. The results of this study can help to identify risk groups of society and can be used in the professional work of psychologists for more effective psychoeducation of clients/patients.

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	9
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International