Determining influential factors on post-pandemic behavior in the workplace using the Health Belief Model

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on preventive behaviors has been observed even when COVID-19 vaccines and medications are used. This study used the Health Belief Model to investigate the factors associated with employees’ preventive behaviors during the post-COVID-19 period, which might play a critical role in preventing workplace infections going forward. This is a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire from a company in northern Taiwan. A total of 383 employees completed the online questionnaire. Multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted. The recruited employees comprised 233 men (60.8%) and 150 women (39.2%). The results revealed that health beliefs accounted for 78% of the variance in post-COVID-19 predictive behaviors. Self-efficacy, cues to action, and perceived barriers significantly influenced post-COVID-19 preventive behaviors, with self-efficacy being the strongest factor. The Health Belief Model is appropriately applied in the workplace to understand the factors influencing the adoption of post-COVID-19 preventive behaviors among employees and establish corresponding post-COVID-19 prevention policies. Additionally, enhancing employees’ self-efficacy toward post-COVID-19 preventive behaviors effectively increased their chances of adopting preventive behaviors.