PREDICTING ADHERENCE TO COVID-APPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN INDIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: APPLYING THE INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL MODEL

Author

• Ruchi Brahmachari, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Cashel, Mary Louise

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted the physical, mental, and social well-being of people worldwide. Successful management of COVID-19 included not just biomedical measures but also preventive measures to control the spread. This study aimed to identify factors that contributed to adherence to COVID-Appropriate Behaviors (CAB) among college students in India. a group often associated with poor adherence to health-related behaviors as well as high risk-taking behaviors. Using the Integrative Behavioral Model, psychological and contextual determinants of CAB were assessed among 432 Indian college students aged 18-24. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to explore direct and indirect pathways among determinants. Primary findings demonstrated that attitudes and self-efficacy were the strongest predictors of behavioral intention and adherence. Institutional trust, religiosity, and perceived severity influenced adherence indirectly by influencing attitude and self-efficacy. Adherence was higher among female students and those with high risk perception and institutional trust. These findings highlight the importance of psychological processes in shaping preventive behavior. Insights from this study can inform behavioral interventions and communication approaches that may be relevant, not only to COVID-19, but also future public health threats that would require sustained preventive action. Keywords: Integrated behavior model, COVID-19, college students, COVID-appropriate behaviors