Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with mask use and vaccines for COVID-19 prevention at 13 colleges and universities, April 2021

J Am Coll Health. 2024 Nov;72(8):2632-2642. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2122719. Epub 2023 May 2.

Abstract

Objectives: To understand college and university student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies. Methods: Thirteen colleges and universities volunteered to conduct an anonymous electronic survey in April 2021 to assess students' KAB about mask use and vaccination to prevent COVID-19. Results: Three-quarters of students indicated they "Always" wore a mask correctly when in public indoor places. Of those not yet vaccinated, 55% expressed concern about unknown side effects. Over half of students were unsure or believe they do not need to continue wearing masks after vaccination and older students more likely to be vaccinated. There was a significant inverse correlation between intention of getting vaccinated and intention to attend a large indoor party without a mask. Conclusions: Colleges and universities are important to community efforts to slow the COVID-19 pandemic. The KAB findings can inform approaches to increase overall mask use and vaccination uptake among young students.

Keywords: Attitudes; COVID-19; behaviors; knowledge; masks; vaccine hesitancy.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / administration & dosage
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Masks* / statistics & numerical data
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Students* / psychology
  • Students* / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities
  • Vaccination / psychology
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines