Psychological and Social Factors Influencing Preventive Behaviour Adoption in Post-Pandemic Malaysia

This study investigates the predictors of preventive behaviours among Malaysian citizens in the post-pandemic context of COVID-19. As the pandemic has significantly impacted public health, understanding the factors that influence the adoption of preventive measures is crucial for effective health communication and intervention strategies. Utilizing a comprehensive framework based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), this research explores the interplay among multiple psychological and social determinants including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity. In addition, the mediating role of behavioural intention in the relationship between these factors and actual preventive behaviours are examined. Drawing from a quantitative analysis of 485 respondents, the findings reveal critical insights into how individual experiences and perceptions shaped by the pandemic influence compliance with health guidelines. This study not only addresses significant gaps in the existing literature, but also emphasizes the importance of digital platforms in shaping public health behaviours. The results provide actionable recommendations for policymakers to enhance preventive behaviour adoption and improve public health responses, ultimately contributing to a more resilient healthcare system in Malaysia.

本研究探讨新冠疫情后马来西亚民众预防行为的影响因素。鉴于疫情对公共卫生造成了显著冲击，明晰影响预防措施采纳行为的相关因素，对于制定高效的健康传播与干预策略至关重要。本研究基于计划行为理论（Theory of Planned Behaviour）与理性行为理论（Theory of Reasoned Action, TRA）构建综合分析框架，探讨态度、主观规范、知觉行为控制、知觉易感性及知觉严重性等多重心理与社会决定因素间的交互作用。此外，本研究还检验了行为意向在上述因素与实际预防行为之间的中介作用。本研究基于对485名受访者的定量分析，研究结果揭示了疫情塑造的个体经历与感知如何影响民众对健康指南的依从性。本研究不仅弥补了现有文献中的重要研究空白，同时强调了数字平台在塑造公众健康行为方面的重要价值。研究结果可为政策制定者提供可落地的建议，以提升民众的预防行为采纳率并优化公共卫生响应机制，最终助力马来西亚构建更具韧性的医疗卫生体系。