The effect of risk perception, mask use, and social distance behavior on perceived stress in the COVID-19 process: A sectional study

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the effect of high school students' perception of risk of COVID-19, wearing masks and social distance behavior on stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This descriptive study was performed on 1034 participants between the ages of 15 and 18 between June 21 and July 2, 2021. “Descriptive Questionnaire,” “COVID-19 Risk Perception Form,” “Mask Wear Behavior Form,” “Social Distance Behavior Form,” and “Perceived Stress Scale” were used in data collection. Results: It was determined that 81.4% of the students used disposable medical masks, and 50.6% of them used the mask they wore for one day. In the characteristics of the risk perception of COVID-19, 31% have a risk perception, 45% are afraid to contact people returning from abroad, 58.8% avoid going to crowded places, 66.8% are afraid of contacting people with flu symptoms. It was found that they always kept sufficient distance while communicating with others. As a result of the multiple regression, it was determined that gender, mask type, mask usage frequency, risk perception, social distance behavior, and mask-wearing behavior had a statistically significant effect on the perceived stress level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results provide theoretical inferences for public health policies targeting the high school students to develop accurate risk perception and protective behaviors. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.