Mask Wearing and Social Distancing on the University of Lynchburg Campus: A Descriptive Study of COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors
Location
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
22
Start Date
4-7-2021 12:00 PM
End Date
4-7-2021 1:15 PM
Department
Public Health
Abstract
Universities have the potential for COVID-19 "superspreader" events due to the number of people in close proximity. To minimize viral spread the CDC recommends social behaviors, such as avoiding large gatherings, frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask properly, and maintain a 6-foot social distance. The purpose of this descriptive study was to better understand students’ behaviors and attitudes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and employed an online survey of University of Lynchburg students (N=176). Respondents reported that >90% wore a mask in public settings and that the people closest to them supported mask wearing (86.4%). In addition, 15.9% identified as high-risk for COVID-19 and 32.4% lived with someone who was high-risk. Although 73.3% said they socialized less since the pandemic onset, one-half (n=87) reported still attending social events. Of those 87 people, 21 reported not socially distancing and 22 said they never wore a mask at social events. Questions targeting COVID-19 attitudes demonstrated that the university's response was overcautious (33.5%), the media overexaggerated the pandemic severity (35.2%) and that mask wearing infringed upon personal rights (
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Brooke Bouza
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Mask Wearing and Social Distancing on the University of Lynchburg Campus: A Descriptive Study of COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
Universities have the potential for COVID-19 "superspreader" events due to the number of people in close proximity. To minimize viral spread the CDC recommends social behaviors, such as avoiding large gatherings, frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask properly, and maintain a 6-foot social distance. The purpose of this descriptive study was to better understand students’ behaviors and attitudes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and employed an online survey of University of Lynchburg students (N=176). Respondents reported that >90% wore a mask in public settings and that the people closest to them supported mask wearing (86.4%). In addition, 15.9% identified as high-risk for COVID-19 and 32.4% lived with someone who was high-risk. Although 73.3% said they socialized less since the pandemic onset, one-half (n=87) reported still attending social events. Of those 87 people, 21 reported not socially distancing and 22 said they never wore a mask at social events. Questions targeting COVID-19 attitudes demonstrated that the university's response was overcautious (33.5%), the media overexaggerated the pandemic severity (35.2%) and that mask wearing infringed upon personal rights (