Theoretical Explanation of Individual Motivation for Seeking a Test Based on the Health Belief Model8
| Constructs | Definition | Application to testing motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Perceived Susceptibility | Belief about the likelihood of getting a disease or condition | Perception of COVID-19 being an issue in the individual’s geographic area |
| Perceived severity | Belief about the seriousness of contracting a condition or of leaving it untreated, including physical consequences and social consequences | Perception the individual is at risk for COVID-19 given age and other demographics |
| Perceived benefits | Beliefs about positive features or advantages of a recommended action to reduce threat | Perception that a test provides beneficial information or is a “treatment” unto itself |
| Perceived barriers | Beliefs about negative features or of a recommended action to reduce threat | Perception that test is not useful or painful to get |
| Cue to action | Internal or external markers stimulus | Media coverage of testing; knowing others who have been tested; getting sick |
| Self-efficacy | The conviction that one can successfully execute a behavior | Ability to go and get a test |