Home Away from Home; Compliance with the Covid-19 Conundrum
Mentor Information
Donna Ettel-Gambino (Judy Genshaft Honors College)
Description
The public’s knowledge of COVID-19 guidelines may affect their behavior and ultimately the transmission rate of this highly contagious virus. There have been limited studies on COVID-19 due to its relatively recent emergence however, there have been numerous studies on similar viruses. Research suggests that compliance with the guidelines in addition to widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine may mitigate spread of the virus. The purpose of this study is to better understand Judy Genshaft Honors College students’ compliance with mask wearing, social distancing, and willingness to receive a vaccine. The population will consist of survey responses from students attending the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. A quantitative causal-comparative approach was utilized. Initially, a MANOVA was conducted to identify significant trends across groups. The independent variable was the participant’s living arrangements. The dependent variables were the participants’ responses to the survey questions regarding: the student’s mask use while in public, intent to receive vaccine, and CDC guidelines with respect to physical distancing. Overall, 95% of students reported that they practice physical distancing (NS), 95% of participants reported that they use their masks in public (NS), and 82% responded that they intend to take the vaccine when it becomes available (NS). The results of this pilot study research indicated that there were no statistical differences among groups. Indications for future research is to increase the sample size. This is the first of its kind and additional development with a larger sample size may yield better results.
Home Away from Home; Compliance with the Covid-19 Conundrum
The public’s knowledge of COVID-19 guidelines may affect their behavior and ultimately the transmission rate of this highly contagious virus. There have been limited studies on COVID-19 due to its relatively recent emergence however, there have been numerous studies on similar viruses. Research suggests that compliance with the guidelines in addition to widespread distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine may mitigate spread of the virus. The purpose of this study is to better understand Judy Genshaft Honors College students’ compliance with mask wearing, social distancing, and willingness to receive a vaccine. The population will consist of survey responses from students attending the Judy Genshaft Honors College at the University of South Florida. A quantitative causal-comparative approach was utilized. Initially, a MANOVA was conducted to identify significant trends across groups. The independent variable was the participant’s living arrangements. The dependent variables were the participants’ responses to the survey questions regarding: the student’s mask use while in public, intent to receive vaccine, and CDC guidelines with respect to physical distancing. Overall, 95% of students reported that they practice physical distancing (NS), 95% of participants reported that they use their masks in public (NS), and 82% responded that they intend to take the vaccine when it becomes available (NS). The results of this pilot study research indicated that there were no statistical differences among groups. Indications for future research is to increase the sample size. This is the first of its kind and additional development with a larger sample size may yield better results.
