This thesis explored the factors that have influenced the preventive behavior intention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among college students in the U.S. Combining the Protective Motivation Theory and Health Belief Model, this study aims to investigate how risk perception (perceived severity and perceived vulnerability), and coping (perceived response efficacy and perceived self-efficacy), along with knowledge and trust in information sources, have led to preventive behavior intention concerning COVID-19.

Data was collected from an online survey among the college adult students (1767 valid participants) at Iowa State University in the United States and on March 21s through April 1st, 2021.

Survey results showed that perceived self-efficacy had a significant positive influence on preventive behavior intention, while knowledge, response efficacy, trust in information sources have a significant negative impact on preventive behavior intention. The theoretical and practical implications of study were then discussed.