Effectiveness of Self-Efficacy Promoting Programs in COVID-19 on Prevention Behaviors of Teachers or Caregivers at Early Childhood Development Centers

Abstract

In the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, it has been found that most with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms. However, children are also at risk of developing serious complications. This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effects of self-efficacy promoting programs in COVID-19 prevention for teachers or caregivers at early childhood development centers. The study involved 68 participants divided into two groups: an experimental group of 34 individuals who received a program aimed at self-efficacy promoting programs in COVID-19 prevention, and a control group of 34 individuals who followed their regular routines. The research instruments consisted of the following:  1) the caregiver self-efficacy promoting programs in COVID-19 prevention based on Bandura's self-efficacy theory; 2) a demographic questionnaire; and 3) an assessment of COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Three qualified experts verified these tools' content validity, resulting in a content validity index of 0.98.  These questionnaires yielded Cronbach’s alpha of 0.748. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test. The findings demonstrated that after receiving a program aimed at enhancing self-perceived abilities in preventing COVID-19, teachers or caregivers in the experimental group exhibited significantly higher COVID-19 prevention behaviors compared to the control group, with statistical significance both overall (z=-2821, p< .005) and the scores for each aspect include the use of face masks (p< .044), physical distancing (p< .006), health promotion (p< .034), and sanitation management (p< .029). The results indicated the early childhood development center can utilize self-efficacy promoting programs in COVID-19 prevention and apply it as a guideline for teachers or caregivers to enhance their abilities in COVID-19 prevention.