Table 1 Factor, factor loading, content validity index, content validity ratio and impact score of the instrument items developed (n = 300).

Wearing a mask may prevent getting infected with COVID-19

1

1

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or disinfecting them can prevent infection with COVID-19

1

1

If I do the necessary health actions to prevent COVID-19, I will be less likely to get this disease

1

1

If all members of the society do not leave the house unnecessarily, the transmission cycle of COVID-19 virus will be interrupted

1

1

Maintaining a social distance (1.5–2 m) with others is effective in the prevention of COVID-19

1

1

Not participating in parties and ceremonies is an effective behavior in the prevention of COVID-19

1

1

Establishing proper ventilation in closed environments is an effective method in the prevention of COVID-19

1

1

I can do health behaviors to prevent COVID-19, wherever I am

1

1

I can tolerate the mask on my face

1

1

I can wash my hands with soap and water frequently, even though it is time-consuming

1

1

Even though I'm bored, I can avoid leaving the house when it's not necessary

1

1

I can maintain a suitable social distance with others (1.5–2 m) outdoors

1

1

I can say no to others to attend parties and events

1

1

I can create proper ventilation in closed environments around me even though the weather is cold

1

1

I am not at risk of infection with COVID-19

1

1

It is not possible that I will be infected with COVID-19

1

1

Only elderly people get infected with COVID-19

1

1

COVID-19 is a serious and dangerous threat due to the high speed of virus transmission

1

1

COVID-19 virus can affect the lungs

1

1

Covid-19 can be fatal

1

1

During the peak of the disease, it is difficult to access treatment for Covid-19

1

1

Covid-19 threatens the individuals’ mental health

1

1

I am willing to do health behaviors to prevent Covid-19

1

1

I have planned to do health behaviors to prevent infection with COVID-19

1

1

I intend to do health behaviors to prevent COVID-19

1

1

The messages and information about COVID-19 make me feel scared

1

1

For me, the messages and information about COVID-19 are scary

1

1

The messages and information about COVID-19 worry me

1

1

Performing health behaviors to prevent COVID-19 is good/bad

1

1

Performing health behaviors to prevent COVID-19 is effective/ineffective

1

1

Performing health behaviors to prevent COVID-19 is important/ unimportant

1

1

Performing health behaviors to prevent COVID-19 is useful/ worthless

1

1

I wash my hands several times a day with soap and water, and if soap and water are not available, I use alcohol

1

1

When I leave the house, I put on a mask

1

1

I don't leave my home except when necessary

1

1

I maintain a social distance (1.5–2 m) outside the house and in contact with others

1

1

I avoid participating in events and parties

1

1

I go to medical centers when I experience the symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever and cough)

1

1

I listen to information and recommendations of health professionals about COVID-19

1

1

I try to create a proper ventilation in closed environments

1

1

The news and information presented about COVID-19 are trying to put pressure on me in their own way

1

1

Those who write about COVID-19 want to take control of me

0.85

1

COVID-19 is a misleading story

0.85

1

COVID-19 has been manipulative

1

1

I don't listen when information about COVID-19 is presented

1

1

I don't want to read about COVID-19

1

1

Information about COVID-19 has been overstated

1

1

COVID-19 has been overblown

1

1

The severity of COVID-19 has been exaggerated

1

1