Tshitangano,Manyuma, D.Baloyi, Allen2026-06-192026-06-192026-05-19Baloyi, A. 2026. Determinants of compliance to Covid-19 standard precaution at a rural institution of higher learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa: retrospective study. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3248MPHDepartment of Public HealthBackground: The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed significant public health challenges globally, with compliance to preventive measures emerging as a key determinant in controlling the spread of infection. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the determinants of compliance with COVID-19 standard precautions at a Rural Institution of Higher Learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, the dataset used for this study was obtained from the project team and consisted of responses from 479 individuals, including both students and staff. The spreadsheet contained information on respondents’ demographic characteristics, perceptions, awareness, and behavioural practices related to COVID-19 preventive measures. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results: The results indicate that a majority of respondents perceived themselves as susceptible to COVID-19 infection and viewed the disease as severe. Most respondents believed that wearing a mask effectively reduces the risk of infection and were confident in their ability to tolerate mask use throughout the day. Institutional enforcement and communication were widely regarded as effective in promoting compliance. Awareness of the role of mask use in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and ownership of cloth masks were almost universal among respondents. Knowledge of national mask mandates and associated penalties was also very high. Despite this high level of awareness and accessibility, adherence to mask use was occasionally hindered by situational factors, such as heat, socialising with friends, and discomfort during communication. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of perception, communication, and institutional support in promoting compliance with public health measures and emphasises that strengthening these factors can improve public health resilience in resource-limited higher education settings. Recommendations: The study recommends sustained health education, supportive institutional enforcement, improved infrastructure to enhance comfort, and collaboration between health authorities and universities to strengthen culturally appropriate communication and pandemic preparedness in rural higher education settings.1 online resource (ix, 66 leaves): color illustrations, color mapsenUniversity of VendaCOVID-19UCTDComplianceHealth Belief ModelMask-wearingPublic healthUniversity studentsPreventative behaviourDissertationBaloyi A. Determinants of compliance to Covid-19 standard precaution at a rural institution of higher learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa: retrospective study. []. , 2026 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Baloyi, A. (2026). <i>Determinants of compliance to Covid-19 standard precaution at a rural institution of higher learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa: retrospective study</i>. (). . Retrieved fromBaloyi, Allen. <i>"Determinants of compliance to Covid-19 standard precaution at a rural institution of higher learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa: retrospective study."</i> ., , 2026.TY - Dissertation AU - Baloyi, Allen AB - Background: The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) posed significant public health challenges globally, with compliance to preventive measures emerging as a key determinant in controlling the spread of infection. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the determinants of compliance with COVID-19 standard precautions at a Rural Institution of Higher Learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, the dataset used for this study was obtained from the project team and consisted of responses from 479 individuals, including both students and staff. The spreadsheet contained information on respondents’ demographic characteristics, perceptions, awareness, and behavioural practices related to COVID-19 preventive measures. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results: The results indicate that a majority of respondents perceived themselves as susceptible to COVID-19 infection and viewed the disease as severe. Most respondents believed that wearing a mask effectively reduces the risk of infection and were confident in their ability to tolerate mask use throughout the day. Institutional enforcement and communication were widely regarded as effective in promoting compliance. Awareness of the role of mask use in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and ownership of cloth masks were almost universal among respondents. Knowledge of national mask mandates and associated penalties was also very high. Despite this high level of awareness and accessibility, adherence to mask use was occasionally hindered by situational factors, such as heat, socialising with friends, and discomfort during communication. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of perception, communication, and institutional support in promoting compliance with public health measures and emphasises that strengthening these factors can improve public health resilience in resource-limited higher education settings. Recommendations: The study recommends sustained health education, supportive institutional enforcement, improved infrastructure to enhance comfort, and collaboration between health authorities and universities to strengthen culturally appropriate communication and pandemic preparedness in rural higher education settings. DA - 2026-05-19 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - COVID-19 KW - Compliance KW - Health Belief Model KW - Mask-wearing KW - Public health KW - University students KW - Preventative behaviour LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2026 T1 - Determinants of compliance to Covid-19 standard precaution at a rural institution of higher learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa: retrospective study TI - Determinants of compliance to Covid-19 standard precaution at a rural institution of higher learning in Limpopo Province, South Africa: retrospective study UR - ER -