Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify latent psychosocial-behavioral subgroups among Korean adults and examine how emerging infectious disease (EID) awareness, social responsibility, self-efficacy, vaccination behavior, and mask-wearing behavior can predict preventive behavioral intentions. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 149 Korean adults aged ≥19 years and recruited through convenience sampling from two metropolitan areas. MEASUREMENTS: Participants completed structured questionnaires assessing psychosocial (EID awareness, social responsibility, and self-efficacy) and behavioral (vaccination and mask-wearing behavior) variables. RESULTS: Overall, conventional regression analysis showed that social responsibility and vaccination behavior significantly predicted preventive behavioral intentions for EIDs. Mixture regression analysis revealed two latent classes. In Class 1, preventive intentions were influenced by awareness, social responsibility, vaccination, mask-wearing, age, and COVID-19 history. In Class 2, self-efficacy, social responsibility, and vaccination behavior were significant predictors, with COVID-19 history negatively associated. These class-specific patterns in awareness and behavior underscore the importance of subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial and behavioral predictors of preventive behavioral intentions differ across subgroups. These findings emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies that account for population heterogeneity. Moreover, tailored nursing interventions can enhance the effectiveness of EID prevention efforts in diverse communities.