Table 4 Health protective behaviours (n=620) and differences in mental health status

Frequently washed my hands with soap and water

5.43 (1.76)

31 (5.00%)

ns

Avoided touching my eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

4.45 (1.99)

73 (11.80%)

ns

Used disinfectants to clean hands when soap and water were not available

2.104 (5.19)

76 (12.30%)

ns

Avoided mixing with large groups of friends

4.94 (2.10)

72 (11.60%)

ns

Wore a mask during classes

5.27 (2.39)

126 (20.30%)

t = 2.11, p = 0.03

Wore a mask on the bus

5.77 (2.0)

67 (10.80%)

ns

Wore a mask in shops

5.96 (1.83)

49 (7.90%)

ns

Wore a mask outside when I couldn’t socially distance

5.30 (2.12)

80 (12.90%)

t = 2.42, p = 0.016

Wore a mask to visit family or friends

4.39 (2.19)

114 (18.40%)

t = 3.23, p = 0.001

Kept my distance with a group of friends outside

4.33 (2.14)

100 (16.10%)

t = 2.91, p = 0.004

Kept my distance with a group of friends inside

3.90 (2.17)

135 (21.80%)

ns

Isolated myself when I thought I might have COVID-19 symptoms

3.99 (2.58)

226 (36.50%)

t = -2.57, p = 0.01

(Anx > Non-Anx)

Wore a mask outside in a large group

5.53 (2.10)

79 (12.70%)

ns

Kept my distance in shops

5.39 (2.00)

67 (10.800%)

ns

Kept my distance in class

4.25 (2.43)

167 (26.90%)

t = 2.04, p = 0.041

Isolated myself when I had a positive COVID-19 test ^a

4.73 (2.56)

51 (26.40%)

ns