Partial Least Squares for SARS-CoV-2 Risk Perception on Intention to Engage in Online Workout

This study explores the participation of the SARS-CoV-2 risk perception (SARRISK) variable in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model in testing students’ intention to take part in online workouts in Vietnam. An online survey with 253 students’ responses was conducted. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results showed SARRISK affected the variables of Perceived Behavior Control (PBC), Online Workout Benefit Perception (BEPER), and Subjective Norms (SJN). The variables SARRISK and BEPER took part in the TPB model and effectively explained students’ intention to take part in the online exercise. This study is the first to use the SARRISK variable in the TPB model to assess students’ intention to take part in online workout classes during the widespread Covid-19 pandemic. Besides that, it contributes to promoting students’ intention to take part in health protection during the pandemic period. The study also helps policymakers to have effective policies to propagate and mobilize young people and adults to actively exercise their health and improve their resistance to diseases.