The Relationship Between Community Perceptions of COVID-19 and the Implementation of the 5M Health Protocol During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Caturtunggal Village, Depok Subdistrict, Sleman Regency

Abstract

Perception refers to an individual’s personal view or interpretation of an event. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, and health protocols serve as guidelines to ensure individuals and communities remain protected from infection, particularly during a pandemic. This study aimed to determine the relationship between community perceptions of COVID-19 and the implementation of the 5M health protocol. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using accidental sampling. The study population consisted of 35,554 residents aged 18–56 years, from whom 396 respondents were selected. Data were collected using a perception questionnaire and a 5M protocol-implementation questionnaire. The findings are expected to show that individuals with higher levels of knowledge and positive perceptions toward COVID-19 demonstrate better adherence to the 5M health protocol. These results likely indicate that accurate risk perception, awareness of transmission routes, and trust in preventive measures significantly influence compliance behavior. Strengthening public perception through targeted education and risk-communication strategies may enhance adherence to preventive protocols and play a crucial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 within the community.