*4.2. Predictive Model*

From the perspective of psychological variables related to prevention and a model of health beliefs, we found three variables to predict having suffered from the disease: the coping styles subscale, *search for support*, and the intrinsic and extrinsic perceived risk factors, which explain 15% of the variance. These results seem to indicate that people who, according to our support-seeking subscale, seek support in the opinion of experts, the media, third parties or government measures, contracted COVID-19. Relying on changing and contradictory information from authorities could justify this coping style, as has been partially suggested by other studies [13,42]. Those with an extrinsic risk factor present passive behaviors and attitudes, focused on the inevitability of the situation versus those with an intrinsic style focused on their own ability to protect themselves and take action. Both styles could be related to internal and external locus of control, as suggested by previous authors [43]. Interestingly, both are predictor variables, although to a lesser extent. Whereas the extrinsic factor is contemplated in other studies, as it favors adopting a passive and non-preventive attitude towards contagion [44], the intrinsic factor is not so easy to explain, suggesting the need for further research.

This study has several limitations. It is important to note that a sampling selection was used, and although it was intended to be a representative sample, generalization of the findings should be considered with caution. It should also be noted that although the questionnaire used was validated with adequate psychometric properties, it is necessary to confirm these findings on a larger sample. Analysis of long-term maintenance of acquired knowledge and reinforced attitudes may be a future line of research. It would be interesting to extend the sample to the same universities as well as to other students of health sciences, such as medicine. We must also be cautious with the generalization of the results in these types of studies due to the design (cross-sectional study). Another important limitation is that all the measures were self-report questionnaires so that the subjective value of responding is conditioned by the circumstances surrounding the person.
