Factors associated with preventive behaviors of COVID-19 among adolescents: Applying the health belief model

•The health belief model could provide a useful framework for preventing behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic.•Adolescents' belief in their ability (self-efficacy) was the strongest predictor of protective behaviors in the COVID-19 pandemic.•The HBM with an emphasis on perceived self-efficacy could provide a useful framework for preventing behavior in adolescents.