Exploration of factors associated with mask-wearing and hand disinfection in Japan after the coronavirus disease outbreak: A longitudinal study

Abstract

BackgroundTo identify factors associated with mask-wearing and hand disinfection before and after the coronavirus disease outbreak. Study designLongitudinal study. MethodsWe surveyed Japanese people aged ≥18 years from wave 1 (January 2020) to wave 23 (January 2023). We analyzed the associations between individual characteristics, including the frequency of exposure to information and mask-wearing or hand disinfection before the outbreak and during wave 1, of 666 participants who fully responded until wave 9 (September 2020). Individual characteristics associated with the new implementation of mask-wearing or hand disinfection until wave 9 were analyzed for 217 and 413 participants, respectively, who had not performed preventive behavior during wave 1. We also analyzed the associations of individual characteristics with the new implementation of preventive behaviors until wave 23. ResultsAmong the individual characteristics, the frequency of exposure to information was significantly associated with mask-wearing and hand disinfection, but the associated information types differed pre- and post-outbreak. Medical information exposure was associated with the implementation of mask-wearing and hand disinfection before the outbreak, and these practices before the outbreak were strongly associated with mask-wearing and hand disinfection immediately after the outbreak. Meanwhile, exposure to information obtained from acquaintances was associated with the new implementation afterward. Exposure to information from mass media was associated with the new implementation of hand disinfection. ConclusionsThis study provides insights for developing risk communication strategies to disseminate information and promote the timely use of these sources to enhance preventive behavior.