Knowledge and Perception of COVID-19 Related Social Distancing Regulations: A Cross-Sectional Study of Bangladeshis Living in Bangladesh and the United States

Abstract

This study compared the Perception of Social Distancing Regulations (PSDR) among Bangladeshis living in Bangladesh (BD) and the United States (US). Methods: Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey (n = 2338; BD=1879, US=459) using social media platforms during June and July 2020. Based on the responses, ‘Perception Scores’ with values ranging from 0-9 were assigned. Using SAS 9.4, bivariate analyses and ordinal logistic regression were conducted to investigate the relationship between PSDR and Sociodemographic Characteristics (SDCs). Results: Bivariate analyses showed PSDR is significantly related with highest level of education among participants from the U.S. (p=0.002) and BD (p<0.0001); household income (p=0.001) and area of residence (p=0.002) among the participants of BD. Ordinal logistic regression revealed significant effect of education but no effect of household income in predicting higher PSDR score. Conclusion: In a population of the same ethnic origin, the role of SDCs varies in predicting the COVID-19 related PSDR score based on their current primary country of residence