Non-adherence to preventive behaviours during the COVID-19 epidemic: findings from a community study

Róbert Urbán,Ádám Miklósi,Borbála Paksi,John B Saunders,Zsolt Demetrovics

doi:10.1186/s12889-021-11506-0

Róbert Urbán, Ádám Miklósi + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11506-0

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Abstract

BackgroundsPreventive behaviours are an essential way to slow down and eliminate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to estimate adherence to preventive behaviors and to identify whether any subgroups were not adopting these behaviours and for whom greater engagement in these approaches was indicated.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we obtained data from a random sample of a panel representing men and women of adult age residing in Hungary (N = 5254). The survey included questions about the frequencies of preventive behaviours, perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19.ResultsWe found four factors of preventive behaviours: using physical barriers (mask and gloves), avoidance of close contacts, personal hygiene, and preparation. We identified two broadly adherent groups (36.8 and 45.3%) and two non-adherent groups (13.1 and 4.8%). Being male and being aged between 18 and 29 years were the strongest predictors of non-adherence. Concern about the severity of COVID-19 was a predictor of adherence.ConclusionsTo ensure maximal adherence to preventive behaviours for COVID-19, additional strategies should focus on their adoption by men and young adults.

Highlights

The pandemic of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, represents the most rapidly spreading infectious disease since the influenza pandemic of 1918–19
(2) We aimed to identify groups of people exhibiting similar patterns of preventive behaviour to detect the proportion of people who are less prone to COVID-19 due to consistent use of preventive measures
Measuring preventive behaviours and identifying adherence types We performed exploratory factor analyses to explain the covariances among the preventive behaviours

Summary

Introduction

The pandemic of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, represents the most rapidly spreading infectious disease since the influenza pandemic of 1918–19. Responding effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic requires the collaborative efforts of health officials of all countries. It necessitates people worldwide changing their individual behaviours in response to the public health imperative of infection control. Transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 is possible from infected people who are asymptomatic [4]. The newly emerged variants of the SARS-CoV-2 impose further concerns and the need for public health programs, notwithstanding the roll-out of mass vaccination programs [5]. Infectivity is assessed by the basic reproduction number (R0) (i.e. without any intervention) and is estimated to be 3.32 [2.81–3.82] [6].

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