Abstract
This study examined the public’s preventive behavioral responses during the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in Korea and the influencing factors. Two cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted by Gallup Korea using random digit dialing in June 2015 (n = 2004). The main outcome variables were nonpharmaceutical preventive measures (survey (1): Measures for reducing transmission (handwashing, face masks); and survey (2): Measures for avoiding contact with others). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing preventive behaviors. In survey (1), 60.3% of respondents reported more frequent handwashing and 15.5% reported wearing face masks at least once due to the MERS-CoV epidemic. In survey (2), 41–56% of respondents reported practicing avoidance measures. The concerned group was more likely to practice reducing transmission measures (odds ratio (OR) 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3–6.1) and avoidance measures (OR = 9.6; 95% CI, 6.4–14.4). The respondents who had low trust in president or ruling party had a higher practice rate of reducing transmission measures (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.6) and avoidance measures (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.5). Cooperative prevention measures need appropriated public concern based on effective risk communication.
Highlights
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) epidemic in Korea has had a huge impact on Korean society
While practice rates of wearing face masks tended to be more frequent in the lower age group of 19–39 years, practice rates of handwashing were highest among those aged 40–49 years
In a study on preventive behaviors during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic in 2003, practice rates of hygienic behaviors such as handwashing, wearing face masks, and household disinfection were high at 65–87%; while rates of avoidance of certain places such as markets or hospitals as well as using public transportation were low at 24–75% [15]
Summary
The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) epidemic in Korea has had a huge impact on Korean society. Beginning on 20 May 2015, after a patient diagnosed with MERS returned from travelling to the Middle East, a total of 186 cases were confirmed, 38 deaths occurred, and 16,693 patients were quarantined [1]. South Korea became the country with the highest number of. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2161; doi:10.3390/ijerph16122161 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
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