Author:
Kale Dimitra,Herbec Aleksandra,Beard Emma,Gold Natalie,Shahab Lion
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Adherence to health-protective behaviours (regularly washing hands, wearing masks indoors, maintaining physical distancing, carrying disinfectant) remains paramount for the successful control of COVID-19 at population level. It is therefore important to monitor adherence and to identify factors associated with it. This study assessed: 1) rates of adherence, to key COVID-19 health-protective behaviours and 2) the socio-demographic, health and COVID-19-related factors associated with adherence.
Methods
Data were collected on a sample of UK-based adults during August–September 2020 (n = 1,969; lockdown restrictions were eased in the UK; period 1) and November 2020- January 2021 (n = 1944; second UK lockdown; period 2).
Results
Adherence ranged between 50–95%, with higher adherence during the period of stricter measures. Highest adherence was observed for wearing masks indoors (period 1: 80.2%, 95%CI 78.4%-82.0%, period 2: 92.4%, 95%CI 91.1%-93.6%) and lowest for carrying own disinfectant (period 1: 48.4%, 95%CI 46.2%-50.7%, period 2: 50.7%, 95%CI 48.4%-53.0%). Generalized estimating equation models indicated that key factors of greater odds of adherence included being female, older age, having higher income, residing in England, living with vulnerable individuals and perceived high risk of COVID-19.
Conclusions
Targeted messages to different demographic groups may enhance adherence to health-protective behaviours, which is paramount for the control of airborne respiratory diseases.
Protocol and analysis plan Registration
The analysis plan was pre-registered, and it is available at https://osf.io/6tnc9/.
Funder
Cancer Research UK
SPECTRUM a UK Prevention Research Partnership Consortium
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
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