BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, protective measures have been prescribed to prevent or slow down the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect the population. Individuals follow these measures to varying degrees. We aimed to identify factors influencing the extent to which protective measures are adhered to.MethodsA cross-sectional survey (telephone interviews) was undertaken between April and June 2021 to identify factors influencing the degree to which individuals adhere to protective measures. A representative sample of 1,003 people (age >16 years) in two Austrian states (Carinthia, Vorarlberg) was interviewed. The questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model, but also included potential response-modifying factors. Predictors for adherent behavior were identified using multiple regression analysis. All predictors were standardized so that regression coefficients (β) could be compared.ResultsOverall median adherence was 0.75 (IQR: 0.5–1.0). Based on a regression model, the following variables were identified as significant in raising adherence: higher age (β = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.33–0.54), social standards of acceptable behavior (β = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.27–0.40), subjective/individual assessment of an increased personal health risk (β = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.05–0.18), self-efficacy (β = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.02–0.10), female gender (β = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01–0.08), and low corona fatigue (behavioral fatigue: β = −0.11, 95%CI: −0.18 to −0.03). The model showed that such aspects as personal trust in institutions, perceived difficulties in adopting health-promoting measures, and individual assessments of the risk of infection, had no significant influence.ConclusionsThis study reveals that several factors significantly influence adherence to measures aimed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance adherence, the government, media, and other relevant stakeholders should take the findings into consideration when formulating policy. By developing social standards and promoting self-efficacy, individuals can influence the behavior of others and contribute toward coping with the pandemic.

ObjectivesGeneral practitioners (GPs) are frequently patients' first point of contact with the healthcare system and play an important role in identifying, managing and monitoring cases. This study investigated the experiences of GPs from seven different countries in the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignInternational cross-sectional online survey.SettingGeneral practitioners from Australia, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland.ParticipantsOverall, 1,642 GPs completed the survey.Main outcome measuresWe focused on how well-prepared GPs were, their self-confidence and concerns, efforts to control the spread of the disease, patient contacts, information flow, testing procedures and protection of staff.ResultsGPs gave high ratings to their self-confidence (7.3, 95% CI 7.1–7.5) and their efforts to control the spread of the disease (7.2, 95% CI 7.0–7.3). A decrease in the number of patient contacts (5.7, 95% CI 5.4–5.9), the perception of risk (5.3 95% CI 4.9–5.6), the provision of information to GPs (4.9, 95% CI 4.6–5.2), their testing of suspected cases (3.7, 95% CI 3.4–3.9) and their preparedness to face a pandemic (mean: 3.5; 95% CI 3.2–3.7) were rated as moderate. GPs gave low ratings to their ability to protect staff (2.2 95% CI 1.9–2.4). Differences were identified in all dimensions except protection of staff, which was consistently low in all surveyed GPs and countries.ConclusionAlthough GPs in the different countries were confronted with the same pandemic, its impact on specific aspects differed. This partly reflected differences in health care systems and experience of recent pandemics. However, it also showed that the development of structured care plans in case of future infectious diseases requires the early involvement of primary care representatives.