Association Between Self-Reported Adherence to Preventive Practices and Probability of Turning COVID-19 Positive: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Abstract

Background Preventive practices are the mainstay to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. We tried to assess the self-reported adherence of our participants to the already known preventive practices. Furthermore, we tried to determine whether the non-compliance to specific preventive practices was associated with the acquisition of the infection or not. Methods We enrolled 379 healthcare workers, hospital staff, and their family members who were tested for COVID-19 by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in an outpatient clinic. Socio-demography and the infection prevention practices of the individuals were recorded in a preformed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the statistical association between these factors and the RT-PCR results. Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios were determined to find out the degree of protection provided by each of the preventive practices concerning the development of the disease. Results Social distancing (p<0.001), hand hygiene (p<0.001), ensuring N-95 mask fit check (p<0.001), and the use of alternative medications (p=0.002) were found to be protective. Resident doctors were at a lower risk of developing the disease as compared to the other healthcare workers (odds ratio: 0.39). Conclusion The failure to practice the already known preventive practices is probably one of the most important factors in the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adherence to these practices is the intervention of choice to reduce disease transmission in the current scenario.

Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess preventive practices against COVID-19 pandemic in the general population

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Development and Validation of a Clinical Symptom-based Scoring System for Diagnostic Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients Presenting to Outpatient Department in a Pandemic Situation

“…In spite of the fact that all the countries are slowly adopting vaccination programmes based on their existing resources, we need a substantial time period to achieve herd immunity against this virus [ 3 ]. Preventive measures in the form of social distancing and the use of face masks play a pivotal role to break the chain of transmission of the virus [ 4 - 6 ]. But early detection and isolation of cases are still the mainstays of controlling the spread of this pandemic.…”

Socio-behavioural impact of COVID-19 on general population: A cross-sectional survey of one thousand seventy-nine participants across India between the first and the second wave of pandemic

“…The fear and anxiety of getting the infection made people follow the preventive practices strictly [ 3 , [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] ]. Participants were found to obey several precautionary measures including wearing masks, frequent hand washing, maintaining social distancing and keeping the groceries or other items outside for several hours before use [ 12 ].…”