Behavioral Factors Associated with COVID-19 Risk: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan

Abstract

Background: Behaviors to avoid infection are key to minimizing casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to avoid excessive interventions that are less effective. This study aims to identify behavioral patterns associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real world. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted targeting a research panel of NTTCom Online Marketing Solutions Corporation or its affiliates. Data were extracted so that their demographic composition ratios matched the population estimates. Individuals who answered with consistency to have been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 at a medical facility were categorized into a SARS-CoV-2 group. Differences in lifestyles were compared using multiple regression and inverse probability weighing. Results: In total 13,277 participants were included, of whom 44 (0.33%) were categorized as the SARS-CoV-2 group. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was negatively correlated with crowd avoidance, mask wearing, and hand-washing behavior. On the contrary, the diagnosis was positively correlated with some behaviors that appear to be preventive actions against the infection, such as changing clothes frequently, sanitizing belongings, and remote working. Conclusions: It is important to conduct evidence-based intervention on people’s behaviors and to avoid excessive interventions that are less effective, so that people can minimize the indirect harm, such as exhaustion and economic loss.

District-Level Risk Factors for COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality in Nepal

“…Several studies have been conducted to better understand the risk factors associated the spread and severity of COVID-19 infections. Research indicates that the risk of disease spread and deaths are influenced by several characteristics, such as socio-demographic factors [ 5 ], behavioral traits [ 6 ], and pre-existing health conditions [ 7 ]. However, the risk factors impacting the spread and severity of COVID-19 infections are inconsistent across studies, and they vary from place to place [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exercise habits and overweight status in Japan: A nation-wide panel survey

“…The detailed method for data collection is described in our previous reports [ 18 , 19 ]. In short, nation-wide online questionnaires were conducted five times: October 2020, and January, April, July, and October 2021.…”

“…The “Continuing survey on mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic” is a nationwide, longitudinal, online survey carried out by the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan (RIETI), Japan. The current study used this data to analyse time trends and risk factors for exercise habit and obesity in addition to attitudes regarding vaccination [ 18 ] and infection avoidance behaviour in Japan [ 19 ]. The results will provide additional insight on the health impact of the pandemic and therefore will provide clues for developing effective disaster mitigation plans for future CBRNE disasters.…”

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on exercise habits and overweight in Japan: a nation-wide panel survey

“…The detailed method of data collection is described in our previous report[18, 19]. In short, nation-wide online questionnaires were conducted five times, that is, October 2020, and January, April, July and October 2021.…”

“…The “Continuing survey on mental and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic” is a nationwide longitudinal online survey carried out by the Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan (RIETI), Japan. The current study used this data to analyse time trends and risk factors for exercise habit and obesity in Japan So far as well as attitudes toward vaccination[18] and infection avoidance behaviour[19]. The results will provide additional insight on the health impact of a pandemic and therefore will provide clues to developing effective disaster mitigation plans for future CBRNE disasters.…”