Early perceptions and behavioural responses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey of UK adults

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine risk perceptions and behavioural responses of the UK adult population during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingConducted with a nationally representative sample of UK adults within 48 hours of the UK Government advising the public to stop non-essential contact with others and all unnecessary travel.Participants2108 adults living in the UK aged 18 years and over. Response rate was 84.3% (2108/2500). Data collected between 17 March and 18 March 2020.Main outcome measuresDescriptive statistics for all survey questions, including number of respondents and weighted percentages. Robust Poisson regression used to identify sociodemographic variation in: (1) adoption of social distancing measures, (2) ability to work from home, and (3) ability and (4) willingness to self-isolate.ResultsOverall, 1992 (94.2%) respondents reported at least one preventive measure: 85.8% washed their hands with soap more frequently; 56.5% avoided crowded areas and 54.5% avoided social events. Adoption of social distancing measures was higher in those aged over 70 years compared with younger adults aged 18–34 years (adjusted relative risk/aRR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.5). Those with lowest household income were three times less likely to be able to work from home (aRR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.45) and less likely to be able to self-isolate (aRR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.96). Ability to self-isolate was also lower in black and minority ethnic groups (aRR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.0). Willingness to self-isolate was high across all respondents.ConclusionsAbility to adopt and comply with certain non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is lower in the most economically disadvantaged in society. Governments must implement appropriate social and economic policies to mitigate this. By incorporating these differences in NPIs among socioeconomic subpopulations into mathematical models of COVID-19 transmission dynamics, our modelling of epidemic outcomes and response to COVID-19 can be improved.

Adherence to the test, trace, and isolate system in the UK: results from 37 nationally representative surveys

“…Behaviour reflects opportunities and capabilities as well as motivation: people need help to achieve their intentions. While intentions to engage in test, trace, and isolate behaviours are high, a greater focus on financial and practical support is likely to enable more people to translate their intentions into behaviour 11…”

“…In the UK, knowledge of the symptoms of covid-19 has been shown to be poor 910. Financial constraints and cramped accommodation have been identified as factors that affect whether people will remain at home during the pandemic 101112. Some evidence suggests that men and younger age groups are less adherent to covid-19 restrictions,13 as are those who think they have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 14…”

Support for self-isolation is critical in covid-19 response

“…Notably, lower rates of adherence have been reported among men, younger people, key workers, those living with dependent children, and those in lower socioeconomic groups 11. Although willingness to self-isolate was high across all respondents, the self-reported ability to isolate was three times lower among those earning less than £20 000 (€23 000; $27 000) a year or who had less than £100 saved 12. This finding is consistent with reports that lost wages are the primary reason for not following isolation guidelines 10…”

Community Behavioral and Perceived Responses in the COVID-19 Outbreak in Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…[14][15][16] In the study by Atchison et al, the level of worry about the COVID-19 outbreak in the United Kingdom was 77.4%, perceived susceptibility was 47.5%, and perceived severity was 56.9% (moderate). 17 Furthermore, perceived susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection were higher compared with studies regarding different pathogens such as H7N9 in urban China and SARS in Hong Kong. 18,19 A previous study has highlighted that socio-cultural context could influence people's perceptions toward diseases.…”