The Impact of Risk Perception on Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

Xie, Kai; Liang, Benbu; Dulebenets, Maxim A.; Mei, Yanlan

doi:10.3390/ijerph17176256

Cited by 143 publications

(130 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…They also found the terms ‘passport’, ‘certificate’ or ‘test’ did not affect perceived risk or anticipated behaviour. Perceived risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, developing COVID-19, and/or passing the virus to others is predictive of adherence to recommended behavioural pandemic control measures such as personal and environmental hygiene, use of face masks, social distancing, and self-isolation ( Xie 2020 ). According to Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) ( Rogers 1983 ), the intended response to a potential health threat is based on a threat appraisal, considering the perceived severity and susceptibility, and on a coping appraisal, considering the response efficacy and response cost of various responses, and the self-efficacy for these response options.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public understanding of COVID-19 antibody testing and test results: A qualitative study conducted in the U.K. early in the pandemic

Lecouturier

Kelly

Graham

et al. 2021

Social Science & Medicine

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Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, antibody testing was proposed by several countries as a surveillance tool to monitor the spread of the virus and potentially to ease restrictions. In the UK, antibody testing originally formed the third pillar of the UK Government’s COVID-19 testing programme and was thought to offer hope that those with a negative antibody test result could return to normal life. However, at that time scientists and the public had little understanding of the longevity of COVID-19 antibodies, and whether they provided immunity to reinfection or transmission of the virus. Objective This paper explores the UK public’s understanding of COVID-19 testing, perceived test accuracy, the meaning of a positive test result, willingness to adhere to restrictive measures in response to an antibody test result and how they expect other people to respond. Methods On-line synchronous focus groups were conducted in April/May 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic and the most stringent period of the COVID-19 restrictive measures. Data were analysed thematically. Results There was confusion in responses as to whether those with a positive or negative test should return to work and which restrictive measures would apply to them or their household members. Participants raised concerns about the wider public response to positive antibody test results and the adverse behavioural effects. There were worries that antibody tests could create a divided society particularly if those with a positive test result were given greater freedoms or chose to disregard the restrictive measures. Conclusion Should these tests be offered more widely, information should be developed in consultation with the public to ensure clarity and address uncertainty about test results and subsequent behaviours.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Public understanding of COVID-19 antibody testing and test results: A qualitative study conducted in the U.K. early in the pandemic

Lecouturier

Kelly

Graham

et al. 2021

Social Science & Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The Health Belief Model (HBM) indicates that worry regarding falling ill is a health belief construct that predicts individuals’ engagement in health-related behaviors [ 22 , 23 ]. A study reported that individuals who perceived a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 were more likely to adopt social distancing behaviors [ 24 ]. Worry regarding contracting COVID-19 may have similar effects on individuals’ voluntary social interaction with their family, friends, and colleagues or classmates.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Voluntary Reduction of Social Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Related Factors and Association with Perceived Social Support

Chou

Wang

Chang

et al. 2020

IJERPH

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This study aimed to determine the proportion of individuals who voluntarily reduced interaction with their family members, friends, and colleagues or classmates to avoid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the associations of reduced social interaction with perceived social support during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. Moreover, the related factors of voluntary reduction of social interaction were examined. We recruited participants via a Facebook advertisement. We determined the reduced social interaction, perceived social support, cognitive and affective constructs of health belief and demographic characteristics among 1954 respondents (1305 women and 649 men; mean age: 37.9 years with standard deviation 10.8 years). In total, 38.1% of respondents voluntarily reduced their social interaction with friends to avoid COVID-19 infection, 36.1% voluntarily reduced their interaction with colleagues or classmates, and 11.1% voluntarily reduced interaction with family members. Respondents who voluntarily reduced interaction with other people reported lower perceived social support than those who did not voluntarily reduce interaction. Respondents who were older and had a higher level of worry regarding contracting COVID-19 were more likely to voluntarily reduce interaction with family members, friends, and colleagues or classmates to avoid COVID-19 infection than respondents who were younger and had a lower level of worry regarding contracting COVID-19, respectively. The present study revealed that despite strict social distancing measures not being implemented in Taiwan, more than one-third of respondents voluntarily reduced their interaction with friends and colleagues or classmates. The general public should be encouraged to maintain social contacts through appropriately distanced in-person visits and telecommunication.

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“…Another determinant of protective behaviors is one’s perception of the risk of COVID-19 [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. In an online survey of Chinese adolescents, results showed that perception of COVID-19 risk positively affected their understanding of and participation in social distancing behaviors [ 27 ]. Additionally, results of a survey of adults in Qatar found that the more highly they rated the danger of COVID-19, the more likely they were to socially distance [ 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Determinants of Behavioral Changes Since COVID-19 among Middle School Students

et al. 2021

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Middle school students are of particular interest when examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic because they are in a formative period for socioemotional development, and because they are not as mature as adults, making them more vulnerable to the effects of the current pandemic. This study seeks to examine determinants of protective behavior changes since COVID-19 among middle school students. Participants were recruited through an official online flatform used by public schools. The final sample included 328 middle school students in South Korea. A multiple linear regression was conducted to explore what factors influence protective behavior changes since COVID-19. Gender and health status were associated with protective behavior changes since COVID-19. Family satisfaction was positively associated with protective behavior changes. Levels of sanitation since COVID-19 and perceptions regarding the risk of COVID-19 were significantly related to protective behavior changes. This study suggests to consider three factors–individual, family, and environmental—in order to prevent middle school students from contracting and spreading the virus.

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The Impact of Risk Perception on Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

Cited by 143 publications

References 54 publications

Public understanding of COVID-19 antibody testing and test results: A qualitative study conducted in the U.K. early in the pandemic

Public understanding of COVID-19 antibody testing and test results: A qualitative study conducted in the U.K. early in the pandemic

Voluntary Reduction of Social Interaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: Related Factors and Association with Perceived Social Support

Determinants of Behavioral Changes Since COVID-19 among Middle School Students

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