What Protective Health Measures Are Americans Taking in Response to COVID-19? Results from the COVID Impact Survey

Abstract

With the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes; COVID-19, compliance with/adherence to protective measures is needed. Information is needed on which measures are, or are not, being undertaken. Data collected from the COVID Impact Survey, conducted by the non-partisan and objective research organization NORC at the University of Chicago on April, May, and June of 2020, were analyzed through weighted Quasi-Poisson regression modeling to determine the association of demographics, socioeconomics, and health conditions with protective health measures taken at the individual level in response to COVID-19. The three surveys included data from 18 regional areas including 10 states (CA, CO, FL, LA, MN, MO, MT, NY, OR, and TX) and 8 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Cleveland and Columbus, OH; Phoenix, AZ; and Pittsburgh, PA). Individuals with higher incomes, insurance, higher education levels, large household size, age 60+, females, minorities, those who have asthma, have hypertension, overweight or obese, and those who suffer from mental health issues during the pandemic were significantly more likely to report taking precautionary protective measures relative to their counterparts. Protective measures for the three subgroups with a known relationship to COVID-19 (positive for COVID-19, knowing an individual with COVID-19, and knowing someone who had died from COVID-19) were strongly associated with the protective health measures of washing hands, avoiding public places, and canceling social engagements. This study provides first baseline data on the response to the national COVID-19 pandemic at the individual level in the US. The found heterogeneity in the response to this pandemic by different variables can inform future research and interventions to reduce exposure to the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Predictors of adherence to COVID-19 prevention measure among communities in North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia based on health belief model: A cross-sectional study

“…In Punjab 71.8% participants were always wearing a mask when going outside, 91.8% participants were followed the stay at home policy, 53.8% participants were followed the steps of hand hygiene [ 43 ]. Based on an impact survey done America, about 94.7% of participants reported washing or sanitizing hands, 39.6% reported working from home, and 9.6% reported visiting a doctor or hospital [ 44 ]. Survey of Bangladish showed that, more than half 51.6% of respondents had good practices of COVID 19 preventive measure [ 28 ].…”

Evaluation of Distress and Risk Perception Associated with COVID-19 in Vulnerable Groups

“…The acquisition of these preventive measures could be linked to greater trust placed in government/authorities, as verified in Seale et al (2020) [ 43 ]. In fact, Qeadan et al (2020) have already verified that the group of older people acquired more measures established by the competent authorities [ 44 ]. Therefore, authorities should consider the impact of their instructions and guidance, especially with respect to the group over 60 years of age.…”

Association Between Trust in Government and Practice of Preventive Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

“…6 However, existing literature suggests that the adoption of such preventive measures is generally low, and there exist substantial variations across countries and regions. [7][8][9] The underlying reasons why people do or do not choose to practice recommended preventive measures have not been well-characterized. This knowledge gap has hindered efforts to effectively control the transmission of COVID-19.…”