Engagement with protective behaviours in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a series of cross-sectional surveys (the COVID-19 rapid survey of adherence to interventions and responses [CORSAIR] study)

Abstract

Background Behaviour is key to suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining behaviour change can be difficult. We investigated engagement with hand cleaning, reducing the number of outings, and wearing a face covering over the course of the pandemic. Methods We used a series of 64 cross-sectional surveys between 10 February 2020 and 20 January 2022 (n ≈ 2000 per wave). Surveys investigated uptake of hand cleaning behaviours, out of home activity (England only, n ≈ 1700 per wave) and wearing a face covering (England only, restricted to those who reported going out shopping in the last week, n ≈ 1400 per wave). Results Reported hand cleaning has been high throughout the pandemic period (85 to 90% of participants consistently reporting washing their hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water frequently or very frequently). Out of home activity has mirrored the easing and re-introduction of restrictive measures. Total number of outings were higher in the second national lockdown than in the first and third lockdowns. Wearing a face covering increased steadily between April to August 2020, plateauing until the end of measurement in May 2021, with approximately 80% of those who had been out shopping in the previous week reporting wearing a face covering frequently or very frequently. Conclusions Engagement with protective behaviours increased at the start of the pandemic and has remained high since. The greatest variations in behaviour reflected changes to Government rules. Despite the duration of restrictions, people have continued to adopt personal protective behaviours that were intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Legal restrictions and mitigation strategies amongst a disabled population during COVID-19

“…This is in line with findings from a German study of PwD showing generally excellent compliance with mitigation strategies ( Lippke et al, 2022 ). While we found some evidence of a decline in hygiene and distancing behaviors and the use of facemasks this was smaller than has been observed with the general population ( Davies et al, 2021 ; YouGov, 2020 ), and is broadly in accordance with research showing compliance with mitigation strategies falls over time as a function of legal restrictions ( Gao et al, 2021 ; Smith et al, 2022 ; Wright and Fancourt, 2021 ).…”

How has the emergence of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern influenced worry, perceived risk and behaviour in the UK? A series of cross-sectional surveys

“…Approximately 80% of the sample reported ‘always’ wearing a face covering while in shops. This rate is similar to the percentage who reported ‘frequently’ or ‘very frequently’ wearing a face covering outside the home during the second lockdown in England (November 2020) 25. Rates of wearing a face covering increased even in hospitality settings, where rules were not changed, possibly reflecting the misunderstanding of the extent of official guidance that this study observed.…”

“…This rate is similar to the percentage who reported 'frequently' or 'very frequently' wearing a face covering outside the home during the second lockdown in England (November 2020). 25 Rates of wearing a face covering increased even in hospitality settings, where rules were not changed, possibly reflecting the misunderstanding of the extent of official guidance that this study observed. A survey by the English Office for National Statistics also showed an increase in wearing a face covering in data collected 1 to 12 December 2021.…”

Do people with symptoms of an infectious illness follow advice to stay at home? Evidence from a series of cross-sectional surveys about presenteeism in the UK

“…At the time of our data collection, levels of contact behaviours outside of the home were relatively stable across the population. 14 It is possible that our finding is because the first wave of our data collection coincided with the start of a new academic year, with parents and students feeling more obliged to leave home that week than normal.…”