Intentional and unintentional non-adherence to social distancing measures during COVID-19: A mixed-methods analysis

Abstract

Social distancing measures implemented by governments worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic have proven an effective intervention to control the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. There is a growing literature on predictors of adherence behaviours to social distancing measures, however, there are no comprehensive insights into the nature and types of non-adherence behaviours. To address this gap in the literature, we studied non-adherence in terms of counts of infringements and people’s accounts on their behaviours in a sample of North London residents. We focused on the following social distancing rules: keeping 2 mts. distancing, meeting family and friends, and going out for non-essential reasons. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used comprising an online survey (May 1–31, 2020) followed by semi-structured in-depth interviews held with a purposive sample of survey respondents (August 5 –September 21, 2020). A negative binomial regression model (quantitative) and Framework Analysis (qualitative) were undertaken.681 individuals completed the survey, and 30 individuals were interviewed. We integrated survey and interview findings following three levels of the Social Ecological model: individual, interpersonal and community levels. We identified non-adherence behaviours as unintentional (barriers beyond individual’s control) and intentional (deliberate decision). Unintentional adherence was reported by interviewees as, lack of controllability in keeping 2 mts. distancing, environmental constraints, social responsibility towards the community and feeling low risk. Intentional non-adherence was statistically associated with and reported as lack of trust in Government, support from friends, and lack of knowledge about rules. In addition, interviewees reported individual risk assessment and decision making on the extent to following the rules, and perceived lack of adherence in the local area. Our findings indicate that unintentional and intentional non-adherence should be improved by Government partnerships with local communities to build trust in social distancing measures; tailored messaging to young adults emphasising the need of protecting others whilst clarifying the risk of transmission; and ensuring COVID-secured environments by working with environmental health officers.

Behavioural Sciences Contribution to Suppressing Transmission of Covid-19 in the UK: A Systematic Literature Review

“…More studies than not found that trust in public institutions was associated with behaviour/intentions. People with higher trust in science [ 27 ], confidence in government [ 21 , 25 , 28 ] and confidence in the health system [ 25 ] were more adherent than people who had lower trust in the TRBs self-isolating, leaving the house, physical distancing and hand hygiene. However, in two studies from the same project [ 22 , 24 ], trust in government was not associated with self-isolating and leaving the house behaviours.…”

“…Intention was associated with physical distancing [18][19][20], hand hygiene [18][19][20], face covering [18,20] and leaving the house (e.g. only leaving the house for permitted reasons such as essential shopping) [19][20][21][22]. There was no clear pattern of association between any of the other TDF theoretical domains and adherence to TRBs/intentions.…”

A Study on Epidemic Information Screening, Prevention and Control of Public Opinion Based on Health and Medical Big Data: A Case Study of COVID-19

“…Basile et al took Reddit as their research object, considered structural variations in social posting behavior and emotional reactions based on the Plutchik model of basic emotions and unconventional emotions, and also studied the specific reactions of social posting during the pandemic versus normal periods [ 10 ]. Eraso et al studied intentional and unintentional non-adherence to social distancing measures during COVID-19 and put forward suggestions for improvement [ 11 ].…”

Enhancing Resilience Regarding Depression, Anxiety and COVID-19 with a Narrative Method of Ordering Memory Effective in Researchers Experiencing Burnout

“…However, a minority of these countries' citizens have questioned the legitimacy of depending on the views of these non-elected officialswho base their advice on continually updated scientific studies-for devising COVID-19 policy [45]. Their response has been to undermine officially endorsed protective measures against the virus, both unintentionally and intentionally [46]. This includes refusing to wear masks [47] or receive vaccines [48], often concurrently; however, not necessarily [49].…”