Who complies with coronavirus disease 2019 precautions and who does not?

Abstract

Purpose of review Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)–coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus imposes a higher risk of complications and mortality among people with mental disorders. Until widely available vaccines, adherence to preventive behaviours remains the most crucial tool to prevent SARS/COVID-19 virus transmission. Our review focuses on the determinants of adherence behaviours. Recent findings Adherence behaviours include the use of a face mask and protective gloves, personal hygienic behaviours (handwashing or using hand sanitiser), and keeping physical distance and avoiding social gatherings. In almost all studies, males and younger people show less adherence. Risk perception and health beliefs (especially perceived severity of COVID-19 related conditions) can explain the sex and age differences in adherence. Studies covering the impact of mental disorders on adherence are surprisingly missing, with the exception of smoking. Summary Engaging men and young people in adopting preventive behaviours is crucial in protecting the whole community and specific vulnerable populations. There is a lack of studies investigating preventive behaviours among people living with mental disorders and addiction problems. Furthermore, descriptive and intervention studies are needed to understand and improve the adherence of this population to preventive behaviours.

Non-adherence to preventive behaviours during the COVID-19 epidemic: findings from a community study

“…Previous studies also supported the gender disparities in handwashing behaviour and knowledge regarding personal hygienic behaviours [ 25 , 26 ]. Our results regarding the gendered preventive behaviours are in accordance with other studies from different countries that documented gender disparities in adherence behaviours (see for a brief review [ 27 ]. However, further research is necessary to disentangle the multiple behavioural mechanisms explaining why males seem to be more vulnerable to respiratory infections.…”

“…Being of a younger age is an important predictor of non-adherence to preventive behaviours [ 27 ]. Frequent communication regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus stressed the fact that COVID-19 threatens mainly the older population.…”

Non-Pharmacological Preventive Measures Had an Impact on COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers before the Vaccination Effect: A Cohort Study

“…This is consistent with the literature in occupational health that often shows that younger workers are more vulnerable because of more precarious employment conditions [ 26 ]. This finding might also be explained in terms of risk perception and adherence to preventive behaviours, which might be lower among younger people, as previously suggested [ 27 ], but should be thoroughly studied. Furthermore, the incidence among other healthcare workers, including medical and other trainees and younger workers with a temporary contract, confirms this cluster of vulnerability during the second wave in comparison with their colleagues.…”

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures in Low-Middle- Income Countries, December 2020 to February 2021

“…COVID-19 preventive measures include wearing face masks, hand and cough hygiene, physical distance, and avoiding social gatherings [ 1 ]. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), for example, in Brazil in April 2020, hand hygiene was practiced by 98.7% of participants; 92.6% kept physical distancing, 94.2% adhered to cough hygiene, and 45.5% wore face masks [ 2 ], and in two studies in Mozambique in April and June 2020, the prevalence of wearing face masks ranged from 93.9% to 96.5%, likewise physical distancing ranged from 82.2% to 86.7%, regular hand washing 95.4%–96.4%, and covering mouth after coughing/sneezing 96.6%–96.9% [ 3 ].…”

“…There is a lack of studies investigating the impact of mental problems on adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures [ 1 ]. A large study in 48 countries found that “the more stressed people felt, the less adherent they were with preventive COVID-19 behavioural guidelines; but also, that more concerned individuals tended to be more adherent with preventive measures.” [ 14 ].…”