Non-adherence to COVID-19 containment behaviours : results from an all-Ireland telephone survey

Dempster, Martin and O’Connell, Nicola and Graham, Christopher D. and O’Connor, Cliodhna and Zgaga, Lina and Burke, Emma and Mather, Luke and Nicolson, Gail and Barry, Joe and Scally, Gabriel and Nolan, Ann and Tobin, Katy and Crowley, Philip and Darker, Catherine D. (2022) Non-adherence to COVID-19 containment behaviours : results from an all-Ireland telephone survey. BMC Public Health, 22. 898. ISSN 1471-2458 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13322-6)

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Abstract

Background: COVID-19 public health measures like handwashing and social distancing can help stem the spread of the virus. Adherence to guidelines varies between individuals. This study aims to identify predictors of non-adherence to social distancing and handwashing guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional weekly telephone survey was conducted over eight weeks (11/06/2020–05/08/2020). The sample included adults resident on the island of Ireland (75:25 split between ROI and NI). Data were collected on demographics, threat perceptions, fear of COVID-19, response efficacy and self-efficacy, response cost and social norms, COVID-19 behaviours, mood, loneliness, and self-reported health. Results: 3011 participants were surveyed. Handwashing non-adherers were more likely to be male (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 2.4 – 11.3), to have higher levels of loneliness (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.1 – 3.1), and higher perceptions of handwashing costs (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 2.2 – 5.2). Those reporting rarely engaging in social distancing were more likely to be members of lower socioeconomic groups, to be younger (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96 – 0.98), male (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.1 – 2.5), healthcare workers (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.1 – 3.4), to report lower mood (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.3 – 2.2), were less likely to live in households with people aged under-18 (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.6 – 0.9), and to have lower fear of COVID-19 (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.6 – 0.9). Conclusions: Non-adherers to handwashing differ to social distancing non-adherers. Public health messages should target specific demographic groups and different messages are necessary to improve adherence to each behaviour.

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