ABSTRACT
Background: On 25th March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic had affected more than 600 individuals across India and a nationwide lockdown was imposed. Although the number of active cases kept on increasing the government had to keep relaxing the lockdown as the months passed expecting people to continue practicing the COVID-19 mitigating behaviours. Various dynamic factors like risk perception are shown to determine the degree to which people practice the mitigating behaviours. We aimed to study the degree to which the practice of COVID-19 related mitigating behaviours has changed amongst people of India over a period of 5 months from lockdown to Unlock and the factors associated with it. The aim of the study was to study and compare the change in behaviour among different groups of people towards the COVID-19 pandemic from the period of the lockdown 1.0 (25th March 2020 to 31st May 2020) to 1st September 2020 onwards in terms of precautions adopted by them. Methodology: The nature of this study is cross-sectional, and it is an online-based survey. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using an anonymous online questionnaire (which was divided into 3 sections) about demography, change in adoption of protective measures against the COVID-19 infection, change in avoidant behaviour towards the potential sources of infection, change in their perception of risk of the infection, and the probable reasons for this change. In all question participants were asked to choose the answer that best reflects the change in their behaviour that might have occurred from the time of strict nationwide lockdown (25th March – 31st May 2020) to Unlock 4.0 (1st September 2020 onwards). The data was entered and tabulated using EXCEL 2020 and was analysed using SPSS Version 22.0. Comparisons were done using Chi-Square test. Results of analysis have been expressed as percentages. Results: The total number of participants in our survey after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria was 1030. Subjects demonstrated decreased practice of most COVID-19 mitigating behaviours as the pandemic progressed with the exception of use of sanitises and wearing of masks. The mitigating behaviour which decreased the most was social distancing as almost two third participants went out for non-essential activities more than before. Risk perception of the illness seems to be the most important predictor of health- related protective behaviour. Perceived susceptibility of self and loved ones was not associated with change of behaviours, however, decrease in perceived severity of illness for themselves and family members is associated with significant decrease in practicing COVID-19 behaviours. Conclusion: Our results have implications on our understanding of how mitigating behaviours and risk perception can target public education and health policies.