Health literacy and post-vaccination covid-19 prevention behavior in the community: a cross-sectional study in Indonesia

Introduction: The government has made vaccination as the primary strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the public still needs to implement COVID-19 prevention behavior even though they have been vaccinated. This study aimed to determine the correlation between health literacy and post-vaccination COVID-19 prevention behavior of the community in the work area of the Patrang Public Health Center, Jember Regency, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was performed in the public health center in Jember Regency Indonesia, in May 2022. The sample in this study was 435 people selected by purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria of those aged >17 years old and receiving a total primary vaccination dose. The data were collected using the Health Literacy Survey Coronavirus Disease Questionnaire 22 (HLS-COVID-Q22) and the COVID-19 prevention behavior questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using Spearman test with a significance level of α<0.05. Results: The results showed that the most of health literacies were inadequate (n=188, 43.2%), and the post-vaccination COVID-19 prevention behavior was in the moderate category (n=186, 42.7%). There was a moderate correlation between health literacy and post-vaccination COVID-19 prevention behavior (p < 0.001;r = 0.513). Conclusions: The higher the health literacy, the better the post-vaccination COVID-19 prevention behavior. The nurse was important in providing health education about COVID-19 by paying attention to community health literacy ability. Improving health literacy is an important strategy to enhance COVID-19 prevention behavior and reduce coronavirus transmission. © The Authors.

Cognitive and Emotional Motivation to Explain Infection-Prevention Behaviors with Social Support as a Mediator During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Korea.

Purpose: To predict the performance of infection-prevention behaviors among adults in Korea based on the health belief model, using social support as a mediator. Patients and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 700 participants from the local community was conducted using both online and offline methods from 8 metropolitan cities and 9 provinces in Korea from November 2021 to March 2022. The questionnaire was composed of 4 sections: demographic information, motivational factors for behavior change, social support, and infection-prevention behaviors. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with the AMOS program. The general least-squares method was applied to assess the fit of the model and the bootstrapping method was tested for indirect effect and the total effect. Results: Motivation factors that directly affected infection-prevention behaviors were self-efficacy (γ=0.58, p<0.001), perceived barriers (γ=-.08, p=0.004), perceived benefits (γ=0.10, p=0.002), perceived threats (γ=0.08, p=0.009), and social support (γ=0.13, p<0.001), after controlling for related demographic variables. Cognitive and emotional motivation factors together explained 59% of the variance in infection-prevention behaviors. Social support exerted significant mediating effects between each cognitive and emotional motivation variable and infection-prevention behaviors, along with a significant direct effect on infection-prevention behaviors (γ=0.12, p<0.001). Conclusion: The engagement of prevention behaviors among community-dwelling adults was influenced by their self-efficacy, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, and perceived threats with social support as a mediator. Prevention policy approaches could include providing specific information to improve self-efficacy and build awareness of the severity of the disease while establishing a supportive social environment for promoting health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roles of self-esteem and socioeconomic status in COVID-19 preventive behaviors: Research and Reviews

This study applied terror management theory to investigate whether self-esteem and socioeconomic status (i.e., income and education) predict coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention behavior. Data collection in this cross-sectional and analytical study was performed by an online survey of 1012 participants. In participants with high self-esteem, mortality salience was high when the perceived threat of COVID-19 was high whereas mortality salience was low when perceived efficacy was high. In contrast, mortality salience was not significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors in participants with high self-esteem. In people with low self-esteem, mortality salience was high when the perceived threat of COVID-19 was high, but mortality salience was not significantly associated with perceived efficacy. Moreover, mortality salience was significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors in people with low self-esteem. Both income and education had significant positive associations with COVID-19 prevention behaviors in all participants regardless of self-esteem level. The findings revealed that perceived threat and perceived efficacy mediate the effects of self-esteem on mortality salience and on COVID-19 prevention behaviors. We discuss how these findings improve understanding of COVID-19 prevention behaviors and how they can be used to encourage these behaviors during an outbreak.

Association between preventive measures against workplace infection and preventive behavior against personal infection.

To prevent the spread of infection, it is necessary for each individual to adopt infection prevention behavior. We investigated the effect of infection control measures implemented in the workplace on personal infection prevention behavior. We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey through the Internet from December 22 to 25, 2020, during which period coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was spreading. Among respondents aged 20 to 65 years (n=27,036), 21,915 workers were included in the analysis. The results showed that as the number of infection control measures in the workplace increased, implementation of infection prevention behavior by individuals also significantly increased. However, the relationship differed depending on the type of personal infection prevention behavior. Specifically, infection control measures against COVID-19 in the workplace may affect personal infection prevention behavior. Implementation of infection control measures in the workplace increases awareness of the importance of individual infection prevention behavior and its implementation by all individuals. These findings may be applicable not only to COVID-19 measures but also to responses to other emerging infections and seasonal influenza.

Factors affecting face mask-wearing behaviors to prevent COVID-19 among Thai people: A binary logistic regression model.

Objectives: Face mask wearing is a standard preventive measure, in addition to handwashing and physical distancing. Individuals may find that wearing a face mask protects their physical health and prevents viral transmission. However, none of the studies in Thailand identified factors associated with face mask-wearing behaviors among Thai people. Therefore, this study aims to determine factors affecting face mask-wearing behaviors to prevent COVID-19. Methods: This research is analytical survey research. The data used in this study were under the project title "The assessment of psychosocial and behavioral response and compliance to restriction measures to prevent and control COVID-19: A series of the rapid survey." A total of 6,521 people participated in an online survey by multi-stage sampling. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with face mask-wearing behaviors. Results: After adjusting for independent variables (i.e., gender, age, education, career, smoking, and comorbidity disease), the bivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, age, and career were statistically significant to the face mask-wearing behaviors (p < 0.05). Level of education, smoking, and comorbidity disease were not statistically significant with face mask-wearing behaviors among Thai people. Conclusion: Further study should explore broader on individual face mask perceptions and wearing in the continuing of COVID-19 across gender, age, and careers to better understand their health behaviors and to inform further policy. In addition, the development of an intervention to promote face mask wearing should target men who age below 30 yrs. and did not work in government services careers as this group of the population was likely not to wear a face mask outside the home.

Fear of COVID-19 and Prevention Behaviors: Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth conversations about effective behavior change models for increasing prevention behavior, ranging from wearing masks in public to physical distancing. Among the considered behavior change techniques is the use of fear appeals, through which a negative possible outcome is emphasized to invoke fear, which in turn may promote prevention behaviors to counter the likelihood of the negative outcome. Although fear is hypothesized as health promoting in some theories of health behavior, little research has rigorously assessed the relationship. OBJECTIVE: In our exploratory analyses, we aim to examine the association, including directionality of the association between fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 prevention behaviors across 2 time points during the early COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of US women. METHODS: The COPE study, a web-based survey of US women's COVID-19 experiences, was deployed in May-June 2020 (time 1) with follow-up in December 2020-January 2021 (time 2; n=200). Demographic characteristics as well as fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 prevention behaviors (eg, staying home except for essential activities, physical distancing in public, and masking in public) were measured. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to characterize COVID-19 prevention behaviors and fear of COVID-19 among participants. Cross-lagged panel analysis, a type of structural equation modeling that assesses directionality of temporal associations, was used to understand relationships, if any, between variables of interest. RESULTS: We found cross-sectional associations between fear of COVID-19 and staying home and physical distancing, as well as temporal associations between fear at time 1 and time 2 and prevention behaviors at time 1 and time 2. However, results of the cross-lagged panel analysis indicated no cross-lagged temporal relationships between fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 prevention behaviors 6 months apart. CONCLUSIONS: Fear of COVID-19 did not appear to predict COVID-19 prevention behaviors 6 months after initial measurements among the sample of women recruited for our study. Future research should rigorously test these associations longitudinally, and alternative methods of public health prevention promotion should be considered.

Regional Variation in Preventive Health Practices of Rural Adults of Bangladesh Regarding COVID-19 Prevention During the Pandemic Crisis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) became a global pandemic within a few months. Even though Bangladesh has been badly affected by COVID-19, the pandemic is still a concern across the country. This study was conducted to explore regional variations in preventive health practices of rural adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine the predictors regarding COVID-19 prevention. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in rural Bangladesh in 2020 among 810 respondents selected by multi-stage random sampling. Data collection was done by face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire. The results showed that almost half of the rural adults (48.1%) had poor health practices regarding COVID-19 prevention. Rural adults of the Mymensingh district showed relatively better health practices during the pandemic (U = 58,747.5, p < 0.001). Not only the background issues but also information, attitude, motivation, and intention in COVID-19 prevention were significant in predicting the health practices of rural adults in COVID-19 prevention. The significant regional effect was determined in COVID-19 prevention behavior of rural adults (p < 0.001) in hierarchical regression, explained through a modified reasoned action approach. Health programs should be strengthened more, not only to improve preventive health practices of rural adults but also to establish regional equity in COVID-19 prevention, ensuring region-specific initiatives on behavioral changes. © 2022. Journal of Population and Social Studies. All Rights Reserved.

Resistance against preventive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic: causes and strategies for minimization

Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, resistance against demonstrably effective preventive measures were frequently observed. Such "reactance," characterized by anger and negative cognitions, is experienced (according to psychological reactance theory) when a threat to subjectively important freedoms or attempts to change attitudes or behaviors is perceived. Objectives This paper discusses the role of defensive processes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of an evidence-based and defense-sensitive risk and crisis communication. Triggers and influencing factors of defensive processes are discussed, as well as techniques for minimizing these unwanted reactions. Results Defensive reactions should always be anticipated, at least to some extent, but can be reduced through a defense-sensitive communication design. This includes a professional presentation, a respectful and stigma-sensitive approach, positive and efficacy-bolstering information, and by avoiding emotionally overwhelming information such as strong negative emotional appeals or strong loss framings. Conclusion Communicators should be aware that defensive reactions can be triggered as well as minimized through certain features of risk communication. A consistent, clear, and tailored communication approach is needed to reduce uncertainties, defensiveness, and irritation.

Influence factors analysis of COVID-19 Prevention behavior of chinese Citizens: a path analysis based on the hypothetical model.

BACKGROUND: Under the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a structural equation model was established to determine the causality of important factors that affect Chinese citizens' COVID-19 prevention behavior. METHODS: The survey in Qingdao covered several communities in 10 districts and used the method of cluster random sampling. The research instrument used in this study is a self-compiled Chinese version of the questionnaire. Of the 1215 questionnaires, 1188 were included in our analysis. We use the rank sum test, which is a non-parametric test, to test the influence of citizens'basic sociodemographic variables on prevention behavior, and the rank correlation test to analyze the influencing factors of prevention behavior. IBM AMOS 24.0 was used for path analysis, including estimating regression coefficients and evaluating the statistical fits of the structural model, to further explore the causal relationships between variables. RESULTS: The result showed that the score in the prevention behavior of all citizens is a median of 5 and a quartile spacing of 0.31. The final structural equation model showed that the external support for fighting the epidemic, the demand level of health information, the cognition of (COVID-19) and the negative emotions after the outbreak had direct effects on the COVID-19 prevention behavior, and that negative emotions and information needs served as mediating variables. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided a basis for relevant departments to further adopt epidemic prevention and control strategies.

Using Health Belief Model for predicting COVID-19 prevention practices among university student and staff

Large-scale social restriction (PSBB-Pembatasan Sosial Berkala Besar) is a policy aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study was to determine the respondents' compliance behaviors towards the PSBB regulations according to the Health Belief Model. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a private university in Jakarta using quantitative methods. Data collection was carried out on July 2020, where 116 respondents were selected and recruited in the study using convenience non-probability sampling. Online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The independent variables were adopted from Health Belief Model theory. These included;perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, health motivation, perceived benefit, perceived barrier and cues to action. The dependent variable was COVID-19 prevention behavior. Results showed that variables of health motivation (p-value=0.001), perceived benefits (p-value=0.008), and perceived barriers (p-value=0.007), advertising (p-value=0.027), counseling (p-value=0.001), and media access (p-value=0.000) had significant effects on the respondents' compliance to COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Multivariate analysis showed significant association of health motivation and perceived benefits with COVID-19 prevention behavior. An intervention is required to improve the community’s perception and belief towards the benefits and effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention behavior in preventing the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2022, Intelektual Pustaka Media Utama. All rights reserved.

During COVID-19, which is more effective in work accident prevention behavior of healthcare professionals: Safety awareness or fatalism perception?

BACKGROUND: As the pandemic process, COVID-19 has a serious occupational safety risk for healthcare professionals. Therefore, determining their health and safety perceptions and attitudes in the pandemic process is very important. This study aims to determine which is more effective in work accident prevention behavior: safety awareness and competencies of healthcare professionals or perception of fatalism. METHOD: For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 326 healthcare professionals. The questionnaire consists of four parts: (1) demographic information of the employees, (2) scale of preventing occupational accidents, (3) fatalism perception scale in occupational health and safety, and (4) security awareness and competency scale. Descriptive statistical methods, multiple regression and correlation analysis were used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS: It was determined that the participants' safety awareness and competencies were at the high level and their fatalism perceptions were at the low level. The average of the responses given by the participants to the scale of preventing work accidents was above the middle level. According to the study, the safety awareness and competencies of health workers were found to be about three times more effective on the behavior of preventing work accidents than the perception of fatalism. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it is important to recommend managers to take the step to increase the safety awareness and competencies of those working in their institutions.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and University Students' Behavior to Prevent COVID-19

Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is the virus that causes an epidemic of acute respiratory infections that become a global pandemic in 2020. COVID-19 cases continue to increase, so prevention behavior is needed. Knowledge and attitudes become important domains that can influence a person's behavior. This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitudes related to COVID-19 prevention behaviors in university students. This study used a cross sectional study design which was conducted from April to May 2020. Students from the faculty of religion at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta (n = 434) were participated in this study. As many as 51.4% (n = 223) of participants had a positive attitude towards preventing COVID-19. Participants who are well-behaved attitude towards COVID-19 prevention tend to have moderate and high levels of knowledge about COVID-19 and positive attitude (59.7%) towards COVID-19 prevention. The multivariate results showed that levels of knowledge and attitudes were related to COVID-19 prevention behaviors with adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence (p-value < 0.05). We conclude that knowledge and attitudes have an influence on a person's behavior in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Relationships among COVID-19 Prevention Practices, Risk Perception and Individual Characteristics: A Temporal Analysis.

The effectiveness of public health measures in containing an infectious disease largely depends on how the general public is taking the prevention practices in daily lives. Previous studies have shown that different risk perceptions and sociodemographic characteristics may lead to vastly different prevention behaviors. This paper applies a temporal perspective in examining the changing patterns of prevention practices over time and their dynamic relationships with the perceived risk towards COVID-19 and its individual characteristics. Three key timelines (February, April, and June of 2020) were identified to represent the early, lockdown, and reopening stages of the first wave. Data were drawn from an online survey conducted in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) of Canada (n = 470). Chi-square tests and logistic regression models revealed important temporal patterns in practicing different hygienic and mobility-related prevention measures and the respondents' risk perceptions during the three timelines. The factors predicting the level of prevention practices vary across the three timelines, based on the specific type of prevention, and within the changing public health contexts. This study contributes to the literature on COVID-19 by incorporating a temporal perspective in conceptualizing prevention predictors. It provides crucial insights for developing timely public health strategies to improve infectious disease prevention at different stages and for individuals with varying backgrounds.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 Response in Pregnant Women in Western Uganda: Knowledge, Behavior, and Emotional State after the First Lockdown in 2020.

Limited research exists on pregnant women's knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa. We performed a cross-sectional study among 648 pregnant women in Fort Portal, Uganda, after the first lockdown starting in June 2020. Structured interviews were conducted at three different facilities during routine antenatal care, assessing sociodemographic background, knowledge of COVID-19, prevention behavior adherence, and psycho-emotional stress levels. We performed descriptive analyses and examined associated factors using multivariable logistic regression. In Fort Portal Region, 32.8% of pregnant women had a higher knowledge regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, while all women at least heard of COVID-19. 88.6% of the women showed low self-reported prevention behavior adherence. More than one third of the pregnant women experienced high psycho-emotional stress related to the pandemic (39.8%). The odds for psycho-emotional stress were increased among the age group 21-30 years (AOR 1.97; 95% CI 1.18-3.35) compared to women under the age of 21, and decreased in single or divorced women compared to women in partnerships (AOR 0.42; 0.22-0.77) and in women having less COVID-19-related knowledge (AOR 0.40; 0.27-0.58). In conclusion, prevention behavior adherence seemed challenging, and psycho-emotional stress was ubiquitous among our cohort. To avoid adverse consequences in maternal and neonatal health, campaigns for hygiene but also women's emotional state should be a major focus of community healthcare in exceptional times such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Determinants of Mental Health and Practice Behaviors of General Practitioners During COVID-19 Pandemic in Bali, Indonesia: A Cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: We aim to study the level of mental health distress and COVID-19 prevention in practice behaviors among general practitioners (GPs) in Bali, Indonesia, as well as their determinants. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey. Survey recruitment material was disseminated by purposive snowballing through regional professional association as well as research team's personal acquaintances. The survey measured mental health status by DASS-21 questionnaire and practice behavior by a questionnaire based on WHO recommendations for hand hygiene and PPE use during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted multivariate analyses to identify independent determinants for mental health and practice behavior. RESULTS: Analyses included 635 (41.75%) of GPs in Bali. Mental health status was relatively good with prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress of 13.2%, 19.7%, and 11% respectively, lower than previous studies in Indonesia and elsewhere. Practice behavior, however, was not considerably lower with only 65.4% and 32.1% reported consistent hand hygiene and recommended PPE use respectively. Routine optional PPE use was reported by 23.6% of respondents. Long working hours and fear of COVID-19 was identified as detrimental to mental health while consistent hand hygiene improved it. Meanwhile, workplace, work setting, and fear of COVID-19, were identified as determinants for PPE use. GPs working in primary health centers and private hospitals were also found to have less adherence to hand hygiene protocols. CONCLUSION: Our results showed relatively good mental health status along with inadequate infection prevention in practice behavior of GPs in Bali, Indonesia. Intervention should be made to improve practice behavior. Determinants of practice behavior identified in this study could help to pinpoint intervention targets.

Predicting mask-wearing behavior intention among international students during COVID-19 based on the theory of planned behavior.

BACKGROUND: The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a major public health threat. This study aimed to analyze the influencing factors of international students' intention to wear a mask based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The findings are important because they provide pertinent information in designing and implementing COVID-19 prevention programs. METHODS: Self-designed questionnaires were distributed to 477 international students. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to identify and confirm the factor structure, and the structural equation model (SEM) was applied to determine the predictors of masks wearing. RESULTS: The final structural model was well reflected by fit indices. The research model of international students' intention to wear a mask for protection against COVID-19 was acceptable. All of the hypotheses were supported. Attitude and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were positively related to behavior intention (BI), respectively. Subjective norm (SN) also had a direct effect on attitude, PBC, and BI. CONCLUSIONS: Referring to TPB was useful in identifying determinants of mask-wearing. The strongest predictor was SN, which indicated it was deserving of increased attention. These findings are significant to strengthen international students' awareness regarding self-protection and enhance the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention programs.

Disease Prevention Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Role of Self-Esteem: An Extended Parallel Process Model.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 outbreak has become a serious public health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to use an extended parallel process model (EPPM) to understand factors in COVID-19 prevention behaviors. METHODS: This cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 1012 participants in Taiwan. A structured questionnaire and an online survey were used to collect data. RESULTS: The EPPM revealed that the severity of the COVID-19 threat perceived by respondents directly affected the arousal of fear in the respondents (ß=0.268, t=9.007, p<0.001), but perceived efficacy did not (ß=-0.019, t=-0.619, p>0.05); additionally, fear arousal was significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention behaviors (ß=0.119, t=4.603, p<0.001). Regarding personal characteristics, self-esteem moderated the relationship between perceived threat and fear arousal. However, the moderating effect of self-esteem was stronger in people with low self-esteem compared to those with high self-esteem (ß=0.606, -0.472; t=26.303, -17.694; p<0.001, p<0.001; respectively). The results of this study also indicated that two demographic characteristics (age and gender) affect COVID-19 prevention behaviors. CONCLUSION: When developing healthcare policies and community interventions for improving COVID-19 prevention behaviors during an outbreak, healthcare administrators should carefully consider the main constructs of the EPPM, particularly personal characteristics (ie, self-esteem) and demographic characteristics (ie, age and gender).

Psychological Predictors of COVID-19 Prevention Behavior in Hungarian Women Across Different Generations.

BACKGROUND: Age related differences were found in prevention behavior, showing that older individuals tend to be the most proactive. The aim of the study was the identification of psychological predictors on COVID-19 prevention behavior in women, across four generations. In addition, the predictive role of the psychological variables was explored through the lens of negative and positive information processing perspective on total and domain-specific COVID-19 prevention behavior. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was conducted. The sample included 834 Hungarian speaking women. The assessed variables were: COVID-19 knowledge, risk perception, COVID-19 health anxiety, negative automatic thoughts, psychological flexibility, and four domains of COVID-19 prevention behavior (social distancing, general hygiene, information seeking, health behavior). A three-level hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the predictors of preventive behavior in each generation. RESULTS: A diversity across generations was found. In case of baby boomer generation, the final model explained 32.4% of the variance for total prevention behavior [F(14,215) = 8.847, p < 0.001], and only perceived risk made a significant contribution. For Gen X the final model accounted for 21.1% of variance of total prevention behavior [F(14,341) = 7.788, p < 0.001], marital status, perceived risk, COVID-19 health anxiety, and negative automatic thoughts made significant contributions. In case of Gen Y the final model accounted for 6.2% of variance on total prevention behavior [F(14,147) = 1.761, p = 0.05], only perceived risk had a contribution to the final model. For Gen Z the final model accounted for 23.4% of variance on total preventive behavior [F(13,71) = 2.979, p = 0.002], and only psychological flexibility made a contribution to the model. The results on the distinct domains of COVID-19 prevention behavior emphasized details in the dissimilarity among generations. CONCLUSION: The role of generational identity on COVID-19 prevention behavior is relevant. The coexistence of negative and positive information processing may have its beneficial role in certain areas of prevention.

Experience and Health-Related Behavior in Times of the Corona Crisis in Germany: An Exploratory Psychological Survey Considering the Identification of Compliance-Enhancing Strategies.

Despite the need for enduring preventive behavior in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, several counteracting behavioral reactions can be observed worldwide. Considering the grave consequences resulting from such health-related risk behavior, we carried out an online questionnaire study to identify personal characteristics that frame a motivational sketch of those who refuse to follow the pandemic-related preventive measures. Our results from a sample of N = 570 German participants already indicate obvious changes in relevant variables in the four-week investigation period during the pandemic's initial phase (25th March to 22nd April 2020). Above all, the willingness to take preventive measures decreased, as did the assessment of the pandemic's severity. The perceived own vulnerability also turned out to be clearly age-dependent and, overall, our sample showed a negative affectivity deviating distinctively from a reference sample. These and other findings allow for identification of sources for public health interventions that can help to increase compliance with required prevention behavior, and thus, counteract COVID-19.