A regression discontinuity analysis of the social distancing recommendations for older adults in Sweden during COVID-19.
Eur J Public Health
; 32(5): 799-806, 2022 10 03.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1992174
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This article investigates the impact of a non-mandatory and age-specific social distancing recommendation on isolation behaviours and disease outcomes in Sweden during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March to July 2020). The policy stated that people aged 70 years or older should avoid crowded places and contact with people outside the household.METHODS:
We used a regression discontinuity design-in combination with self-reported isolation data from COVID Symptom Study Sweden (n = 96â053; age range 39-79 years) and national register data (age range 39-100+ years) on severe COVID-19 disease (hospitalization or death, n = 21â804) and confirmed cases (n = 48â984)-to estimate the effects of the policy.RESULTS:
Our primary analyses showed a sharp drop in the weekly number of visits to crowded places (-13%) and severe COVID-19 cases (-16%) at the 70-year threshold. These results imply that the age-specific recommendations prevented approximately 1800-2700 severe COVID-19 cases, depending on model specification.CONCLUSIONS:
It seems that the non-mandatory, age-specific recommendations helped control COVID-19 disease during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, as opposed to not implementing a social distancing policy aimed at older adults. Our study provides empirical data on how populations may react to non-mandatory, age-specific social distancing policies in the face of a novel virus.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
Limits:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Eur J Public Health
Journal subject:
Epidemiology
/
Public Health
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Eurpub
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