Preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico: A cross-sectional study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: In December 2019, the World Health Organization announced a new viral pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2, which originated in Wuhan, China. In Mexico, the official announcement regarding the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case was made on February 29, 2020. Understanding how Mexicans behave during the pandemic could present a complete picture of the pandemic in Mexico while providing better handling of the pandemic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey in which we inquired about the Mexican population's behavior and preventive measures. In total, 4004 subjects from the general population responded to the survey. The survey comprised a questionnaire that included demographic data, housing conditions, daily coexistence with people, use of preventive measures, confidence in the Mexican health-care sector, acceptance of medical procedures, and knowledge of COVID-19. Results: Participants' mean age was 30 ± 13.7 years, and 43.8% of participants reported at least one comorbidity. Almost 99% of the participants mentioned knowing the symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, 68.1% of them lived with three to five cohabitants, and 87.4% of them stated that at least one household member had to break social isolation every week. Although 77.5% of participants considered that they followed proper social distancing measures, 60% of them mentioned that they knew at least six individuals who did not follow social distancing measures. Furthermore, 96.2% of participants reported using preventive measures at least 50% of the time. Face masks were used by 99.5% of them, but only 51.3% used a certified mask. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic outcomes in Mexico are the result of multiple negative factors, such as high rates of comorbidities (e.g., diabetes and hypertension); a high number of people living together at home, with many people breaking social isolation; and most of the population using noncertified preventive measures, which may not have the necessary effectiveness.