Compliance with preventative measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA and Canada: Results from an online survey. (16th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Donna; Marmo-Roman, Suzanne; Krase, Kathryn; Phanord, Lusta
• Is Part Of: Social work in health care. Volume 60:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 255
• Publication Date: 2021-03-16
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- pandemic -- preventative measures -- social responsibility -- theory of reasoned action; Medical social work -- Periodicals; 362.10425
• DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1871157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1389

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study explored people's compliance with recommended preventative measures during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was administered in June 2020 in the USA and Canada (N = 1, 405). Regression analysis found that when controlling for other factors, age and political ideology were significant predictors of compliance with preventative measures. A content analysis of narrative answers of compliance/noncompliance found that the majority of individuals intended to comply with preventative measures, with primary reasons as social responsibility, self-protection, and protection of family members. Reasons identified for not complying were viewing preventative practices as unnecessary, getting mixed messages from various sources about effectiveness, distrust in government and inability to comply. This study informs social workers on intervention strategies on micro, mezzo and macro levels of practice.