What Protective Health Measures Are Americans Taking in Response to COVID-19? Results from the COVID Impact Survey

Fares Qeadan, Nana Akofua Mensah, Benjamin Tingey, Rona Bern, Tracy Rees, Sharon Talboys, Tejinder Pal Singh, Steven Lacey and Kimberley Shoaf
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Fares Qeadan: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Nana Akofua Mensah: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Benjamin Tingey: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Rona Bern: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Tracy Rees: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Sharon Talboys: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Tejinder Pal Singh: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Steven Lacey: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
Kimberley Shoaf: Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: With the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes; COVID-19, compliance with/adherence to protective measures is needed. Information is needed on which measures are, or are not, being undertaken. Data collected from the COVID Impact Survey, conducted by the non-partisan and objective research organization NORC at the University of Chicago on April, May, and June of 2020, were analyzed through weighted Quasi-Poisson regression modeling to determine the association of demographics, socioeconomics, and health conditions with protective health measures taken at the individual level in response to COVID-19. The three surveys included data from 18 regional areas including 10 states (CA, CO, FL, LA, MN, MO, MT, NY, OR, and TX) and 8 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Cleveland and Columbus, OH; Phoenix, AZ; and Pittsburgh, PA). Individuals with higher incomes, insurance, higher education levels, large household size, age 60+, females, minorities, those who have asthma, have hypertension, overweight or obese, and those who suffer from mental health issues during the pandemic were significantly more likely to report taking precautionary protective measures relative to their counterparts. Protective measures for the three subgroups with a known relationship to COVID-19 (positive for COVID-19, knowing an individual with COVID-19, and knowing someone who had died from COVID-19) were strongly associated with the protective health measures of washing hands, avoiding public places, and canceling social engagements. This study provides first baseline data on the response to the national COVID-19 pandemic at the individual level in the US. The found heterogeneity in the response to this pandemic by different variables can inform future research and interventions to reduce exposure to the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Keywords: protective health measures; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; public health; risk behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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