The Social Distance Scale (v1): A Screening Instrument to Assess Patient Adherence to Prevention Strategies during Pandemics

Michaela Prachthauser, Jeffrey E. Cassisi, Thien-An Le and Andel V. Nicasio
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Michaela Prachthauser: Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Ln, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Jeffrey E. Cassisi: Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Ln, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Thien-An Le: Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Ln, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
Andel V. Nicasio: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, MSC 861, 4th Floor, IOP South, Charleston, SC 29425-8610, USA

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-24

Abstract: Background: This paper describes the development of a brief self-report screening measure of adherence to social distancing and self-protective behaviors in pandemic situations. Items measured behaviors currently established as primary strategies to prevent and reduce the spread of the COVID-19 infection. Methods: An item pool of 29 questions was generated with the aim of estimating the frequency of specific behaviors and were written to avoid confounding the description of behavioral actions with evaluative judgements. Responses were collected from 401 young adults using an anonymous online survey. Results: An Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted with the purpose of item reduction and subscale development. A 14-item Social Distance Scale emerged, consisting of four subscales: Isolation from Community (IC), Work from Home (WH), Family Contact (FC), and Protective Behaviors (PB). The initial psychometric evaluation of the scales indicated adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. (4) Conclusions: The Social Distance Scale (v1) is a promising new instrument which may be applied at the population or individual level. It may be used in conjunction with COVID-19 testing to measure interactions between social distancing factors and transmission. In addition, a reliable screening measure has utility for health service providers to assess patient risk and to provide educational/counseling.

Keywords: COVID-19; social distancing; pandemic; screening; prevention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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