BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic requires massive and rapid behavior change. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) describes personal determinants that play a key role in behavior change. This study investigated whether these determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e. keeping 1.5 m physical distance and staying at home). Decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were explored as barriers to adherence. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted among adults in Belgium. The first survey (N = 2,379; March 2020) focused on adherence to physical distancing measures. The second survey (N = 805; April 2020) focused on difficulty with, and perseverance in, adhering to these measures. Linear regression models were fitted to examine associations with HAPA determinants, psychosocial well-being, and social support. RESULTS: Self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, intention, action planning, and coping planning were related to adhering to, difficulty with, and perseverance in, adhering to physical distancing measures. Decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were related to more difficulties with adhering to physical distancing and lower perseverance. CONCLUSIONS: Health action process approach determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures. Future work could design HAPA-based interventions to support people in adhering to these measures.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic requires massive and rapid behavior change. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) describes personal determinants that play a key role in behavior change. This study investigated whether these determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e. keeping 1.5 m physical distance and staying at home). Decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were explored as barriers to adherence. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted among adults in Belgium. The first survey (N = 2,379; March 2020) focused on adherence to physical distancing measures. The second survey (N = 805; April 2020) focused on difficulty with, and perseverance in, adhering to these measures. Linear regression models were fitted to examine associations with HAPA determinants, psychosocial well-being, and social support. RESULTS: Self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, intention, action planning, and coping planning were related to adhering to, difficulty with, and perseverance in, adhering to physical distancing measures. Decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were related to more difficulties with adhering to physical distancing and lower perseverance. CONCLUSIONS: Health action process approach determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures. Future work could design HAPA-based interventions to support people in adhering to these measures.
Authors: Lisa Woodland; Ava Hodson; Rebecca K Webster; Richard Amlôt; Louise E Smith; James Rubin Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-14 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Zahra Jorjoran Shushtari; Yahya Salimi; Sina Ahmadi; Nader Rajabi-Gilan; Marzieh Shirazikhah; Akbar Biglarian; Ali Almasi; Mohammad Ali Mohammadi Gharehghani Journal: Osong Public Health Res Perspect Date: 2021-12-21
Authors: Maité Van Alboom; Fleur Baert; Aline Wauters; Melanie Beeckman; Sarah Maes; Ama Kissi; Elke Veirman; Dimitri M L Van Ryckeghem; Annick De Paepe; Louise Poppe Journal: Psychol Belg Date: 2021-09-02
Authors: João Vasco Santos; Joana Gomes da Costa; Eduardo Costa; Sara Almeida; Joana Cima; Pedro Pita-Barros Journal: J Public Health (Oxf) Date: 2022-02-26 Impact factor: 2.341