Thaivalappil A, Young I, Pearl DL, Zhang R, Papadopoulos A. A Cross-Sectional Study and Observational Assessment of Shoppers' COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023;
17:e384. [PMID:
37154269 DOI:
10.1017/dmp.2023.48]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to observe the level of alcohol-based sanitizer, mask use, and physical distancing across indoor community settings in Guelph, ON, Canada, and to identify potential barriers to practicing these behaviors.
METHODS
Shoppers were observed in June 2022 across 21 establishments. Discrete in-person observations were conducted and electronically recorded using smartphones. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to identify possible covariates for the 3 behavioral outcomes.
RESULTS
Of 946 observed shoppers, 69% shopped alone, 72% had at least 1 hand occupied, 26% touched their face, 29% physically distanced ≥ 2 m, 6% used hand sanitizer, and 29% wore masks. Sanitizer use was more commonly observed among people who wore masks and in establishments with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) signage posted at the entrance. Mask use was more commonly observed during days without precipitation and in establishments with some or all touch-free entrances. Shoppers more commonly physically distanced ≥ 2 m when they were shopping alone.
CONCLUSIONS
This supports evidence for environmental context influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Intervention efforts aimed at visible signage, tailored messaging, and redesigning spaces to facilitate preventive behaviors may be effective at increasing adherence during outbreaks.
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