Preventive Behavioral Responses to the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Outbreak in Korea

This study examined the public's preventive behavioral responses during the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in Korea and the influencing factors. Two cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted by Gallup Korea using random digit dialing in June 2015 (...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental research and public health 2019-06, Vol.16 (12), p.2161
Main Authors: Jang, Won Mo, Cho, Sanghyun, Jang, Deok Hyun, Kim, Un-Na, Jung, Hyemin, Lee, Jin Yong, Eun, Sang Jun
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Avoidance behavior
Behavior
Communication
Cooperation
Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology
Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control
Coronaviruses
Cross-Sectional Studies
Department stores
Disease Outbreaks
Disease prevention
Epidemics
Female
Health Behavior
Health care facilities
Health facilities
Health risks
Humans
Infections
Infectious diseases
Male
Middle Aged
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus
Odds Ratio
Outbreaks
Outdoor activities
Political parties
Polls & surveys
Primary Prevention
Public health
Public transportation
Regression analysis
Republic of Korea - epidemiology
Residential areas
Respiratory diseases
Response rates
Risk communication
Risk taking
Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Young Adult
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Summary:This study examined the public's preventive behavioral responses during the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreak in Korea and the influencing factors. Two cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted by Gallup Korea using random digit dialing in June 2015 ( = 2004). The main outcome variables were nonpharmaceutical preventive measures (survey (1): Measures for reducing transmission (handwashing, face masks); and survey (2): Measures for avoiding contact with others). Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the factors influencing preventive behaviors. In survey (1), 60.3% of respondents reported more frequent handwashing and 15.5% reported wearing face masks at least once due to the MERS-CoV epidemic. In survey (2), 41-56% of respondents reported practicing avoidance measures. The concerned group was more likely to practice reducing transmission measures (odds ratio (OR) 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.3-6.1) and avoidance measures (OR = 9.6; 95% CI, 6.4-14.4). The respondents who had low trust in president or ruling party had a higher practice rate of reducing transmission measures (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6) and avoidance measures (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5). Cooperative prevention measures need appropriated public concern based on effective risk communication.
ISSN:1660-4601
1661-7827
1660-4601
DOI:10.3390/ijerph16122161