# 4311
From the British Journal of Health Psychology today we get a study on who (demographically speaking) are most likely to take precautions during a pandemic.
There are certain behaviors which can reduce one’s exposure to the virus, or help prevent its spread. Among them are hand washing, wearing masks, and even self quarantine when ill.
This study found that there are both gender and generational differences that separate those who are more likely to take these steps, and those who aren’t.
Some excerpts from the press release (slightly reformatted for readability), then a link to the entire study (free access).
Study investigates who is most likely to take precautions during a pandemic
A study that looked at how people behave during pandemics has identified key demographic and psychological factors that may predict protective behaviours. The study is published online today, 30th January 2010, in the British Journal of Health Psychology.
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Many of the studies found significant gender differences in protective behaviours. Studies in Hong Kong and Singapore, the UK and the USA found that women were more likely than men to carry out protective behaviours such as washing their hands, wearing a mask or following quarantine restrictions.
Older people were also found to be more likely to carry out such protective behaviours. Dr Bish explains: "These patterns could be explained in terms of perceived risk, with women and older people feeling that they may be more susceptible to disease than men, or younger people do."
In fact, greater perceived susceptibility to disease was found to be a strong predictor of protective behaviours in studies carried out in the UK, Hong Kong, Australia and the Netherlands, with those people who felt they were more at risk carrying out more protective behaviours such as good hygiene, vaccination, and disinfecting the home. In studies investigating SARS and swine flu, greater perceived susceptibility was associated with avoidant behaviour such as avoiding public places.
Having a high level of trust in authorities was found to be associated with compliance with preventative, avoidant and management of illness behaviours. Dr Bish explains: "As trust is a key emotion relevant to risk behaviour, people who trust in authorities are more likely to follow their advice. The issue of trust becomes weightier in uncertain situations, making this an important factor in whether people follow government advice during pandemics."
The entire study is available as a PDF file at the link below.
Demographic and attitudinal determinants of protective behaviours during a pandemic: A review
Author: Alison Bish and Susan Michie
Source: British Journal of Health Psychology
Publisher: British Psychological Society
DOI: 10.1348/135910710X485826
