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

Author

Listed:
  • Won Mo Jang

    (Health Review and Assessment Committee, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju 26465, Korea
    These authors contributed equally this work.)

  • Sanghyun Cho

    (Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
    These authors contributed equally this work.)

  • Deok Hyun Jang

    (Research Analytics & Communication, Gallup Korea, Seoul 03167, Korea)

  • Un-Na Kim

    (Bureau of Health Policy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Sejong 30113, Korea)

  • Hyemin Jung

    (Health Review and Assessment Committee, Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju 26465, Korea
    Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea)

  • Jin Yong Lee

    (Department of Health Policy and Management, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
    Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government—Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea
    These authors also contributed equally to this work.)

  • Sang Jun Eun

    (Department of Preventive Medicine, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
    These authors also contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

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 ( n = 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Won Mo Jang & Sanghyun Cho & Deok Hyun Jang & Un-Na Kim & Hyemin Jung & Jin Yong Lee & Sang Jun Eun, 2019. "Preventive Behavioral Responses to the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Outbreak in Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:12:p:2161-:d:241003
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Thérèse McDonnell & Emma Nicholson & Ciara Conlon & Michael Barrett & Fergal Cummins & Conor Hensey & Eilish McAuliffe, 2020. "Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Public Health Stages on Paediatric Emergency Attendance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-24, September.
    2. Yisheng Ye & Ruoxi Wang & Da Feng & Ruijun Wu & Zhifei Li & Chengxu Long & Zhanchun Feng & Shangfeng Tang, 2020. "The Recommended and Excessive Preventive Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Community-Based Online Survey in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-16, September.

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