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Direct Observation of COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Physical Activity in Public Open Spaces

Author

Listed:
  • Richard R. Suminski

    (Center for Innovative Health Research, Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19726, USA)

  • Gregory M. Dominick

    (Physical Activity Measurement and Evaluation Laboratory, Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19726, USA)

  • Norman J. Wagner

    (Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA)

  • Iva Obrusnikova

    (HBS Health and Disability Concentration and the Health and Disability Laboratory, Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19726, USA)

Abstract

Mask wearing and physical distancing are effective at preventing COVID-19 transmission. Little is known about the practice of these behaviors during physical activity (PA). In this longitudinal study, direct observation was used to describe COVID-19 prevention behaviors among physically active individuals. The Viral Transmission Scan (VT-Scan) was used to assess COVID-19 prevention behaviors of people standing, sitting, walking, jogging, and cycling in educational, retail, and residential areas. The VT-Scan was performed once per week over 22 weeks between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Information was manually extracted from videos collected during VT-Scans. A total of 4153 people were described, of which 71.2% were physically active, 80.0% were 18–30 years of age, 14.0% were non-white, 61.0% were female, and were 19.6% obese. Individuals not engaged in PA were less compliant with COVID-19 prevention behaviors than physically active people. Compliance differed by PA type, with walkers less compliant with COVID-19 prevention behaviors than joggers and cyclists. Among those physically active, non-compliance with COVID-19 prevention behaviors was higher in 18–30-year-olds, whites, and men. Engagement in COVID-19 prevention behaviors varies as a function of PA. Efforts to promote compliance with recommendations may benefit from tailored messaging, taking into account PA participation, PA type, and characteristics of physically active individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard R. Suminski & Gregory M. Dominick & Norman J. Wagner & Iva Obrusnikova, 2022. "Direct Observation of COVID-19 Prevention Behaviors and Physical Activity in Public Open Spaces," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-10, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:3:p:1335-:d:733309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard R. Suminski & Gregory M. Dominick & Norman J. Wagner, 2021. "A Direct Observation Video Method for Describing COVID-19 Transmission Factors on a Micro-Geographical Scale: Viral Transmission (VT)-Scan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-21, September.
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