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BMC Infectious Diseases
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | COVID-19 | Research article

Improving the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19: examining the factors that influence engagement and the impact on individuals

Authors: Holly Seale, Clare E. F. Dyer, Ikram Abdi, Kazi M. Rahman, Yanni Sun, Mohammed O. Qureshi, Alexander Dowell-Day, Jonathon Sward, M. Saiful Islam

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

During an evolving outbreak or pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including physical distancing, isolation, and mask use may flatten the peak in communities. However, these strategies rely on community understanding and motivation to engage to ensure appropriate compliance and impact. To support current activities for COVID-19, the objectives of this narrative review was to identify the key determinants impacting on engagement.

Methods

An integrative narrative literature review focused on NPIs. We aimed to identify published peer-reviewed articles that focused on the general community (excluding healthcare workers), NPIs (including school closure, quarantine, isolation, physical distancing and hygiene behaviours), and factors/characteristics (including social, physical, psychological, capacity, motivation, economic and demographic) that impact on engagement.

Results

The results revealed that there are a range of demographic, social and psychological factors underpinning engagement with quarantine, school closures, and personal protective behaviours. Aside from the factors impacting on acceptance and compliance, there are several key community concerns about their use that need to be addressed including the potential for economic consequences.

Conclusion

It is important that we acknowledge that these strategies will have an impact on an individual and the community. By understanding the barriers, we can identify what strategies need to be adopted to motivate individuals and improve community compliance. Using a behavioural framework to plan interventions based on these key barriers, will also ensure countries implement appropriate and targeted responses.
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Metadata
Title
Improving the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19: examining the factors that influence engagement and the impact on individuals
Authors
Holly Seale
Clare E. F. Dyer
Ikram Abdi
Kazi M. Rahman
Yanni Sun
Mohammed O. Qureshi
Alexander Dowell-Day
Jonathon Sward
M. Saiful Islam
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-020-05340-9

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