Determinants of adherence to COVID-19 measures among the Belgian population: an application of the protection motivation theory
This study assessed the extent to which the general population in Belgium adhered to COVID-19 measures, and which determinants were associated with adherence. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Belgian government has implemented various infection prevention and control measures. Perceptions of the threat posed by COVID-19 to individuals, their families and friends, and to society at large, are key to motivating behaviour change. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of adherence to IPCM, a better understanding is needed about what citizens know about the IPCM, whether they understand the measures that are imposed by the authorities, how they perceive these measures and COVID-19-related risks, and whether they adhere to the measures.
The study concludes that adherence to measures is strongly influenced by perceived usefulness of the measures, and perceived personal capacity to adhere. In contrast, perceived severity and vulnerability did not show an association with adherence. This influences how risk communication regarding COVID-19 should ideally be performed, with a stronger emphasis on helping people understand why implemented measures are useful and how they can be put into practice, more than on increasing fear appeals.