adoption of preventive behaviour strategies and public perceptions about covid-19 in singapore

Background: the unprecedented severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) constitutes a serious public health concern. however, adoption of covid-19-related preventive behaviours remain relatively unknown. this study investigated predictors of preventive behaviours. methods: an analytical sample of 897 singaporean adults who were quota sampled based on age, gender, and ethnicity were recruited through a web-enabled survey. outcomes were adoption of, or increased frequency of preventive behaviours (avoiding social events; avoiding public transport; reducing time spent shopping and eating out; wearing a mask in public; avoiding hospitals/clinics; keeping children out of school, washing hands/using sanitisers; keeping surroundings clean; avoiding touching public surfaces; working from/studying at home). public perceptions regarding covid-19 (chances of getting covid-19; perceived likelihood of covid-19-related intensive care unit (icu) admission; government trust; self-efficacy; perceived appropriateness of covid-19 behaviours; response efficacy), anxiety, and demographic characteristics (age; ethnicity; marital status; education; chronic conditions; current living arrangements) were investigated as predictors of preventive behaviours adopted during covid-19 in binomial and ordered logistic regressions. results: though adoption of preventive behaviours among singaporeans varied, it was, overall, high, and consistent with government recommendations. nearly a quarter reported moderate to severe anxiety (general anxiety disorder 7-item – gad-7 scores). respondents who perceived higher covid-19 risks, had higher government trust, higher self-efficacy, and perceived that others acted appropriately reported increased adoption/frequency of preventive measures. the strongest indicator of behavioural change was response efficacy. respondents who were older, highly educated, anxious and married reported higher adoption/frequency of preventive measures. conclusion: to successfully influence appropriate preventive behaviours, public health messages should highlight response efficacy, increase self-efficacy, and promote trust in governmental response. focus should be on demographic segments with low adoptions, such as younger individuals and those with low education.