Determinants of sanitary measures and lockdown compliance among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic forced several countries to establish sanitary and lockdown measures to prevent the spreading of the virus. Only necessary workers were allowed to work, including health workers in hospitals.

Objectives

This study explores the association between some variables and sanitary measures compliance among health workers during a pandemic.

Method

A total of 299 Health workers were recruited online using social networks. Participants completed questionnaires evaluating personality, coping, Anxiety and depression, psychological flexibility and sanitary measures compliance.

Results

Correlations indicated most observant participants were more likely to present efficient coping and more based on problem solving. Also, Honesty-Humility as a personality trait was positively correlated to a better compliance. Regressions indicated the perceived utility of sanitary measures was the strongest predictor for compliance among health workers. Honesty-Humility and sanitary risks perception were predictors for compliance.

Conclusions

This study conducted among health workers points indicates variables associated with higher compliance. Our results suggest compliance and non-compliance as health behaviours or risk behaviours are linked to perceived threats. This perception is linked to health workers’ knowledges, their coping strategies, and personality.