Social Distancing and Transmission-reducing Practices during the 2019 Coronavirus Disease and 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Outbreaks in Korea

• DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e220
• Publication Date: 2020-06-10T01:11:59Z
• Authors: Won Mo Jang; Deok Hyun Jang; Jin Yong Lee
• Keywords: Social distance; Pandemic; Random digit dialing; Hand washing; Coronavirus

Background:The absence of effective antiviral medications and vaccines increased the focus on non-pharmaceutical preventive behaviors for mitigating against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.To examine current status practiced during COVID-19 outbreak factors affecting behavioral activities, we compared to 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) in Korea.Methods: This was a serial cross-sectional population-based study Korea with four surveys conducted June 2 25, (MERS-CoV surveys), February 4, April 2, 2020 (COVID-19 surveys).Of 25,711 participants selected using random digit dialing numbers, 4,011 (aged ≥ 18 years) were successfully interviewed, (n = 2,002) MERS-CoV 2,009) epidemics included.Participants poststratification by sex, age, province.The total number weighted cases this survey equaled unweighted at national level.We measured levels (social distancing [avoiding physical contact others]), practicing transmissionreducing such as wearing face mask handwashing.Results: Between surveys, respondents who reported social from 41.9%-58.2%(MERS-CoV) 83.4%-92.3%(COVID-19).The response rate ranged between 13.7% 17.7%.Practicing transmission-reducing (wearing masks handwashing) least once (78.8%, 80.2%) also that (15.5%, 60.3%).The higher affective risk perception groups more likely practice measures (adjusted odds ratio, 3.24-4.81;95 confidence interval, 1.76-6.96)during both MERS-CoV. Conclusion:The findings suggest markedly proportions nonpharmaceutical practices evenly across all subgroups two different novel virus outbreaks Korea.Strategic interventions are needed attempt based behavior works.