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Behavioral Factors Associated with COVID-19 Risk: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Japan

Authors :
Sora Hashimoto
Sae Ochi
Mirai So
Yoichi Sekizawa
Kenzo Denda
Source :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 18, Iss 12184, p 12184 (2021), Volume 18, Issue 22
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

Background: Behaviors to avoid infection are key to minimizing casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to avoid excessive interventions that are less effective. This study aims to identify behavioral patterns associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the real world. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted targeting a research panel of NTTCom Online Marketing Solutions Corporation or its affiliates. Data were extracted so that their demographic composition ratios matched the population estimates. Individuals who answered with consistency to have been diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 at a medical facility were categorized into a SARS-CoV-2 group. Differences in lifestyles were compared using multiple regression and inverse probability weighing. Results: In total 13,277 participants were included, of whom 44 (0.33%) were categorized as the SARS-CoV-2 group. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was negatively correlated with crowd avoidance, mask wearing, and hand-washing behavior. On the contrary, the diagnosis was positively correlated with some behaviors that appear to be preventive actions against the infection, such as changing clothes frequently, sanitizing belongings, and remote working. Conclusions: It is important to conduct evidence-based intervention on people’s behaviors and to avoid excessive interventions that are less effective, so that people can minimize the indirect harm, such as exhaustion and economic loss.

Details

ISSN :
16604601
Volume :
18
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....2315d8f844964e9c3537a0b414b1d129
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212184