Non-Compliance To Social Distancing During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Between the Developed and Developing Countries
Abstract Background: As of June 19th, 2021, there have been 178,765,626 reported COVID-19 cases and confirmed 3,869,994 COVID-19 related deaths. Despite the mass vaccination campaigns, number of SARS-CoV-2 infection cases continue to rise. Therefore, it’s important to control its spread for which the most potent method remains social distancing. Due to the diversity in the severity of the effect of the pandemic on different countries, it’s imperative to study the social distancing behavior among population in the developed and developing countries where the factors such as socioeconomic status, education, overpopulation, religious beliefs, and misconceptions play a role in altering the population’s behavior. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 384 participants from 14 different countries were surveyed via an online REDCap form. Results: In this study it was highlighted that although the knowledge regards to COVID-19 pandemic and its related prevention remains high, the overall compliances in both the developed and developing countries remain poor, the lowest being in the senior age group (≥ 65 years). It was found that out of all the age groups, adults aged between 25–64 years were the most compliant to social distancing. (p value = 0.003) Population from the developing countries were more compliant to all preventative measures against COVID-19 spread except for in handwashing compliance where the difference between the two populations remains insignificant. (p value = 0.038, < 0.001, 0.016) Socioeconomic status, prior history of COVID-19 infection or presence of comorbidities did not significantly affect compliance rates however, participants with no prior history of this infection were found to be more compliant to donning a mask in public as compared to those with a positive history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. (p value = 0.044) Additionally, participants with no family history for comorbidities in developing countries had a higher hand washing and mask compliance as compared to those who had a positive family history. (p value = 0.035) Conclusion: Mass campaigns about awareness related to the preventative measures against COVID-19 remain essential in controlling the disease spread as despite having an overall high COVID-19 related literacy, compliance remains subpar in both developing and developed countries.