Biomedical
Social-ecological factors related to preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea
rnfinity
Sou Hyun Jang
Abstract
Most studies on COVID-19 preventive behaviors have focused on single-level factors such as national policy, community social capital, or individuals' sociodemographic characteristics. Through a social-ecological model, this study attempts to comprehensively examine the multilevel factors associated with COVID-19 preventive practices in South Korea. Accordingly, a web survey involving 1,500 participants was conducted in December 2020. An ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to examine the multilevel factors (individual, interpersonal, community, and policy levels) related to COVID-19 preventive measures, which are based on wearing a mask, washing hands, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and social distancing. When factors at each level were investigated, higher scores of COVID-19 fear and correct knowledge at the individual level, COVID-19 information share at the interpersonal level, and better evaluation of the national government policies in regard to COVID-19 at the policy level were positively associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Community-level factors-neighborhood perception and community participation-were negatively significantly related to COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Additionally, older age, being female, and having a graduate-level education were positively related to better preventive behaviors. The findings of the current study suggest that multilevel efforts are needed to promote preventive behaviors. Specifically, more effort to alleviate COVID-19-related fear and disseminate correct knowledge among Korean citizens is needed as the individual-level characteristics explained the preventive behaviors more than the factors at upper levels.
Key Questions
What are the social-ecological factors influencing COVID-19 preventive behaviors in South Korea?
The study examines how individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors interact to shape preventive behaviors such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.
How did South Korea's public health policies impact preventive behaviors during the pandemic?
The article highlights the role of government policies, public health campaigns, and timely communication in encouraging adherence to preventive measures among the South Korean population.
What role does community trust play in COVID-19 preventive behaviors?
The study emphasizes the importance of trust in government, healthcare systems, and community networks as a critical factor in motivating individuals to follow preventive guidelines.
How do cultural norms influence COVID-19 preventive behaviors in South Korea?
The article explores how South Korea's collectivist culture and emphasis on social responsibility contributed to high compliance with preventive measures.
What are the barriers to adopting COVID-19 preventive behaviors in South Korea?
The study identifies challenges such as misinformation, fatigue from prolonged restrictions, and socioeconomic disparities that hindered some individuals from consistently following preventive measures.
How did South Korea's healthcare system support preventive behaviors during the pandemic?
The article discusses the role of South Korea's robust healthcare infrastructure, widespread testing, and contact tracing systems in promoting public adherence to preventive behaviors.
What is the relationship between risk perception and preventive behaviors in South Korea?
The study investigates how individuals' perceptions of COVID-19 risks influenced their willingness to adopt and maintain preventive behaviors.
How did social media and communication strategies impact preventive behaviors in South Korea?
The article highlights the role of social media, public health messaging, and transparent communication in shaping public attitudes and behaviors during the pandemic.
What lessons can other countries learn from South Korea's approach to COVID-19 prevention?
The study provides insights into the effectiveness of South Korea's multi-level strategies, including policy implementation, community engagement, and cultural factors, which could serve as a model for other nations.
How did socioeconomic factors influence preventive behaviors during the pandemic in South Korea?
The article examines how factors such as income, education, and access to resources affected individuals' ability to adhere to preventive measures.
What is the significance of social-ecological models in understanding COVID-19 behaviors?
The study underscores the importance of using social-ecological frameworks to analyze the complex interplay of individual, community, and societal factors in shaping health behaviors during the pandemic.
