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. 2020 Dec;12(4):1224-1243.
doi: 10.1111/aphw.12242. Epub 2020 Oct 13.

Adherence to the Physical Distancing Measures during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A HAPA-Based Perspective

Melanie Beeckman  1 , Annick De Paepe  1 , Maité Van Alboom  1 , Sarah Maes  1 , Aline Wauters  1 , Fleur Baert  1 , Ama Kissi  1 , Elke Veirman  1 , Dimitri M L Van Ryckeghem  1   2   3 , Louise Poppe  1
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Adherence to the Physical Distancing Measures during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A HAPA-Based Perspective

Melanie Beeckman et al. Appl Psychol Health Well Being. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic requires massive and rapid behavior change. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) describes personal determinants that play a key role in behavior change. This study investigated whether these determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (i.e. keeping 1.5 m physical distance and staying at home). Decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were explored as barriers to adherence.

Methods: Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted among adults in Belgium. The first survey (N = 2,379; March 2020) focused on adherence to physical distancing measures. The second survey (N = 805; April 2020) focused on difficulty with, and perseverance in, adhering to these measures. Linear regression models were fitted to examine associations with HAPA determinants, psychosocial well-being, and social support.

Results: Self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, intention, action planning, and coping planning were related to adhering to, difficulty with, and perseverance in, adhering to physical distancing measures. Decreased psychosocial well-being and lack of social support were related to more difficulties with adhering to physical distancing and lower perseverance.

Conclusions: Health action process approach determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures. Future work could design HAPA-based interventions to support people in adhering to these measures.

Keywords: COVID-19; HAPA; physical distancing; psychosocial well-being; social support.

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