Abstract
For some people a health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has more severe consequences than for others. Those who experience the most consequences often have a vulnerable societal position.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has performed a literature search on adherence of behavioural measures among people in a vulnerable position. For most of these groups, information on adherence was lacking. Information was found specifically on people with a migration background, homeless people, elderly (with dementia), and people with physical or mental health problems. This information was focused on adherence of measures and advices on wearing masks, social distancing (including isolation or quarantine) and testing in case of COVID-19 symptoms.
Adherence varied for each group and study. However, there generally is no evidence that people in a vulnerable position did not try to adhere to behavioural measures and advice. However, adherence seemed to be more difficult for them than for people from the general population.
People with a migration background for example experienced more problems because of unclear information. Also, due to their living, work and financial situation, they for example lacked locations for isolation. The latter also accounted for homeless people.
People with mental health problems seemed to adhere to the measures less frequently or shorter than other people. Distrust in government or in the behavioural measures seemed to play a role in this.
Adherence also seemed to be lower among elderly with dementia. This seemed to be related to their lower awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their illness. People with physical health problems seemed to adhere to the measure more frequently than people from the general population.
RIVM has performed this research to be better prepared for a next pandemic. For this it is important to gain more insight into what works for whom, what doesn’t work, and why. With this information policy makers can anticipate on possibilities to support people in a vulnerable position in adherence. This will enable all to protect themselves and will prevent virus transmission as much as possible.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has performed a literature search on adherence of behavioural measures among people in a vulnerable position. For most of these groups, information on adherence was lacking. Information was found specifically on people with a migration background, homeless people, elderly (with dementia), and people with physical or mental health problems. This information was focused on adherence of measures and advices on wearing masks, social distancing (including isolation or quarantine) and testing in case of COVID-19 symptoms.
Adherence varied for each group and study. However, there generally is no evidence that people in a vulnerable position did not try to adhere to behavioural measures and advice. However, adherence seemed to be more difficult for them than for people from the general population.
People with a migration background for example experienced more problems because of unclear information. Also, due to their living, work and financial situation, they for example lacked locations for isolation. The latter also accounted for homeless people.
People with mental health problems seemed to adhere to the measures less frequently or shorter than other people. Distrust in government or in the behavioural measures seemed to play a role in this.
Adherence also seemed to be lower among elderly with dementia. This seemed to be related to their lower awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic due to their illness. People with physical health problems seemed to adhere to the measure more frequently than people from the general population.
RIVM has performed this research to be better prepared for a next pandemic. For this it is important to gain more insight into what works for whom, what doesn’t work, and why. With this information policy makers can anticipate on possibilities to support people in a vulnerable position in adherence. This will enable all to protect themselves and will prevent virus transmission as much as possible.
| Translated title of the contribution | Adherence of behavioural COVID-19 measures by people in a vulnerable position; lessons learned for pandemic preparedness |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Publisher | RIVM |
| Number of pages | 68 |
| Volume | RIVM rapport 2023-0320 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Feb 2024 |