Adherence to social distancing measures in southern Brazil, 2020/2021: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to analyze the frequency of adherence to social distancing and individual protection measures of adult and older populations in two cities in southern Brazil and to characterize the sociodemographic aspects of these individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted in the cities of Rio Grande, RS, and Criciúma, SC, Brazil. The outcome measure was the frequency of adherence to social distancing measures. Fisher's exact test (5% significance) was used to calculate the differences in prevalence according to exposure variables. Results: Among the 2,170 participants over the age of 18, the prevalence of adherence to social distancing was 18.5%. Adherence was significantly higher among women; older adults; single, divorced, or widowed people with a low educational level; people of lower socioeconomic status; and people affected by multiple chronic diseases. Conclusion: Approximately one in five respondents adhered to measures of social distancing, and adherence was more prevalent among the risk groups.

Keywords

• Physical distancing
• Behavior
• COVID-19
• Coronavirus infections
• Pandemics
• Public health surveillance