Public Health in Practice (Jun 2025)
Barriers and drivers influencing people's behaviour towards COVID-19 public health and social measures in the Netherlands
Abstract
Background: The disease burden of COVID-19 infection, morbidity, and mortality was unevenly distributed across different population subgroups. A one-size-fits-all approach may not reach all groups. Identifying barriers and drivers that influence behaviour towards COVID-19 public health and social measures (PHSM) is an important step when designing tailored interventions. Using the WHO Tailoring Health Programmes (THP) approach, we performed a situation analysis. The objectives were to identify population subgroups; gain an overview of barriers and drivers to COVID-19 PHSM among subgroups; and interventions and research initiated in the Netherlands. Study design: A literature scan, interviews and a meeting with experts were held. Methods: Results were categorised according to the capability, opportunity, and motivation to understand COVID-19 PHSM behaviour. Results: Different population subgroups have been studied regarding their barriers and drivers for uptake and adherence to COVID-19 PHSM, such as (older) migrant communities. Barriers include language barriers, mis- and disinformation and distrust. Drivers include protecting others and oneself. Network ties play a role, as a barrier and driver. Forty-five interventions and research projects were identified. Several revealed the importance of involving key figures. A lack of monitoring and evaluation of interventions during the pandemic was acknowledged by experts. Conclusions: The situation analysis reveals that knowledge of the most prevalent barriers and drivers between underserved groups and how to address them with targeted (cost) effective interventions is lacking. With this THP project we aim to develop new or improve existing interventions addressing behaviours towards PHSM among a prioritised population group informed by evidence-based behavioural insights.
