Investigating the Level of Quarantine Compliance among People in Close Contact With a Person Infected With COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background and aims: COVID-19 has emerged as a novel pandemic, emphasizing the crucial role of prevention and quarantine measures. Compliance with these measures becomes particularly important for individuals in close contact with COVID-19-infected individuals. This study aimed to investigate the level of quarantine compliance among individuals who had close contact with COVID-19 patients in Hamadan province, as well as identify predictors associated with compliance. Methods: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2022, involving 350 individuals who had close contact with COVID-19 patients in Hamadan province, Iran. A researcher-designed questionnaire was employed to gather participants’ demographic and clinical information, as well as their adherence to quarantine principles, through a 7-question assessment. The collected data were statistically analyzed using Stata software, version 16. Results: The study participants had a mean age of 40.23±12.91 years. The rate of good compliance with quarantine measures among individuals in close contact with COVID-19 patients was found was 58.66%. Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that men in close contact with COVID-19 patients had a 1.66 times higher chance of complying with quarantine compared to women (odds ratio [OR]=1.66, 95% CI=1.06, 2.56), P=0.025). Additionally, individuals over the age of 60 who had close contact with COVID-19 patients exhibited a 2.28 times higher chance of non-compliance with quarantine (OR=2.28, 95% CI=1.17, 4.45, P=0.015). Conclusion: Demographic characteristics could significantly influence compliance with quarantine principles among individuals in close contact with COVID-19 patients. Addressing these factors is crucial for effective health planning and patient education in the country.

Keywords

• close contact
• quarantine
• covid-19