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Interventions to promote physical distancing behaviour during infectious disease pandemics or epidemics: A systematic review

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kate SwainstonORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Objectives: Physical distancing, defined as keeping 1–2m apart when co-located, can prevent cases of droplet or aerosol transmitted infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, distancing was a recommendation or a requirement in many countries. This systematic review aimed to determine which interventions and behavior change techniques (BCTs) are effective in promoting adherence to distancing and through which potential mechanisms of action (MOAs). Methods: Six databases were searched. The review included studies that were (a) conducted on humans, (b) reported physical distancing interventions, (c) included any comparator (e.g., pre-intervention versus post-intervention; randomized controlled trial), and (d) reported actual distancing or predictors of distancing behavior. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. BCTs and potential MoAs were identified in each intervention. Results: Six articles (with seven studies and 19 comparisons) indicated that distancing interventions could successfully change MoAs and behavior. Successful BCTs (MoAs) included feedback on behavior (e.g., motivation); information about health consequences, salience of health consequences (e.g., beliefs about consequences), demonstration (e.g., beliefs about capabilities), and restructuring the physical environment (e.g., environmental context and resources). The most promising interventions were proximity buzzers, directional systems, and posters with loss-framed messages that demonstrated the behaviors. Conclusions: The evidence indicates several BCTs and potential MoAs that should be targeted in interventions and highlights gaps that should be the focus of future research.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Epton T, Ghio D, Ballard L, Allen S, Kassianos A, Hewitt R, Swainston K, Fynn WI, Rowland V, Westbrook J, Jenkinson E, Morrow A, McGeechan GJ, Stanescu S, Yousuf AA, Sharma N, Begum S, Karasouli E, Scanlan D, Shorter GW, Arden MA, Armitage CJ, O'Connor DB, Kamal A, McBride E, Swanson V, Hart J, Byrne-Davis L, Chater A, Drury J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Social Science & Medicine

Year: 2022

Volume: 303

Print publication date: 01/06/2022

Online publication date: 26/03/2022

Acceptance date: 22/03/2022

Date deposited: 18/10/2022

ISSN (print): 0277-9536

ISSN (electronic): 1873-5347

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114946

DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114946


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
ES/V005383/1

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