Factors associated with adherence to self-isolation and lockdown measures in the UK; a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Smith Louise E. , Amlôt Richard , Lambert Helen , Oliver Isabel , Robin Charlotte , Yardley Lucy , James Rubin G 
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To investigate factors associated with adherence to self-isolation and lockdown measures due to COVID-19 in the UK.

Design

Online cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Data were collected between 6th and 7th May 2020.

Participants

2240 participants living in the UK aged 18 years or over. Participants were recruited from YouGov’s online research panel.

Main outcome measures

Having gone out in the last 24 hours in those who reported symptoms of COVID-19 in their household. Having gone out shopping for items other than groceries, toiletries or medicines (non-essentials), and total number of outings, in the last week in those who reported no symptoms of COVID-19 in their household.

Results

217 people (9.7%) reported that they or someone in their household had symptoms of COVID-19 (cough or high temperature / fever) in the last seven days. Of these people, 75.1% had left the home in the last 24 hours (defined as non-adherent). Factors associated with non-adherence were being male, less worried about COVID-19, and perceiving a smaller risk of catching COVID-19. Adherence was associated with having received help from someone outside your household. Results should be taken with caution as there was no evidence for associations when controlling for multiple analyses. Of people reporting no symptoms in the household, 24.5% had gone out shopping for non-essentials in the last week (defined as non-adherent). Factors associated with non-adherence and with a higher total number of outings in the last week included decreased perceived effectiveness of Government “lockdown” measures, decreased perceived severity of COVID-19, and decreased estimates of how many other people were following lockdown rules. Having received help was associated with better adherence.

Conclusions

Adherence to self-isolation is poor. As we move into a new phase of contact tracing and self-isolation, it is essential that adherence is improved. Communications should aim to increase knowledge about actions to take when symptomatic or if you have been in contact with a possible COVID-19 case. They should also emphasise the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 when out and about and the effectiveness of preventative measures. Using volunteer networks effectively to support people in isolation may promote adherence.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

The UK Government introduced “lockdown” measures, including physical or ‘social’ distancing, on 23rd March 2020 due to COVID-19.

Government guidance states that people with symptoms of COVID-19 should not leave their home, also known as self-isolation.

There is no research investigating adherence to self-isolation and lockdown measures, or factors associated with self-isolation or lockdown measures in the UK.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Approximately 10% of participants indicated that they had had symptoms of potential COVID-19 (cough and high temperature / fever) in the last week. Of these participants, 75% had left their home in the last 24 hours.

Factors associated with non-adherence to self-isolation measures included being male, less worried about COVID-19, and perceiving a smaller risk of catching COVID-19. However, these results should be taken with caution as there was no longer evidence for associations when correcting for multiple analyses.

25% of people who reported no symptoms in their household reported having gone out shopping for items other than groceries, toiletries or medicines in the last week; this was not allowed by Government guidelines in place at the time of data collection.

Factors associated with non-adherence to lockdown measures, and increased number of outings in the last week, included decreased perceived effectiveness of Government “lockdown” measures, decreased perceived severity of COVID-19, and decreased estimates of how many other people were following lockdown rules.