Background: Public perceptions and personal characteristics are heterogeneous between countries and subgroups, which may have different impacts on health-protective behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To assess whether self-reported perceptions of COVID-19 and personal characteristics are associated with protective behaviors among general adults and to compare patterns in six different countries. Methods: : We conducted this study based on a cross-sectional online survey between 15 and 23 April 2020 across six countries (China, Italy, Japan, Korea, UK, and US). A total of 5,945 adults aged 18 years or older was eligible for our analysis. Logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between personal characteristics, public perception for COVID-19, and three recommended behaviors (wearing a mask, handwashing, and avoiding social gatherings). Results: : In most countries, the participants who perceived the preventive behaviors as being extremely effective to curtail the pandemic were more likely to take each preventive behavior. The associations between personal characteristics, living environment, psychological status, and preventive behaviors varied across different countries. Individuals who changed their behavior because of recommendations from doctors/public health officials were more likely to take preventive behaviors in many countries. Conclusions: : These findings suggest that higher perceived effectiveness may be a common factor to encourage preventive behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results may provide a better understanding of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of factors related to preventive behaviors and improve public health policies in various countries and groups.
Public Perceptions, Individual Characteristics, and Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 in Six Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study