Authors

• Saurio, Kaisa (University of Helsinki)
• Hankonen, Nelli (University of Helsinki)
• Heino, Matti (University of Helsinki)
• Pietilä, Meri (University of Helsinki)
• Gjalt-Jorn, Peters (Open University of the Netherlands)
• Turunen, Piia (University of Helsinki)

Keywords

COVID-19, bacterial and virus diseases, health, human behaviour, protective masks, public health, vaccination

Abstract

The survey studied protective behaviour during the coronavirus epidemic in Finland. The survey investigated the protective measures (e.g. minimising contact with others, using face masks, vaccination) the respondents took in everyday life to protect themselves from COVID-19, as well as their attitudes towards the protective measures.

The first set of questions focused on minimising contacts. The respondents were asked how much contact they had had in the last 7 days with people who were not part of their own household and whether the respondent was currently in quarantine.

The use of face masks during leisure time was surveyed by asking how often the respondents had worn face masks indoors when in the company of individuals who were not part of their own household during the last 7 days. The type of face masks used (e.g. fabric face mask, disposable face mask, certified face mask such as a surgical face mask) and whether the respondents reused disposable face masks were examined. The respondents were also asked whether they intended to use face masks in the next 7 days when visiting shops, cafes, restaurants, meeting non-household members indoors, taking part in indoor sports activities, and using public transportation. Additionally, the survey charted whether face mask use had become automatic for respondents in public spaces and whether they would continue to use face masks during flu seasons once the use of masks was no longer recommended to combat the coronavirus epidemic.

Next, the respondents were surveyed on how wearing a face mask during their leisure time had affected them. The respondents were, for example, asked whether they felt that wearing a mask affected their risk of contracting COVID-19 and their sense of community. They were also asked whether wearing the mask affected their ability to take in oxygen, whether wearing a mask felt uncomfortable or distressing, and whether it increased their sense of responsibility or security. Norms regarding mask use were examined with questions on whether the respondent felt that different groups (e.g. the authorities, risk group members, family and friends) thought that the respondent should wear a face mask in their free time. The respondents were also asked whether anything (e.g. unwillingness to spend money on face masks, peer pressure to not wear a mask, trouble breathing when using a face mask) had significantly prevented or impeded their use of face masks.

The next questions concerned contracting COVID-19. The respondents were asked how effective they thought various protective measures (e.g. hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser, face mask use, maintaining safe distances) were in stopping the spread of coronavirus. The respondents were also asked to rate how likely they thought it was that they would contract coronavirus during their leisure time in the next month and how much they felt they could influence the spread of coronavirus through their own actions. In relation to the importance of protective measures, the respondents were, for example, asked why they took protective measures, and whether they felt that taking action against the spread of the virus was in line with their values or contributed to a sense of belonging.

Finally, questions were asked about the number of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine the respondent had received, the likelihood that the respondent had already had a COVID-19 infection, whether the respondent belonged to a risk group, and whether they had been tested for COVID-19 previously. The respondents were also asked how necessary they felt it was to follow measures such as wearing a mask and maintaining safe distances before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, after receiving the first dose of the vaccine, and after receiving two doses of the vaccine.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions of residence, municipality of residence, education level, occupational status, household composition, household's gross annual income, and type of accommodation.