Table 5 Summary of key recommendations to improve NPI adherence.

From: Characterization of non-adopters of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions through a national cross-sectional survey to assess attitudes and behaviours

Key topic

Suggestion

Targeted communication strategies

Communication strategies targeted towards demographics most likely to be non-adopters of NPIs may be most effective, including males, those aged 18–34, individuals with lower education levels and those with a higher conservative political leaning

Increasing individuals concern for COVID-19 infection

Individuals who have little concern regarding COVID-19 infection and disease are less likely to adopt NPIs, therefore messaging that increases concern may be effective

Clarity and consistency of messaging is a requirement to promote adoption

Studies have identified that if messaging is not clear or consistent, individuals have less confidence in that messaging source and are less likely to adhere to the message52,57,62,63

Messaging to highlight the effectiveness of NPIs

Individuals in the non-adopter cluster believed that NPIs were not effective in preventing COVID-19 transmission, therefore communication that highlights the efficacy of NPIs may be helpful in promoting their uptake

Improving trust in institutions

Institutions, particularly government and healthcare, need to increase the trust individuals have in them, in order to improve adherence to the messaging they are providing

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