Predictive factors of non-pharmacological measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 contagion: Results of a large adult Spanish sample from the PSY-COVID study

Aim: the objective of the study was to identify the factors that predicted the intention to carry out coronavirus infection prevention behaviors in the Spanish population during the first wave of the pandemic, a time when the vaccines were in the development phase and the containment of the pandemic depended on non-pharmacological measures. Method: a cross-sectional study (PSY-COVID) was carried out based on an online form that contained instruments for possible predictor variables of seven prevention behaviors, based on a non-probabilistic sampling of 17725 Spanish adults. Results: self-efficacy and outcome expectations related to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) preventive behaviors, as well as the interaction of perceived severity with both personal vulnerability and actual adherence, appeared as the main predictive variables of the intention to carry out preventive behaviors against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Slight, but significant differences were observed in behavioral intentions among Spanish autonomous communities, probably linked to differences in the impact of the pandemic in each territory. Conclusion: It is necessary to implement consistent communications that allow for the development of appropriate expectations and encourage adherence to preventive behaviors, as well as recognizing regional disparities in preventive behaviors and their causes to promote compliance.