Likelihood of Quarantine Compliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Midwest U.S.: Implications for Future Interventions

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the crucial role of quarantine measures in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, especially during public health emergencies. However, compliance with quarantine measures was inconsistent, and little is known about the predictors of adherence in community settings. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the predictors of individuals to maintain quarantine among adults in Missouri. Methods This study used data from a cross-sectional survey, and the sample included 1,717 Missouri residents aged 18 and over. Data were analyzed using t-test and chi-squared tests to assess independence, and an adjusted multinomial logistic regression was constructed to understand the impact of predictors on the self-reported history of COVID-19 infection and subsequent quarantine behaviors. Results Approximately 34.3% of respondents participating in the study indicated that they had to undergo quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19, either voluntarily or as instructed by a healthcare professional or public health department authority. Younger, non-white individuals, parents of children under 18, those with higher incomes, and front-line workers were more likely to report quarantining than others. Discussion These findings can help better understand conditions in which individuals are more likely to quarantine during health exposures and infections. While this was an examination during the first year of COVID-19, responding to other infectious diseases that necessitate quarantining may use these results as a guide for supporting this type of intervention strategy. Investigating the enhancement of health policies, messaging, and communication can help refine future communication strategies for future health emergencies.