Elsevier

Public Health

Volume 191, February 2021, Pages 11-16
Public Health

Original Research
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 antibody screening on participants' attitudes and behaviour: a study of industry workers in Split, Croatia

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2020.12.001Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Effects of negative serological test results for SARS-CoV-2 on attitudes and behaviour.

  • High adherence to protective measures was reported before and after the test.

  • Low level of fear from infection was reported before and after the test.

  • Changes were statistically significant but did not result in irresponsible behaviour.

  • Participants did not attribute their behaviour to the serological test results.

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the changes in personal attitudes and behaviour before and after negative serological test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies.

Study design

Cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was conducted with 200 industry workers (68% males and 32% females) who had previously tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The survey examined participants' self-reported general attitudes towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), their sense of fear, as well as their behaviour towards protective measures before and after the testing.

Results

Participants perceived the disease as a severe health threat and acknowledged that the protective measures were appropriate. Respondents reported a high level of adherence to measures and low level of fear, both before and after the testing. Although these indicators were statistically significantly reduced after the test (P < 0.004), they did not result in irresponsible non-adherence behaviours. Almost all respondents attributed their application of personal protection measures to factors other than the results of serological screening.

Conclusions

Serological tests do not contribute to irresponsible non-adherence behaviours in an environment where protective measures are efficient. However, they may help reduce fear within society and working environments.

Keywords

SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Serological immunoassay
Personal attitudes
Behaviour
Industry workers

Cited by (0)

e

These authors contributed equally.

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