Factors associated with non-adherence to preventive measures among adolescents and young people (19 to 29 years) during the three epidemiological waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

Background: Adherence to preventive measures was the primary strategy used by many countries to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while diagnostics, vaccines and the development of medicines were taking place. However, during the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, people aged 18 to 29 years reported higher prevalence of COVID-19 compared to other age groups. Reluctance to engage in preventive measures was suspected to be the main cause of infection in this group. This study aims to explore the social and psychological factors related with non-adherence to preventive measures in young people during the three epidemiological waves of the pandemic in Spain.

Methods: In the current study, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted to capture adherence to preventive measures in youth groups. The questions related to (I) sociodemographic and health factors; (II) COVID-19 preventive measures; (III) conspiracy theories (generic and specific); and (IV) motivations that enabled engagement in preventive measures. The data was collected from 100 participants aged between 18 to 29 years, 73% females and 27% males.

Results: A significant difference was found between adherence to preventive measures and gender in the study sample. Additionally, young people who believed in conspiracy theories were less likely to adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures. The majority of young people reported a lack of trust in the government. Additionally, adolescents and young people who engaged in more than two high-risk behaviours were more likely not to adhere to social distancing measures. Nevertheless, general adherence to preventive measures was high and young people felt social responsibility at this time.

Conclusions: Future public health interventions during mass epidemic events or pandemics should challenge beliefs in conspiracy theories, combat misinformation, improve community engagement and trust in the global and local emergency response and implement gender-specific interventions to increase adherence to preventive measures.