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Risk perception and compliance with quarantine during the SARS outbreak
Maureen A Cava1, Krissa E Fay, Heather J Beanlands
1Toronto Public Health, 277 Victoria Street, 9th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 1W2. mcava@toronto.ca
Summary
Quarantined individuals experienced fear and denial regarding SARS risk. While quarantine orders were followed, household protocols were inconsistently applied, highlighting the need for credible public health communication.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak necessitated public health interventions, including quarantine.
- Understanding the lived experience of quarantine is crucial for effective disease containment strategies.
- The relationship between perceived risk and adherence to public health mandates requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the experiences of individuals subjected to quarantine during the SARS outbreak.
- To examine the association between perceived personal risk of contracting SARS and compliance with quarantine orders and protocols.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, qualitative research design was employed.
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals quarantined during the 2003 Toronto SARS outbreak.
- Thematic analysis involved iterative reading, theme identification, and data comparison.
Main Results:
- Participants exhibited fluctuating levels of fear and denial concerning their risk of SARS infection or transmission.
- High compliance rates were reported for the official quarantine order.
- Adherence to in-household quarantine protocols was notably uneven among participants.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced credibility in public health communication is essential for improving compliance with quarantine protocols.
- Effective communication strategies are vital for containing outbreaks of novel and dangerous infectious diseases.
- Addressing the psychological impact of quarantine, including risk perception, can bolster public health efforts.