Minjung Lee|Myoungsoon You
Effects of COVID-19 Emergency Alert Text Messages on Practicing Preventive Behaviors: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey in South Korea
Seoul National University|Seoul National University of Education|Seoul National University
background sending emergency messages via mobile phone text messaging promising communication tool rapidly disseminate information promote preventive behavior among public epidemic outbreaks battle overcome covid19 yet thus essential public practices preventive measures prevent spread covid19 objective study aimed investigate effectiveness reading obtaining information via emergency alert sms text messages effects individuals practice preventive behaviors early stages covid19 outbreak south korea methods crosssectional webbased survey comprising 990 participants conducted 3 days march 2527 2020 multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed sociodemographic factors might influence behavior reading emergency alert text messages hierarchical linear regression model estimated associations reading emergency alert text messages precautionary behavior practiced covid19 additionally indirect effects reading text messages precautionary behavior via psychological factors ie perceived risk response efficacy calculated data weighted according 2019 korea census data results overall 492 487990 participants reported always read emergency alert text messages visited linked website obtain information factors female sex odds ratio 168 95 ci 128221 older age 3039 years 202 95 ci 125328 4049 years 284 95 ci 180447 5059 years 319 95 ci 201506 60 years 312 95 ci 200486 versus 1829 years identified associated higher frequency reading text messages participants always read text messages practiced wearing facial masks 074 p01 frequently terms social distancing participants reported always read text messages avoided crowded places 078 p01 canceled postponed social gatherings 103 plt001 frequently read text messages furthermore reading text messages directly indirectly affected practicing precautionary behaviors mediation effect response efficacy reading text messages practicing preventive behaviors significant conclusions findings suggest emergency alert text messages sent individuals mobile phones timely effective strategies encouraging preventive behavior public sending emergency alert text messages provide public accurate reliable information could positively considered health authorities might reduce negative impact infodemics