Complying with hygiene recommendations during new influenza pandemics: The effects of situational changes and forewarning

Kok, G., Schaalma, H.P., Meyer, E. & Meertens, R., 2009. Complying with hygiene recommendations during new influenza pandemics: The effects of situational changes and forewarning. Psychology & Health, 24, supplement 1, p. 235.

New influenza pandemics are closer than ever since the Hong Kong flu. This study examines people's reactions to a new influenza pandemic, and the impact of changing pandemic courses and social influences on intention to comply with hygiene recommendations. In addition, we studied if intentions could be bolstered by forewarning messages. We conducted a scenario-based experiment (N = 375). Manipulations included pandemic course (high/low severity), descriptive norms (complying/non-complying public) and forewarning (yes/no). Dependent variables included intentions to comply, efficacy beliefs and risk perceptions. People show higher intentions to comply with recommendations when the pandemic turns out to be more severe, when others comply as well, and when they have received forewarning messages. Forewarning effects were mediated by trust in the message source (government) and perceived response efficacy. Governmental forewarning messages about pandemic courses and public reactions can bolster people's intentions to comply with hygiene recommendations regarding influenza pandemics.