The state of pandemic preparedness in four European countries

Abstract One of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that monitoring determinants and behaviour can improve policy and communication strategies. To improve countries’ capacity to respond in a hot phase of a pandemic and build a resilient society, suitable monitoring in a cold phase of various behaviours and determinants that could become important in future pandemics is key. In March 2024 we launched the first round of the Pandemic Preparedness and Behaviour (PPb) survey in four European member states: Spain, Slovenia, Ireland and The Netherlands (N = ∼1000 per country). In this presentation we start by showing key findings. For example, we found that overall, approximately one third of participants believe their government is prepared if a new pandemic would occur next month. Next, we discuss similarities. For example, we find that in all four countries, perceived preparedness of self is higher than perceived preparedness of one’s government. We also address key differences, such as distinct patterns in perceived risk of a highly contagious outbreak in the next 5 years (whereas in Spain 26% perceives of participants an outbreak as probable, this is 43% in Slovenia) or differences in self-reported adherence to hygiene behaviours (i.e. handwashing after coughing or sneezing in elbow is markedly higher in the Slovenian sample than in the Netherlands). Next, we explore which determinants of these patterns are generalisable, and which are specific to two of the four countries: Spain and Slovenia. We follow up by comparing insights for policy and practice in their given contexts, as well as lessons learned with respect to use and development of the monitor. We conclude that monitoring individual behaviours and its determinants helps to develop joint efforts in developing effective public health policies across Europe regarding pandemic preparedness.