Determinants of personal protective measures use to prevent the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in early 2024, Canada: a cross-sectional study

This study explored how people in Canada make decisions regarding the use of personal protective measures (PPMs) to protect themselves and others from respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs). It examined patterns and perceptions of PPM use post-COVID-19 pandemic and potential determinants of ongoing PPM use. A cross-sectional survey with 6,611 respondents, selected from online panels to represent the Canadian population, was conducted in February 2024. Descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression models were used to describe and understand the potential determinants of PPM use. While PPMs were generally perceived as effective, their adoption varied. Hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes were common hygiene habits post-pandemic. Cleaning high-touch areas and improving ventilation had more barriers to uptake. Staying home when sick, while perceived as effective by almost all respondents, was reported by only two thirds of those sick in the past 3 months. Mask-wearing in indoor public settings was viewed as the least effective and least adopted PPM. In each tested PPM’s multivariate linear regression model (adjusted R 2 ranged from 0.216–0.407 across 6 models) several factors were associated with PPM use, with perceived effectiveness of PPMs ( p < 0.001) and concern with getting sick ( p < 0.001) consistently associated with most PPMs. Commonly cited reasons for not using PPMs included them not being mandatory and having barriers to their implementation. Results from this study can help inform supports and public health communication strategies for PPM use during current and future seasonal RID outbreaks and during pandemics.