Intervention made possible by WhatsApp® to promote adherence to preventive measures in the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study

Keywords: Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, Prevention of Diseases, Protective factors, SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

To analyze the potential efficacy of sending validated messages (text and images) via WhatsApp® in promoting adherence to the use of masks and social distancing and to evaluate its association with the sociodemographic variables. This is a study with a quasi-experimental design, of the pre and post test type. 132 participants were enrolled and followed up for 60 days. Validated messages were sent weekly along with the forms referring to adherence. At the end of the intervention, they answered the survey satisfaction questionnaire. Descriptive analyzes and tests were carried out to compare measures of adherence to mask use and social distancing. The findings of this study demonstrated the positive impact of the intervention in sending validated messages via WhatsApp® on adherence to the use of masks and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention proposed in this study has potential efficacy for adherence to preventive measures against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and constitutes a valuable tool for health professionals to act in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Biographies

Beatriz Souza Fortunato da Silva, Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Português
Nathalia Malaman Galhardi, Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Aluna de Doutorado do Programa de Pós-graduação da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Rafaela Batista dos Santos Pedrosa, Universidade Estadual de Campinas
Professora Doutora da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Estadual de Campinas

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Published
2023-09-30
Section
Artigos Originais