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This report looks into adherence to SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control measures put in place in Belgium. The authors conducted a panel-based internet survey, addressing a sample of respondents representative for the adult Belgian population in terms of age, sex, region and socio-economic status. They also measured the actual and planned level of implementation of measures in place during data collection, as well as knowledge level. They also collected variables on various demographic, socio-economic and health-related characteristics of respondents, in order to identify potential risk factors for low adherence.

The results show that the overall level of adherence among respondents was high, and each of the measures in place received a score of at least 4 on a range of 1-5 in terms of past and future implementation. Vulnerability and perceived severity of COVID-19 were not associated with future implementation. In contrast, perceived usefulness (response efficacy) and perceived ease to implement as measure (self-efficacy) were strongly associated with implementation. Although overall adherence in Belgium is high, there are certain subgroups of the population that have lower levels of adherence, risk perception and knowledge on measures. It is important to address these groups with targeted communication, in order to increase their involvement.