Poor air passenger knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and behaviour undermines strategies aimed at preventing the import of SARS-CoV-2 into the UK

David. L. Jones; Jennifer M. Rhymes; Emma Green; Charlotte Rimmer; Jessica L. Kevill; Shelagh K. Malham; Andrew J. Weightman; Kata Farkas

doi:10.1038/s41598-023-30654-4

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Poor air passenger knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and behaviour undermines strategies aimed at preventing the import of SARS-CoV-2 into the UK

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Poor air passenger knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and behaviour undermines strategies aimed at preventing the import of SARS-CoV-2 into the UK

David. L. Jones, Jennifer M. Rhymes, Emma Green, Charlotte Rimmer, Jessica L. Kevill, Shelagh K. Malham, Andrew J. Weightman and Kata Farkas

Scientific reports, Vol.13(1), 3494

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-30654-4

PMID: 36859503

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Abstract

Multidisciplinary Sciences

Science & Technology

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Air travel mediates transboundary movement of SARS-CoV-2. To prepare for future pandemics, we sought to understand air passenger behaviour and perceived risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study of UK adults (n = 2103) quantified knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, perceived health risk of contracting COVID-19, likelihood of returning to the UK with COVID-19 symptoms, likelihood to obey self-quarantining guidelines, how safe air travellers felt when flying during the pandemic (n = 305), and perceptions towards face covering effectiveness.Overall knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms was poor. Men and younger age groups (18-44) were less informed than women and older age groups (44 +). A significant proportion (21%) of the population would likely travel back to the UK whilst displaying COVID-19 symptoms with many expressing that they would not fully comply with self-isolation guidelines. Overall, males and younger age groups had a reduced perceived personal risk from contracting COVID-19, posing a higher risk of transporting SARS-CoV-2 back to the UK. Poor passenger knowledge and behaviour undermines government guidelines and policies aimed at preventing SARS-CoV-2 entry into the UK. This supports the need for stricter, clearer and more targeted guidelines with point-of-departure viral testing and stricter quarantining upon arrival.

Details

Title: Poor air passenger knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms and behaviour undermines strategies aimed at preventing the import of SARS-CoV-2 into the UK
Authors/Creators: David. L. Jones - Bangor University
Jennifer M. Rhymes - Bangor University
Emma Green - Bangor University
Charlotte Rimmer - Bangor University
Jessica L. Kevill - Bangor University
Shelagh K. Malham - Bangor University
Andrew J. Weightman - Cardiff University
Kata Farkas - Bangor University
Publication Details: Scientific reports, Vol.13(1), 3494
Publisher: NATURE PORTFOLIO
Number of pages: 12
Identifiers: 991005597069307891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.104 Virology - General; 1.104.2777 Vaccine Hesitancy
Web Of Science research areas: Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
ESI research areas: Social Sciences, general