Personal Protective Measures during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany

Objectives: The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and can only be contained if the majority of the population takes measures to protect themselves against infection. The present study aimed to investigate personal protective measures, their development over the course of the pandemic in Germany, and potential differences in behavior in terms of sex, age, and education.

Methods: Data from 20 waves of the serial cross-sectional study "BfR-Corona-Monitor" were analyzed. The total sample consisted of N = 20,317 respondents (about 1000 per wave). Data were collected through telephone surveys between June 2020 and March 2021.

Results: To protect themselves from infection, participants primarily relied on wearing covers for mouth and nose, keeping their distance from other individuals, and washing their hands thoroughly. Analyses over time showed a strong positive correlation between the number of measures taken and the national incidence rate. Sociodemographic differences also emerged, with women and those who are higher educated as well as younger respondents taking a higher number of protective measures.

Conclusions: Our results indicated that in times of greater infection risks, individuals adapted accordingly and took more protective measures. However, on the basis of sociodemographic differences, campaigns should especially focus on older individuals, the male sex, and those with lower education to enhance their protective behavior.