Does capability, opportunity, and motivation predict intentions to repeat self-isolation if required? An analysis of a national telephone survey with contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wales.

ObjectiveSelf-isolation is a key strategy to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. This study examined whether capability, opportunity, and motivation significantly predicted intentions to self-isolate again amongst COVID-19 contacts. DesignA cross-sectional survey was completed with 1,011 participants of the Contact Adherence Behavioural Insights Survey (CABINS), a larger within-subjects study. CABINS was a 15-minute telephone survey conducted with contacts of cases of COVID-19, identified through the national NHS Wales Test Trace Protect database between 12th September and 22nd October, 2020. Main Outcome MeasuresDeterminants of intention to self-isolate were derived from the British Psychological Society’s guidance on self-isolation and the COM-B model. Measures included intention to self-isolate again if required, and items related to psychological capability, physical and social opportunity, and reflective and automatic motivation.ResultsResults of a binary logistic regression indicated three significant predictors of self-isolate intent: (1) knowledge and understanding about self-isolation; (2) making plans to prepare for self-isolation; and (3) beliefs about the effectiveness of self-isolation. ConclusionThis study suggests that an increase in aspects of psychological capability and reflective motivation are associated with increases in self-isolation intent. Future pandemics or outbreaks of disease should target these factors prior to individuals self-isolating.