Major influencing factors of high public compliance behavior in China during regular prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic: a random forest model analysis

  Objective   To examine the public′s high compliance behavior and its major influencing factors under regular prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic for promoting the epidemic control-related high compliance behavior and developing strategies on regular management of the epidemic control in China.

  Methods  An online voluntary anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted during August 3 – 13, 2020 among 19 132 adult residents (≥ 18 years old) in 31 provincial level administrative regions across China. Descriptive statistics, χ² test, logistic regression and random forest model were adopted in analyses on the data collected.

  Results   High compliance behaviors were reported by 49.6% of the respondents; the proportions of respondents were 58.2%, 49.1%, and 46.9% for reporting persistent compliance with wearing a mask, not participating in public gathering, and avoiding unnecessary going-out. The results of random forest model analysis revealed that major factors promoting high compliance behaviors were altruism, health needs, government norms, knowledge, self-discipline, group pressure, and perceived severity in a descending order of effect intensity. Major factors hindering high compliance behaviors included physical discomfort, psychological fatigue, and material consumption, which were reported by 81.1%, 74.9%, and 51.7% of the respondents, respectively.

  Conclusion   The compliance with regular prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic needs to be improved in the public in China and altruism is the most important factor influencing the compliance. Specific measures should be developed by relevant departments among various populations to promote the compliance.