A regression discontinuity analysis of the social distancing recommendations for older adults in Sweden during COVID-19.
Eur J Public Health
; 32(5): 799-806, 2022 10 03.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35962987
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This article investigates the impact of a non-mandatory and age-specific social distancing recommendation on isolation behaviours and disease outcomes in Sweden during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March to July 2020). The policy stated that people aged 70 years or older should avoid crowded places and contact with people outside the household.METHODS:
We used a regression discontinuity design-in combination with self-reported isolation data from COVID Symptom Study Sweden (n = 96â053; age range 39-79 years) and national register data (age range 39-100+ years) on severe COVID-19 disease (hospitalization or death, n = 21â804) and confirmed cases (n = 48â984)-to estimate the effects of the policy.RESULTS:
Our primary analyses showed a sharp drop in the weekly number of visits to crowded places (-13%) and severe COVID-19 cases (-16%) at the 70-year threshold. These results imply that the age-specific recommendations prevented approximately 1800-2700 severe COVID-19 cases, depending on model specification.CONCLUSIONS:
It seems that the non-mandatory, age-specific recommendations helped control COVID-19 disease during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, as opposed to not implementing a social distancing policy aimed at older adults. Our study provides empirical data on how populations may react to non-mandatory, age-specific social distancing policies in the face of a novel virus.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
COVID-19
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Public Health
Asunto de la revista:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Año:
2022
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suecia