Effectiveness of a Point-of-Decision Prompt to Encourage Physical Distancing on Greenways and Rail-Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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| Title: | Effectiveness of a Point-of-Decision Prompt to Encourage Physical Distancing on Greenways and Rail-Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic. |
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| Authors: | Christiana, Richard W.1 (AUTHOR) christianarw@appstate.edu, Daily, Shay M.2 (AUTHOR), Bias, Thomas K.2 (AUTHOR), Haas, Vaike2 (AUTHOR), Dyer, Angela M.2 (AUTHOR), Shay, Elizabeth1 (AUTHOR), Hege, Adam1 (AUTHOR), Broce, Robert1 (AUTHOR), Venrick, Heather1 (AUTHOR), Abildso, Christiaan G.2 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Environment & Behavior. Jul2022, Vol. 54 Issue 6, p951-970. 20p. |
| Subject Terms: | Social distancing, Trails, COVID-19 pandemic, Infrared cameras, Public spaces, COVID-19 |
| Abstract: | Adherence to public health messaging recommending physical distancing in public outdoor spaces during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to promote physical distancing are currently unknown. This study examined the effectiveness of a point-of-decision prompt to increase physical distancing (maintaining at least 6 ft of distance) on greenways and rail-trails using systematic observation with passive infrared cameras. Results indicate that the intervention did not have a significant effect on interacting groups maintaining physical distance. However, groups maintaining physical distance increased from baseline (72%) to post-intervention (79%) and likelihood of maintaining physical distance at baseline and post-intervention was higher when: passing in the opposite direction compared to passing in the same direction; using 12-foot-wide trails compared to 10-foot-wide trails; and only one person was in each group. These results provide important implications for public health and parks and recreation professionals to promote physical distancing on multi-use trails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | GreenFILE |
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| Abstract: | Adherence to public health messaging recommending physical distancing in public outdoor spaces during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to promote physical distancing are currently unknown. This study examined the effectiveness of a point-of-decision prompt to increase physical distancing (maintaining at least 6 ft of distance) on greenways and rail-trails using systematic observation with passive infrared cameras. Results indicate that the intervention did not have a significant effect on interacting groups maintaining physical distance. However, groups maintaining physical distance increased from baseline (72%) to post-intervention (79%) and likelihood of maintaining physical distance at baseline and post-intervention was higher when: passing in the opposite direction compared to passing in the same direction; using 12-foot-wide trails compared to 10-foot-wide trails; and only one person was in each group. These results provide important implications for public health and parks and recreation professionals to promote physical distancing on multi-use trails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 00139165 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/00139165221114897 |
