JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are effective tools for pandemic containment, but often impose significant socioeconomic consequences that intensify over time. Public support and compliance to NPIs are crucial to ensure their effectiveness.

Objective:

The present study aimed to elicit preferences of a Singaporean population for the re-introduction of NPIs during the emergence of a new virus variant during the COVID-19 endemic period.

Methods:

An online discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted. DCE attributes reflected key NPIs implemented in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, including mask wearing, dining restrictions, suspension of vocalisation activities and large-scale events, quarantine after international travel, and mandatory vaccine boosters. Participants were recruited from a demographically representative online panel. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed-logit model and mixed-mixed multinomial logit model.

Results:

A total of 1552 participants were included in the analysis. Overall preference from the mixed-logit model showed that mask-wearing was preferred, both in public and indoor. Dining restrictions allowing groups of up to five people were preferred, but stricter dining restrictions allowing up to two people or no dining out were not favoured. Prohibiting large-scale events was not preferred. Participants accepted quarantine at home but opposed quarantine in government facilities. Two classes emerged from the mixed-mixed logit model: Class 1 (Prefer NPIs) and Class 2 (Prefer No NPIs). While Class 1 (39%) was only opposed to a complete prohibition on dining in at F&B establishments, no NPIs were preferred by Class 2 (61%). Both classes were not opposed to mandatory mask wearing, dining restrictions allowing groups of up to five people, and mandatory vaccine boosters. Gender, age, education, employment, number of COVID-19 vaccine shots received, and risk attitude were associated with class membership.

Conclusions:

Following a prolonged period of restrictions, the reintroduction of less disruptive NPIs were preferred by the public during the emergence of a new virus variant. Elicited public preferences should be considered in the design and selection of NPIs for future pandemic containment strategies.