Abstract

As part of its knowledge base on behaviour and infectious diseases, the RIVM has developed a questionnaire monitor for Pandemic Preparedness and Behaviour. The questionnaire includes questions about behaviours that are important in preventing and spreading infectious diseases. The knowledge brief describes the results from 2024, together with points of attention for policy and practice.

Good habits are beneficial because they do not need to be learned anew during a pandemic. At present, fewer than half of the study participants report that behavioural recommendations related to hygiene and isolation (such as handwashing and staying at home when ill) are habitual. Another point of concern is that two out of ten participants experience little social support, which makes it harder to rely on informal care. Informal care influences health outcomes both during a pandemic and in non-crisis times. In addition, more than one in three participants do not have a supply of food, drink and medication sufficient to last three days in an acute emergency situation.