During the COVID-19 pandemic, most Arkansans wore masks and washed their hands regularly to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, fewer Arkansas limited social interactions, according to a study conducted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Office of Community Health & Research.

The study, “Relationship Between Sociodemographic Factors, Perceived COVID-19 Risk and Engagement with Health Protective Behaviors,” which was published in the Southern Medical Journal, analyzed protective health measures Arkansans engaged in during the summer of 2020 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Of the 1,205 participants surveyed, about 97% reported that they commonly wore a face covering in public and washed their hands. However, only 66% of survey participants reported that they would ask friends or family not to visit during the pandemic, and about 72% said they would stay home if they were not feeling ill. Researchers noted that the survey was distributed after a mask mandate was issued in the state of Arkansas.

The research made four key findings pertaining to demographic differences in levels of preventative measures:

• Older Arkansans took preventative measures more often than younger adults.
• Women took preventative measures more often than men.
• Black Arkansans took preventative measures more often than other racial groups.
• College degree holders or higher with high incomes took preventative measures more often than lower education levels and incomes.

Read the full article from UAMS News here.