The Effect of Working-based Individual Protective Behaviors (WIPB) on COVID-19 Mortality in North-West of Iran: A Case-Control Study

Background: Given the global emergency for COVID-19 infections, only Working-based Individual Protective Behaviors (WIPB) such as health behaviors are emphasized as the most important obstacle in spreading the disease. This study aimed to determine the effect of WIPB on COVID-19 mortality. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 3088 people (case=1955, control=1133) of the northwest of Iran, Ardabil. Data for infected society people as a case group was collected from medical records retrospectively, and for the control group (noninfected) was obtained from the comprehensive health care system. A designed questionnaire was used to identify WIPB in the Ardabil population during the COVID-19 epidemic. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used in STATA version 16. Results: The results showed that most patients with COVID-19 in the control group belonged to the Unemployed/Housewives occupational group (27.6%), and the lowest was related to the police officers (2.2%) and transport workers (2.3%). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of sociodemographic factors (p<0.001). Inpatients had used masks, gloves, and disinfectants in the last 14 days by 66.2%, 35.3%, and 44.1%, respectively. There was a significant difference between case and control groups in terms of using a mask (p=0.004), contacting, traveling, and participating in public gatherings (p<0.001). Conclusions: By increasing WIPBs and teaching how to properly observe such behaviors, including the proper use of masks, disinfectants, and gloves in society, as well as intensifying quarantine by preventing gatherings, the incidence and prevalence of COVID-19 can be reduced.