COVID-19 Infection Status Linked to Long-Term Decrease in Protective Behaviors

Strategic Insights -

As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been working tirelessly to understand the lingering effects of the virus on human behavior. A recent study published in the journal PLOS One has shed light on the association between COVID-19 infection status and future use of protective behaviors among adults in Los Angeles.

The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Southern California (USC), analyzed data from 676 adults who completed questionnaires in May 2021 and January 2023 as part of the Los Angeles Pandemic Surveillance Cohort Study. The researchers found that self-reported asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection was associated with less social distancing, mask wearing, and lower perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 at follow-up.

The study's findings are concerning, as they suggest that individuals who have experienced mild COVID-19 infections may be less likely to engage in protective behaviors over the long term. This decrease in protective behaviors can have serious consequences, particularly in the event of future pandemics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant decline in the use of protective behaviors, including social distancing, mask wearing, and hand washing from baseline to follow-up.
  • Self-reported asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection was associated with less social distancing (aOR=0.57, 95% CI [0.35, 0.92]), less mask wearing (aOR=0.63, 95% CI [0.40, 0.99]), and lower perceived susceptibility (a beta = -0.17, 95% CI [-0.33, -0.02]) at follow-up.
  • Moderate or severe COVID-19 infection was associated with less mask wearing (aOR=0.55, 95% CI [0.38, 0.81]).
  • Perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 mediated 15% of the effect of mild COVID-19 infection on mask wearing (indirect effect a beta = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.31, -0.02]).

Statistics:

  • 676 adults were included in the study.
  • The study found a significant decline in the use of protective behaviors, with 55% of participants reporting a decrease in mask wearing and 60% reporting a decrease in social distancing.
  • The researchers found a association between self-reported asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infection and a decrease in protective behaviors (aOR=0.63, 95% CI [0.40, 0.99]).
  • Perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 was a significant mediator of the effect of mild COVID-19 infection on mask wearing (indirect effect a beta = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.31, -0.02]).

Sources:

  • "Associations Between Covid-19 Infection, Symptom Severity, Perceived Susceptibility, and Long-term Adherence To Protective Behaviors: the Los Angeles Pandemic Surveillance Cohort Study." PLOS One, 2025;20(6).
  • NewsRx. Researchers from University of Southern California (USC) Report Recent Findings in COVID-19 (Associations Between Covid-19 Infection, Symptom Severity, Perceived Susceptibility, and Long-term Adherence To Protective Behaviors: the Los Angeles ...). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. July 13, 2025; p 360.