In light of the current pandemic, specific measures have been implemented in social life. Most of them, such as wearing masks in public places, limiting groups, washing hands frequently, and social distancing, cause inconvenience for people, which results in resistance to them. As the attention to their implementation is of utmost importance in the present situation, the most effective ways of raising public awareness must be found. In this essay, I will discuss some of the possible measures to be introduced in public life in Philadelphia to decrease resistance and increase compliance among people.
For the maximum effect of the measures ensuring public behavior change, people’s general education is required; it has to be as well accompanied by teaching them new skills. As Knickman and Elbel (2019) argue, people need to “combine education and skill development,” knowing “not just why but how” (p. 161). As they discuss further, social media provides multiple possibilities for such education. At the same time, the information distributed online could be highly engaging, which raises the involvement of people and, therefore, the efficiency of such education. For example, the current issues could be broadcasted in the form of a movie or cartoon, or implemented in an advertisement; it could be presented as a joke or a game. In large cities, such as Philadelphia, social media is a powerful tool for influencing people and shaping public opinion.
Another aspect that could help health behavior change could be support for new habits in public life. Knickman and Elbel (2019) discuss introducing “cues and supports for healthy ones” (p. 161). In the context of the present situation, could be outlets selling masks and sanitizers, and road markers for maintaining the distance. To make wearing masks more attractive, especially for children and youth, they could be designed in an unusual way to make it a fashionable accessory.
In summary, finding possibilities to make new measures attractive could be the way to success in increasing compliance among Philadelphians that otherwise demonstrate resistance to the restrictions. Aiming for this, not only providing general health education but also creating a supportive social environment is required. As a result, new behavior patterns would start to be perceived not as a burden but as a fresh, and even fashionable way of life.
Reference
Knickman, J. R., & Elbel, B. (2019). Jonas and Kovner’s health care delivery in the United States (12th ed.). Springer.