Adherence to quarantine protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19: the mediating effect of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations

Purpose Iloilo province was singled out as a model province in the Philippines because of its ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the factors that influenced Iloilo residents' adherence to quarantine protocols. Design/methodology/approach A total of 334 Iloilo residents joined the survey. Using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), the results suggest a significant impact of attitude on adherence to quarantine protocols, while subjective norm, self-efficacy and controllability were not significant. Findings This study suggests that attitude predicts adherence to quarantine protocols. Further, the results showed that intrinsic motivation mediated the relationship between (1) attitude and adherence to quarantine protocols and (2) subjective norm and adherence to quarantine protocols. This implies that intrinsic motivation such as staying alive can encourage a resident to adhere to quarantine protocols. Research limitations/implications Subsequent research should also consider how to mitigate the effects of similar public health crises in the future. Practical implications The study implies that intrinsic motivation such as staying alive can encourage a resident to follow quarantine protocol given this pandemic. Social implications Health campaigns can lead to a more favorable attitude toward quarantine protocols adherence. Given the value of subjective norm, campaigns can also frame quarantine protocols adherence as socially responsible behavior. This can be used to target provinces with the highest risk of infection within the population. These insights can be used by local government units (LGUs), media and other stakeholders to encourage residents to adhere to quarantine protocols. Originality/value This study provides insights that can be used by the LGUs, media and other stakeholders to encourage residents to follow quarantine protocols.