Background. Complete adherence to public health guidelines is essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Studies on the factors associated with increased/decreased adherence to these measures have the potential to inform public policies directed at increasing adherence and thus helping to control the spread of the current pandemic.

Aim. This study aimed at assessing the demographic and psychosocial predictors of the perceived risk of the COVID-19 and adherence to confinement guidelines during the first mandatory lockdown in Portugal.

Methods. A convenience sample of 430 adults living in Portugal between March 19th and May 2nd, 2020 completed an online survey asking participants about the perceived risk of the COVID-19 and adherence to confinement guidelines. Participants also completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and measures of psychological function. Multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results. Teleworking and Risk and COVID-19 controllability were significant predictors of the perceived risk of COVID-19 as measured by the perceived risk of being infected with COVID-19. Teleworking participants and those perceiving COVID-19 as less controllable reported a higher perceived risk of being infected with COVID-19 than those who were not in telework and of perceived COVID-19 as a controllable condition. Adherence to confinement guidelines was predicted by the mental health status and perceived risk of COVID-19, with participants reporting worse mental health status and those reporting to perceived COVID-19 as a dangerous condition, and with trusting the public health system more reporting greater adherence to confinement guidelines.

Conclusions The results of this study will be discussed in light of their implications to public health policymaking to promote adherence to public health policies and national health authorities' recommendations.

Autores/as: Margarida Jarego, Elisabet Sánchez-Rodríguez, Antonella Ciaramella, Jordi Miró, José Pais-Ribeiro & Alexandra Ferreira-Valente