The Reluctant Uptake of Social Distancing (SD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the Era of COVID-19: Insights from Theories of Behaviour and Behaviour Change

Social Distancing (SD) minimises physical contact between individuals in order to reduce infection spread and burden on the health system. In this discussion paper clarity on SD as used in public health is given, emphasising that it fosters social bonding from a distance through communication technologies. Also, information on the state-of-affairs of SD in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is provided, highlighting its widespread prescription and reluctant uptake. Further, the reasons for suboptimal uptake are explored and the way forward is suggested with main insights from the Theory of Triadic Influence (TTI), Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), and the Natural Helper Model (NHM).