Demographic, structural, and psychological predictors of risk-increasing and mask wearing behaviors among US adults between December 2020–March 2021

To assess demographic, structural, and psychological predictors of risk-increasing and risk-decreasing behaviors This study used data from an online longitudinal, three-wave COVID-19 survey (12/20–03/21) regarding the behaviors, attitudes, and experiences of US Veteran (n = 584) and non-Veteran (n = 346) adults. Inability to get groceries delivered emerged as the strongest predictor of more frequent risk-increasing behavior across all timepoints. Other consistent predictors of more frequent risk-increasing behavior and less frequent mask wearing included less worry about getting COVID-19, disbelief in science, belief in COVID-19 conspiracies, and negative perceptions of the state response. No demographic factor consistently predicted risk-increasing behavior or mask wearing, though different demographic predictors emerged for more frequent risk-increasing behaviors (e.g., lower health literacy) and mask-wearing (e.g., older age and urban residence) at certain timepoints. The most frequently endorsed reasons for having contact with others concerned health-related (food, medical care, and exercise) and social needs (seeing friends/family and boredom). These findings highlight key individual-level determinants of risk-increasing behaviors and mask wearing which encompass demographic, structural, and psychological factors. Findings can support public health experts and health communicators promote engagement with risk-reducing behaviors and address key barriers to engaging in these behaviors. •COVID-19 health measures relied on the public to avoid risky behaviors and adopt protective ones.•Having groceries delivered was a key predictor of less frequent risk behaviors.•More COVID-19 worry predicted less risk behaviors and more masking.•Conspiracy beliefs and science distrust predicted more risk behaviors and less masking.•The most frequent reasons for meeting others regarded health and social needs.