Factors associated with non-adherence to preventive measures among adolescents and young people (18 to 29 years) during the three epidemiological waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

Background: Adherence to preventive measures was the primary strategy used by many countries to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while diagnostics, vaccines and the development of medicines were taking place. However, during the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, people aged 18 to 29 years reported higher prevalence of COVID-19 compared to other age groups. Reluctance to engage in preventive measures was suspected to be the main cause of infection in this group. This study aims to explore the social and psychological factors related with non-adherence to preventive measures in young people during the three epidemiological waves of the pandemic in Spain.