The Situationalism of Physical Distance and Isolation Vulnerability in Near Environment Ecology: Developing Public Communication Policy Recommendations to Encourage Harmony Regarding Responsibilities and Expectations

Crises such as the epidemic create situations where interaction with the immediate environment can intensify to support individual needs, but voluntary isolation and breaks in compliance with measures pose a risk. In the project, on the basis of the profile that individuals display according to the intensity of their interaction with different groups and their voluntary isolation; By analyzing the risk factors and contingency in compliance with the measures, it is aimed to develop communication policy recommendations that encourage compliance. Within the scope of the project, primarily; In the first period, when there were the most extensive restrictions in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic, eight profiles were determined in the sample of Turkey, which clustered according to the intensity of the close environment interaction and voluntary isolation protection status of individuals in order to receive/give support for the needs within the household or in different households. Situations compelling voluntary isolation for individuals in the daily life of the epidemic period with their difficult conditions with health risks were collected in five dimensions (domestic, collective, social, need and work). In order to understand the characteristics of the profiles and the risk factors that come to the fore in compliance with protective measures in such cases; Along with the components of Health Belief and Planned Behavior Theories, COVID-19 knowledge level, case sensations and experiences, in-house/out-of-household conditions and demographic characteristics of risky/private/banned and needing attention were used. While perceived self-efficacy was a risk factor for almost every profile in the analyses, collectivism and perceived social support factors were mostly prominent in the highly interacting profiles. On the other hand, domestic and collective situations were determined as the most challenging situations where compliance with the measures was at the lowest level. In line with the results, national communication studies that encourage compliance with protective measures during the epidemic; In line with the situationalities and profiles in different dimensions, it is necessary to support the target groups with communication studies in which close environment and local actors are articulated. Perceived self-efficacy and risk emphasis should be brought to the fore together in communication strategies, in-house/outside conditions, level of knowledge, experiences and message frames should be determined based on profiles. In profiles with intense interaction, values ​​defining cultural and social support and interpersonal communication should be included. However, it is important that communication policies work together with national and local regulations and supports that meet the needs of the profiles and their close circles, alleviate the conditions of vulnerability and facilitate coping with the conditions.