Objectives: National interpersonal distance preference is considered a cultural characteristic. Interpersonal distance is critical for the spread dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19’s spread trend shows various characteristics in different countries. We believe that 1 of the factors influencing this variation could be national interpersonal distance preference. Methods: We used regression analysis based on data of national interpersonal distance preferences (social, personal, and intimate) presented by Sorokowska et al. and COVID-19 rate of spread data for 40 different countries that were calculated using Our World in Data’s data. Results: National interpersonal distance preferences, with its 3 dimensions, significantly influence the rate of spread of COVID-19 in countries. Conclusion: Understanding the relation between national interpersonal distance preference and spread of COVID-19 might be very useful information in decision-making processes of individuals, societies, and governments to develop culturally well-suited counter-pandemic policies, strategies, and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic or any epidemic or pandemic threats in the future, instead of standard fit-to-all strategies.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, Corona virus, social distancing, Pandemics, interpersonal distance, 【초록키워드】 coronavirus disease, pandemic, threat, COVID-19 pandemic, Variation, Spread, Epidemic, Characteristics, understanding, preference, information, characteristic, Critical, Government, regression analysis, Factor, preferences, National, dimensions, country, spread of COVID-19, develop, significantly, calculated, individuals, 【제목키워드】 distance, CURB,