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Li J. Relationships among health-related social media use, knowledge, worry, and cervical cancer screening: A cross-sectional study of US females. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 124:108283. [PMID: 38593482 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the relationship between health-related social media use and HPV-related health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). METHOD Data were derived from a subset of the national cohort from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), including only women aged 21 to 65 years old (n = 2013). Ordinary least squares regression and structural equation modeling were used to answer the research question and test hypotheses. RESULTS Participants with a family history of cancer, higher education, and White showed more HPV knowledge. Older females were associated with lower HPV knowledge, less worry and fewer timely cervical cancer screening. Additionally, HPV knowledge positively predicted worry and cervical cancer screening. Health-related social media use positively predicted HPV knowledge, worry, and cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION This study identified populations with HPV knowledge and hesitated cervical cancer screening and tested hypothesized models that combine social media use with the KAP survey. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Future health interventions should strategically leverage the role of social media to enhance public awareness of HPV knowledge and cancer concerns. By promoting HPV knowledge and awareness, such interventions can subsequently encourage timely cervical cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxu Li
- Department of Communication and Journalism, Texas A&M University, USA.
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2
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Nan R, Chen J, Zhu W. Evolutionary game analysis of multiple subjects in the management of major public health emergencies. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29823. [PMID: 38698988 PMCID: PMC11064152 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The frequent occurrence of major public health emergencies (MPHEs) significantly challenges national security, economic stability, social operation and the safety of people's lives and property worldwide. Consequently, enhancing the emergency management of MPHEs is critically urgent. This paper constructs a game model involving local government, social organisations, and the public for MPHE management, exploring strategy combinations and influencing factors across various scenarios. Several results were obtained. (1) Local government, social organisations, and the public each have positive and negative strategy choices based on cost-benefit analysis, leading to eight different strategy combinations. Furthermore, all three take positive strategies as the optimal way to achieve the game equilibrium. (2) The transformation of strategy combinations is primarily influenced by the cost-benefit gap and the strategic decisions of local government. (3) Altering a subject's initial strategy value doesn't change its final choice but impacts the time to achieve a stable strategy equilibrium. The severity of local government punishments on social organisations influences their strategic choices and the time to optimal strategy, whereas rewards to the public or social organisations only affect the time to achieve this strategy. The findings of this study can not only help improve the collaborative governance system of MPHEs but also provide scientific guidance on how governments can manage MPHEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Nan
- School of Law and Humanities, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jing Chen
- School of Law and Humanities, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wenjun Zhu
- School of Law and Humanities, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
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3
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Pask EB, Wu QL. Let's (not) talk about sexual health: How sexual communication apprehension with healthcare providers and peer communication influence intentions to protect sexual health. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 126:108318. [PMID: 38743964 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined how patients' clinical and peer interactions may affect their communication apprehension with healthcare providers, a major communication barrier to sexual health protective behaviors (SHPB). METHODS Between January 2022 and February 2023, we conducted an online survey with 310 participants recruited through snowball sampling. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we explored relationships among patient-provider interactions, peer communication about sex, communication apprehension with providers, and SHPB intentions. RESULTS Significant predictors of SHPB intentions included lower communication apprehension and more peer communication. Communication apprehension was a significant mediator in paths from peer communication and three types of patient-provider communication to SHPB intentions. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates the need to address communication barriers to increase patients' SHPB intentions. Active patient involvement and patient-centered communication may open up discussions about sex in the clinical setting. Peer interactions, informed by scientific guidance, may reduce patients' apprehension, leading to better health outcomes. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Communication interventions are needed to promote collaborative patient-provider environments and peer sexual communication. Active involvement and evidence-based discussions can help patients navigate difficult conversations (e.g., like sex), improving SHPB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiwei Luna Wu
- School of Communication, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Paimre M, Virkus S, Osula K. How Technology, Health Information Seeking, and Socioeconomic Factors Are Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Readiness in Estonians Over 50 Years? HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2024:10901981241249972. [PMID: 38712912 DOI: 10.1177/10901981241249972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Despite the proven effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe illness, many individuals, including older adults who are most susceptible to the virus, have opted against vaccination. Various factors could shape vaccination decisions, including seeking health information (HI). The internet is the primary source of HI today; however, older adults are often referred to as those missing out on digital benefits. The study explores the correlations between information and communication technology (ICT) use, online HI seeking, socioeconomic factors, and COVID-19 vaccination readiness among individuals aged 50 and above in Estonia. The survey data were gathered from 501 people aged 50 and older after the first lockdown in 2020. The outcomes revealed that vaccination readiness positively correlated with factors such as higher educational attainment, greater income, male gender, access to ICT, a readiness to employ digital technologies for health-related purposes, a greater demand for HI, and a higher frequency of seeking it online. There was some discrepancy in the preference of HI sources; for example, vaccination consenters preferred online versions of professional press publications and specific health portals. Based on the findings, it is advisable to encourage older adults to utilize the internet and new technology for health-related purposes. This practice expands the range of information sources available to them, ultimately enabling better decision-making regarding their health behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Paimre
- Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
- Tallinn Health Care College, Tallinn, Estonia
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Newman PA, Chakrapani V, Massaquoi N, Williams CC, Tharao W, Tepjan S, Roungprakhon S, Forbes J, Sebastian S, Akkakanjanasupar P, Aden M. Effectiveness of an eHealth intervention for reducing psychological distress and increasing COVID-19 knowledge and protective behaviors among racialized sexual and gender minority adults: A quasi-experimental study (#SafeHandsSafeHearts). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0280710. [PMID: 38701074 PMCID: PMC11068205 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual and gender minority and racialized populations experienced heightened vulnerability during the Covid-19 pandemic. Marginalization due to structural homophobia, transphobia and racism, and resulting adverse social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities among these populations, were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and public health measures to control it. We developed and tested a tailored online intervention (#SafeHandsSafeHearts) to support racialized lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other persons outside of heteronormative and cisgender identities (LGBTQ+) in Toronto, Canada during the pandemic. METHODS We used a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-session, peer-delivered eHealth intervention in reducing psychological distress and increasing Covid-19 knowledge and protective behaviors. Individuals ≥18-years-old, resident in Toronto, and self-identified as sexual or gender minority were recruited online. Depressive and anxiety symptoms, and Covid-19 knowledge and protective behaviors were assessed at baseline, 2-weeks postintervention, and 2-months follow-up. We used generalized estimating equations and zero-truncated Poisson models to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on the four primary outcomes. RESULTS From March to November 2021, 202 participants (median age, 27 years [Interquartile range: 23-32]) were enrolled in #SafeHandsSafeHearts. Over half (54.5%, n = 110) identified as cisgender lesbian or bisexual women or women who have sex with women, 26.2% (n = 53) cisgender gay or bisexual men or men who have sex with men, and 19.3% (n = 39) transgender or nonbinary individuals. The majority (75.7%, n = 143) were Black and other racialized individuals. The intervention led to statistically significant reductions in the prevalence of clinically significant depressive (25.4% reduction, p < .01) and anxiety symptoms (16.6% reduction, p < .05), and increases in Covid-19 protective behaviors (4.9% increase, p < .05), from baseline to postintervention. CONCLUSION We demonstrated the effectiveness of a brief, peer-delivered eHealth intervention for racialized LGBTQ+ communities in reducing psychological distress and increasing protective behaviors amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Implementation through community-based organizations by trained peer counselors supports feasibility, acceptability, and the importance of engaging racialized LGBTQ+ communities in pandemic response preparedness. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04870723.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Newman
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Notisha Massaquoi
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto Scarborough, Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charmaine C. Williams
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wangari Tharao
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Surachet Roungprakhon
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Joelleann Forbes
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Sebastian
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Muna Aden
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Arrese Á. Institutional and non-institutional news trust as predictors of COVID-19 beliefs: Evidence from three European countries. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:430-446. [PMID: 38140835 DOI: 10.1177/09636625231217081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by an infodemic in which trust in news played an essential role. This article analyzes how this trust can be divided into two components, institutional and non-institutional, which are differentially related to beliefs about COVID-19 and perceptions of receiving misinformation and disinformation. Based on a survey conducted in three European countries (Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom), the study confirms that higher levels of institutional news trust (the trust dimension correlated more with trust in the news media, government, politicians, national and global health organizations, and scientists) are a good predictor of both better knowledge of COVID-19 myths and misstatements, and lower perceptions of being surrounded by false and misleading information about the virus. The research also highlights the special role of media and political sources in strengthening the institutional dimension of news trust.
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7
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Ryan CG, Karran EL, Wallwork SB, Pate JW, O'Keeffe M, Fullen BM, Livadas N, Jones N, Toumbourou JW, Gilchrist P, Cameron PA, Fatoye F, Ravindran D, Lorimer Moseley G. We Are All in This Together-Whole of Community Pain Science Education Campaigns to Promote Better Management of Persistent Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:902-917. [PMID: 37918470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Persistent pain is a major public health issue-estimated to affect a quarter of the world's population. Public understanding of persistent pain is based on outdated biomedical models, laden with misconceptions that are contrary to best evidence. This understanding is a barrier to effective pain management. Thus, there have been calls for public health-based interventions to address these misconceptions. Previous pain-focussed public education campaigns have targeted pain beliefs and behaviours that are thought to promote recovery, such as staying active. However, prevailing pain-related misconceptions render many of these approaches counter-intuitive, at best. Pain Science Education improves understanding of 'how pain works' and has been demonstrated to improve pain and disability outcomes. Extending Pain Science Education beyond the clinic to the wider community seems warranted. Learning from previous back pain-focussed and other public health educational campaigns could optimise the potential benefit of such a Pain Science Education campaign. Pain Science Education-grounded campaigns have been delivered in Australia and the UK and show promise, but robust evaluations are needed before any firm conclusions on their population impact can be made. Several challenges exist going forward. Not least is the need to ensure all stakeholders are involved in the development and implementation of Pain Science Education public messaging campaigns. Furthermore, it is crucial that campaigns are undertaken through a health equity lens, incorporating underrepresented communities to ensure that any intervention does not widen existing health inequalities associated with persistent pain. PERSPECTIVE: Public misconceptions about pain are a significant public health challenge and a viable intervention target to reduce the personal, social, and economic burden of persistent pain. Adaptation of Pain Science Education, which improves misconceptions in a clinical setting, into the public health setting seems a promising approach to explore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cormac G Ryan
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK
| | - Emma L Karran
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sarah B Wallwork
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Joshua W Pate
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mary O'Keeffe
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Brona M Fullen
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nick Livadas
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK
| | - Niki Jones
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration
| | - John W Toumbourou
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Deakin University, School of Psychology and Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Geelong, Australia
| | - Peter Gilchrist
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; The University of Adelaide Rural Clinical School, Rural Generalist Program, South Australia
| | - Paul A Cameron
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, Scotland, UK; School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Francis Fatoye
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK; Lifestyle Disease Entity, North-West University, South Africa
| | - Deepak Ravindran
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; Centre for Rehabilitation, School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, UK; Department of Pain Medicine, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - G Lorimer Moseley
- Pain Education Team to Advance Learning (PETAL) Collaboration; IIMPACT in Health, University of South Australia, Kaurna Country, Adelaide, Australia
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Enoe J, Sutherland M, Davis D, Ramlal B, Griffith-Charles C, Bhola KH, Asefa EM. A conceptional model integrating geographic information systems (GIS) and social media data for disease exposure assessment. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2024; 19. [PMID: 38551510 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2024.1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Although previous studies have acknowledged the potential of geographic information systems (GIS) and social media data (SMD) in assessment of exposure to various environmental risks, none has presented a simple, effective and user-friendly tool. This study introduces a conceptual model that integrates individual mobility patterns extracted from social media, with the geographic footprints of infectious diseases and other environmental agents utilizing GIS. The efficacy of the model was independently evaluated for selected case studies involving lead in the ground; particulate matter in the air; and an infectious, viral disease (COVID- 19). A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed as the final output of this study. Overall, the evaluation of the model demonstrated feasibility in successfully extracting individual mobility patterns, identifying potential exposure sites and quantifying the frequency and magnitude of exposure. Importantly, the novelty of the developed model lies not merely in its efficiency in integrating GIS and SMD for exposure assessment, but also in considering the practical requirements of health practitioners. Although the conceptual model, developed together with its associated GUI, presents a promising and practical approach to assessment of the exposure to environmental risks discussed here, its applicability, versatility and efficacy extends beyond the case studies presented in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Enoe
- Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
| | - Michael Sutherland
- Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
| | - Dexter Davis
- Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
| | - Bheshem Ramlal
- Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
| | - Charisse Griffith-Charles
- Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine.
| | - Keston H Bhola
- Department of Computers and Technology, School of Arts and Science, St George's University.
| | - Elsai Mati Asefa
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar.
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Wang H, van Prooijen JW, van Lange PA. How perceived coercion polarizes unvaccinated people: The mediating role of conspiracy beliefs. J Health Psychol 2024:13591053241238126. [PMID: 38494647 DOI: 10.1177/13591053241238126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, different policies were implemented to increase vaccination uptake. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories spread widely, and vaccinated versus unvaccinated people increasingly polarized against each other. This study examined the associations between perceived vaccination coercion, conspiracy beliefs and polarization. We tested the relationship of vaccination status with perceived vaccination coercion, conspiracy beliefs, and polarization, with a total sample size of N = 1202 (n = 400 in China, n = 401 in the US, and n = 401 in the UK), among them n = 603 were vaccinated and n = 599 were unvaccinated. As pre-registered, unvaccinated people perceived more vaccination coercion and endorsed more conspiracy theories. Conspiracy mentality was positively related to perceived coercion. Contrary to our hypotheses, vaccinated people were more polarized toward unvaccinated people than vice versa. Finally, conspiracy beliefs mediated the link between perceived coercion and polarization among unvaccinated people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Wang
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Willem van Prooijen
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), The Netherlands
- Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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Byrne A, Martin D, Jones C, Galbraith N, Mercer T. Conspiracy theory beliefs in the adolescent population: A systematic review. J Adolesc 2024. [PMID: 38477391 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While the study of conspiracy theory beliefs is a relatively new research area, there has been a rise in academic interest in recent years. The literature provides evidence of relationships between conspiracy theory beliefs and a range of factors, but the vast majority of studies are limited to adult samples, and it is unclear how such beliefs present in adolescence. METHODS The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA-S format. Relevant databases were searched up to February 23, 2023, for quantitative studies related to adolescent conspiracy theory beliefs. RESULTS The six included articles show that conspiracy theory beliefs are present from the start of adolescence, and stable from age 14 upwards, with correlations reported for mistrust and paranoid thinking. Negative relationships were reported for cognitive factors such as ontological confusion, cognitive ability, and actively open-minded thinking. Health-related beliefs correlated with adverse childhood experiences, peer problems, conduct, and sociodemographic factors. Right-wing authoritarianism and anxiety positively correlated with intergroup conspiracy theory beliefs. CONCLUSION While some factors from adult studies are replicated in the review, there are differences between age groups. The age at which conspiracy theory beliefs begin to form indicate developmental aspects of adolescence, and possibly childhood, that require further examination. Cognitive factors show promise for interventions and should be explored further. However, the lack of studies using adolescent populations is an issue that must be resolved for a greater understanding of conspiracy theory beliefs and a move toward effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Byrne
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - David Martin
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Claire Jones
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Niall Galbraith
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Tom Mercer
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Health, and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
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Bleier A, Seethaler M, Bermpohl F, Majić T, Mick I. Psychiatric and non-psychiatric patients during the midst of Covid-19: Pandemic distress, psychosis and the belief in conspiracy theories. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:332-339. [PMID: 38350310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased levels of psychological distress in the general population, at the same time providing a perfect breeding ground for conspiracy beliefs. Psychiatric patients are considered as a population with an increased vulnerability for stressful events, and conspiracy beliefs show overlaps with paranoid ideations. The aim of the present study was to investigate if psychiatric patients experienced higher levels of pandemic distress than non-psychiatric patients, if they were more prone to conspiracy beliefs and if pandemic distress as well as other mental health variables were associated with believing in conspiracy theories. METHODS Indicators for mental health (pandemic distress, depressive symptoms, general anxiety symptoms, perceived stress) and indicators for believing in conspiracy theories were assessed within psychiatric (n = 73) and non-psychiatric patients (n = 29) during the midst of the pandemic. RESULTS Psychiatric patients reported higher levels of pandemic distress than non-psychiatric patients. Conspiracy measurements correlated positively with pandemic distress, but not with anxiety and depression. No differences were found between psychiatric patients with or without psychotic disorder and non-psychiatric patients in regard to conspiracy measurements. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a higher susceptibility of psychiatric patients to pandemic distress, but not an increased level of believing in conspiracy theories. The common notion that people suffering from psychosis are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories was not supported. Furthermore, distress caused by a specific event and not anxiety per se seems to be related to the degree of conspiracy beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Bleier
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Magdalena Seethaler
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany; Faculty of Philosophy, Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099, Berlin, Germany; Einstein Center for Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tomislav Majić
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Inge Mick
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte (CCM) and Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik der Charité im St. Hedwig-Krankenhaus, Große Hamburger Str. 5-11, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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Paoletti G, Dall'Amico L, Kalimeri K, Lenti J, Mejova Y, Paolotti D, Starnini M, Tizzani M. Political context of the European vaccine debate on Twitter. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4397. [PMID: 38388713 PMCID: PMC10883931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, fears grew that making vaccination a political (instead of public health) issue may impact the efficacy of this life-saving intervention, spurring the spread of vaccine-hesitant content. In this study, we examine whether there is a relationship between the political interest of social media users and their exposure to vaccine-hesitant content on Twitter. We focus on 17 European countries using a multilingual, longitudinal dataset of tweets spanning the period before COVID, up to the vaccine roll-out. We find that, in most countries, users' endorsement of vaccine-hesitant content is the highest in the early months of the pandemic, around the time of greatest scientific uncertainty. Further, users who follow politicians from right-wing parties, and those associated with authoritarian or anti-EU stances are more likely to endorse vaccine-hesitant content, whereas those following left-wing politicians, more pro-EU or liberal parties, are less likely. Somewhat surprisingly, politicians did not play an outsized role in the vaccine debates of their countries, receiving a similar number of retweets as other similarly popular users. This systematic, multi-country, longitudinal investigation of the connection of politics with vaccine hesitancy has important implications for public health policy and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giordano Paoletti
- ISI Foundation, Turin, Italy
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, 10129, Italy
| | | | | | - Jacopo Lenti
- CENTAI, Turin, Italy
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering Antonio Ruberti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Michele Starnini
- CENTAI, Turin, Italy
- Departament de Física, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Campus Nord, Barcelona, 08034, Spain
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Laor T. Public and commercial more of the same? The characteristics of the opening monologues of public and commercial channels during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293172. [PMID: 38354204 PMCID: PMC10866532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, rapidly spread across the globe and resulted in significant public concern. In response, numerous countries have implemented guidelines aimed at promoting social distancing, limiting movement and gatherings, instituting lockdowns and curfews, and closing institutions. As a result, the media, including news releases, has become a primary source of information for many individuals (Laor & Lissitsa, 2022). The present study seeks to investigate differences between major television programs featured on public and commercial channels in Israel, utilizing the lens of framing theory. Specifically, twelve monologues broadcast simultaneously on both channels were analyzed to compare differences in content, topics, format, and accompanying visuals. The study's results indicate that both commercial and public channels exhibited similar behavior in shaping public opinion during the crisis period. Specifically, both channels displayed criticism of the government's conduct and utilized negative framing techniques while neglecting to provide space for popular voices. Nevertheless, certain distinctions between the commercial and public broadcasting spheres still persist, particularly in the realm of visual presentation, as some long-standing elements that typify each channel have endured over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Laor
- School of Communications, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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14
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Burns KE, Dubé È, Godinho Nascimento H, Meyer SB. Examining vaccine hesitancy among a diverse sample of Canadian adults. Vaccine 2024; 42:129-135. [PMID: 38103960 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the sociodemographic and individual-level factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in general, including political affiliation and beliefs in vaccine conspiracy theories, in a diverse group of Canadian adults within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 641 responses were included in the analysis, with those self-identifying as Indigenous, Black Canadian, and low-income (household income <$40,000) being sampled to yield data from historically marginalized populations. Demographic variables and responses to questions on vaccine hesitancy, and beliefs in vaccine conspiracy theories were used to explore explanatory variables of vaccine hesitancy. General linear regression models were fit using the method of least squares via PROC GLM and used to examine sociodemographic and individual explanatory variables of vaccine hesitancy. Age, ethnicity, political affiliation, and beliefs in vaccine conspiracies were associated with vaccine hesitancy. Findings are discussed in relation to the critical role of distrust and misinformation in hesitancy. Our data provide insight into how Canadian provincial governments may promote uptake of vaccines in ways that target diverse groups that may differ from those developed in a pre-pandemic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Burns
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Ève Dubé
- Laval University, 2325 Rue de l'Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | | | - Samantha B Meyer
- University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
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15
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Saleem SM, Jan SS. Navigating the infodemic: strategies and policies for promoting health literacy and effective communication. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1324330. [PMID: 38283287 PMCID: PMC10811209 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1324330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, with its vast impact illustrated by 770 million confirmed cases and 6.9 million deaths as of September 21, 2023, has exposed a critical challenge: the infodemic. Effective communication and health literacy are pivotal in addressing this crisis. This article emphasizes the urgency of combating health misinformation, highlighting its tangible impact on public health and social well-being. Trustworthy sources, especially government agencies and public health officials, played a central role in shaping public behavior. Clear, accurate, and consistent messaging became vital. Health literacy, a fundamental determinant of pandemic response, empowered individuals to understand and act upon health information. Approximately 36% of adults exhibited basic or below-basic health literacy skills, emphasizing its crucial role. Improving health literacy emerged as a strategic imperative, enabling informed choices and proactive health protection. The pandemic underscores the vital role of effective communication and health literacy in combating health misinformation, fostering informed decision-making, and safeguarding public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohd Saleem
- Independent Public Health Researcher, Health Section, International NGO, New Delhi, India
| | - Shah Sumaya Jan
- Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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16
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Fountoulakis KN, Alias NA, Bjedov S, Fountoulakis NK, Gonda X, Hilbig J, Jakovljević M, Kulig B, Mahale G, Manafis A, Mohammed M, Nadareishvili I, Navickas A, Patsali ME, Pavlichenko A, Pilaga SM, Razali S, Romanov D, Rossitza I, Salihu AS, Sinauridze A, Stoyanova M, Thosar K, Vorobjova J, Vrublevska J, Rancans E, Javed A, Theodorakis PN, Breda J, Smirnova D. Students' mental health during the pandemic: results of the observational cross-sectional COVID-19 MEntal health inTernational for university Students (COMET-S) study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1320156. [PMID: 38293595 PMCID: PMC10825874 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1320156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of the study was to search rates of depression and mental health in university students, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods This is an observational cross-sectional study. A protocol gathering sociodemographic variables as well as depression, anxiety and suicidality and conspiracism was assembled, and data were collected anonymously and online from April 2020 through March 2021. The sample included 12,488 subjects from 11 countries, of whom 9,026 were females (72.2%; aged 21.11 ± 2.53), 3,329 males (26.65%; aged 21.61 ± 2.81) and 133 "non-binary gender" (1.06%; aged 21.02 ± 2.98). The analysis included chi-square tests, correlation analysis, ANCOVA, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analysis and Relative Risk ratios. Results Dysphoria was present in 15.66% and probable depression in 25.81% of the total study sample. More than half reported increase in anxiety and depression and 6.34% in suicidality, while lifestyle changes were significant. The model developed explained 18.4% of the development of depression. Believing in conspiracy theories manifested a complex effect. Close to 25% was believing that the vaccines include a chip and almost 40% suggested that facemask wearing could be a method of socio-political control. Conspiracism was related to current depression but not to history of mental disorders. Discussion The current study reports that students are at high risk for depression during the COVID-19 pandemic and identified specific risk factors. It also suggested a role of believing in conspiracy theories. Further research is important, as it is targeted intervention in students' groups that are vulnerable both concerning mental health and conspiracism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
- WHO Collaboration Center for Quality in Mental Health, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nor Aziah Alias
- Academic Affairs Division, Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sarah Bjedov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Xenia Gonda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Jan Hilbig
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Barbara Kulig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Girija Mahale
- Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, India
| | - Alexandros Manafis
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Muftau Mohammed
- Department of Mental Health, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Alvydas Navickas
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Mikaella E. Patsali
- School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexey Pavlichenko
- Education Center, Mental-Health Clinic No. 1 n.a. N.A. Alexeev of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Salmi Razali
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dmitry Romanov
- Department of Psychiatry, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
| | - Iakimova Rossitza
- Second Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital for Active Treatment in Neurology and Psychiatry “Saint Naum”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Auwal Sani Salihu
- Department of Psychiatry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Ana Sinauridze
- Georgian Medical Students' Association, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Maria Stoyanova
- Second Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital for Active Treatment in Neurology and Psychiatry “Saint Naum”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ketaki Thosar
- Symbiosis Centre for Emotional Wellbeing, Symbiosis International (Deemed) University, Pune, India
| | | | - Jelena Vrublevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga, Latvia
| | - Elmars Rancans
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga, Latvia
| | - Afzal Javed
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Fountain House, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Joao Breda
- WHO Athens Quality of Care Office, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daria Smirnova
- International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
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17
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Borah P, Lorenzano K, Yel E, Austin E. Social Cognitive Theory and Willingness to Perform Recommended Health Behavior: The Moderating Role of Misperceptions. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:49-60. [PMID: 37970863 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2282035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
More than 6 million people have died due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, health authorities have created numerous guidelines. In the current study, we use survey data from the U.S. and social cognitive theory (SCT) to examine the associations among self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and willingness to perform recommended COVID-19 related health behavior. Considering the misinformation-filled information ecology during the pandemic, we also examine the moderating role of misperceptions in these relationships. Our findings show that in general the SCT hypotheses hold for COVID-19 related behavior willingness. The interaction effects with COVID-19 misperceptions show that self-efficacy is not enough to understand people's health behavior. Higher outcome expectancies are important and may be able to overcome even if people held high misperceptions. Our findings have direct implications for communication theory and for health organizations in the contemporary information ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Porismita Borah
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
- Democracy Research Unit, Political Science, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Kyle Lorenzano
- School of Communication, Film, and Media, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia, USA
| | - Eylul Yel
- College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Erica Austin
- Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
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18
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Felton M, Middaugh E, Fan H. Facts do not speak for themselves: Community norms, dialog, and evidentiary practices in discussions of COVID-19 on Reddit. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2024; 33:20-36. [PMID: 37401241 PMCID: PMC10333560 DOI: 10.1177/09636625231178428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study sought to explore the distinct discourse norms and evidentiary practices in discussions of COVID-19 in four subcommunities on Reddit. Qualitative analysis found that communities differed in the degree to which they reinforce and augment Reddit's platform-wide norms for dialog and evidence use. One of the three communities (r/AskTrumpSupporters) differed from the rest by establishing discourse norms for turn-taking between politically opposed users and structuring dialog around authentic questions aimed at understanding alternative points of view. Quantitative analyses revealed that this community significantly differed from the other communities in the proportion of dialogic exchanges and in the use of evidentiary practices (sourcing, source evaluation, and interpretation of evidence). Excerpts of dialog from this community are used to illustrate findings. We conclude with implications for educators interested in preparing youth to critically engage with scientific information they encounter in public discourse.
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19
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Neville L, Fisk GM, Ens K. Psychological entitlement and conspiracy beliefs: evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-23. [PMID: 38163924 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2023.2292626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Psychological entitlement describes the dispositional tendency to claim excessive and unearned rewards and resources, and to demand undeserved special treatment. In one experiment, one cross-sectional survey, and one time-separated survey (total n = 721), we show that psychological entitlement is associated with general conspiracy theory endorsement, COVID-19 specific conspiracy theory endorsement, and conspiracy theorizing as an overarching cognitive style. We find those high in entitlement are more likely to report having made discretionary visits to non-essential venues and services (e.g. buffets, spas, casinos) during the pandemic, and that these risky public health behaviors are mediated through beliefs in conspiracy theories. We identify consequences for public health behavior and conclude with a research agenda for better understanding the underlying mechanisms linking entitlement and conspiracy beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Neville
- Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Glenda M Fisk
- Employment Relations Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Katarina Ens
- Employment Relations Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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20
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Koban D, Abroms LC, Napolitano M, Simmens S, Broniatowski DA. Trust in public health institutions moderates the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine discussion groups on Facebook. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 16:375-384. [PMID: 38095610 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2023.2283308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distrust and partisan identity are theorized to undermine health communications. We examined the role of these factors on the efficacy of discussion groups intended to promote vaccine uptake. METHOD We analyzed survey data from unvaccinated Facebook users (N = 371) living in the US between January and April 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to Facebook discussion groups (intervention) or referred to Facebook's COVID-19 Information Center (control). We used Analysis of Covariance to test if the intervention was more effective at changing vaccination intentions and beliefs compared to the control in subgroups based on participants' partisan identity, political views, and information trust views. RESULTS We found a significant interaction between the intervention and trust in public health institutions (PHIs) for improving intentions to vaccinate (P = .04), intentions to encourage others to vaccinate (P = .03), and vaccine confidence beliefs (P = .01). Among participants who trusted PHIs, those in the intervention had higher posttest intentions to vaccinate (P = .008) and intentions to encourage others to vaccinate (P = .002) compared to the control. Among non-conservatives, participants in the intervention had higher posttest intentions to vaccinate (P = .048). The intervention was more effective at improving intentions to encourage others to vaccinate within the subgroups of Republicans (P = .03), conservatives (P = .02), and participants who distrusted government (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS Facebook discussion groups were more effective for people who trusted PHIs and non-conservatives. Health communicators may need to segment health messaging and develop strategies around trust views.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Koban
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lorien C Abroms
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Institute for Data Democracy and Politics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa Napolitano
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Samuel Simmens
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David A Broniatowski
- School of Engineering & Applied Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Institute for Data Democracy and Politics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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21
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Arif A, Turaga RMR. Covid-19 cure perceptions and media use in India. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 16:358-369. [PMID: 37358535 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2023.2228041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the early phases of Covid-19, social media platforms became a significant source of misinformation, and India emerged as a global hotspot. Studies show that 'miracle cure' for preventing and treating Covid-19 infection has been a prominent topic of misinformation. This study explores the extent to which beliefs in cure for Covid-19 in three prominent medical traditions popular in India are associated with the exposure to and trust in various sources from which the public access information. METHODS We conducted an online structured questionnaire survey of 500 respondents in August 2020 in four major cities of India. RESULTS Despite the scientific consensus at that time that there was no cure for Covid-19, close to three-quarters of our respondents believe that there was a cure in at least one of the three popular medical traditions in India: Allopathy, Homeopathy, and Ayurveda. We find that exposure to and trust in WhatsApp are associated with false beliefs regarding the existence of a cure for Covid-19 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). While trust in science is associated with correct beliefs (p = 0.025), there is evidence that trust in government information may foster incorrect beliefs (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS The high trust in scientific research and its potential ability to instill correct beliefs could be exploited to combat Covid-19 misinformation in India. Potential interventions such as awareness campaigns to increase digital media literacy, regulating social media platforms, and voluntary content regulation by social media platforms - might help policymakers tackle Covid-19 related misinformation effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areiba Arif
- Public Systems Group, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Rama Mohana R Turaga
- Public Systems Group, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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22
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Jovanović V, Lazić M, Gavrilov-Jerković V, Zotović-Kostić M, Obradović V. Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale: Validation and Measurement Invariance in a Youth Sample. Eval Health Prof 2023; 46:362-370. [PMID: 37042299 DOI: 10.1177/01632787231170237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The Vaccine Conspiracy Beliefs Scale (VCBS) is a widely used measure of conspiracy beliefs about vaccines, but evidence of its validity and measurement invariance, especially in youth samples, is still largely missing. The present study examined VCBS scores' factor structure, measurement invariance, convergent and discriminant validity, and incremental predictive validity. A sample of 803 Serbian youths (age range 15-24; 59.2% females) was recruited for the study. A modified single-factor model of the VCBS was supported, and showed evidence of full scalar invariance across gender, age, vaccination status, and personal history of COVID-19. Evidence of the VCBS scores' convergent and discriminant validity was obtained by examining associations with general conspiracy beliefs, vaccination attitudes, vaccination knowledge, intentions to get vaccinated against COVID-19, paranoia worries, fear of injections and blood draws, importance of God, self-rated health, and self-rated family's financial situation. The VCBS scores predicted a unique variance in the intention to get vaccinated against COVID-19, over and above vaccination attitudes and vaccination knowledge. The results suggest that the VCBS is a valid measure of vaccine conspiracy beliefs in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veljko Jovanović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Milica Lazić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Marija Zotović-Kostić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vojana Obradović
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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23
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Tomás JM, Yupanqui-Lorenzo DE, Valencia PD, Carbajal-León C, Vilca LW, Ventura-León J, Paredes-Angeles R, Arias Gallegos WL, Reyes-Bossio M, Delgado-Campusano M, Gallegos M, Rojas-Jara C, Polanco-Carrasco R, Cervigni M, Martino P, Lobos-Rivera ME, Moreta-Herrera R, Palacios Segura DA, Samaniego-Pinho A, Buschiazzo Figares A, Puerta-Cortés DX, Camargo A, Torales J, Monge Blanco JA, González P, Smith-Castro V, Petzold-Rodriguez O, Corrales-Reyes IE, Calderón R, Matute Rivera WY, Ferrufino-Borja D, Ceballos-Vásquez P, Muñoz-del-Carpio-Toia A, Palacios J, Burgos-Videla C, Florez León AME, Vergara I, Vega D, Shulmeyer MK, Barria-Asenjo NA, Urrutia Rios HT, Lira Lira AE. Relationship Between Fear of COVID-19, Conspiracy Beliefs About Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19: A Cross-National Indirect Effect Model in 13 Latin American Countries. Eval Health Prof 2023; 46:371-383. [PMID: 37439361 PMCID: PMC10345832 DOI: 10.1177/01632787231186621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The present study explored the predictive capacity of fear of COVID-19 on the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the influence in this relationship of conspiracy beliefs as a possible mediating psychological variable, in 13 Latin American countries. A total of 5779 people recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling participated. To collect information, we used the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Vaccine conspiracy beliefs Scale-COVID-19 and a single item of intention to vaccinate. A full a priori Structural Equation Model was used; whereas, cross-country invariance was performed from increasingly restricted structural models. The results indicated that, fear of COVID-19 positively predicts intention to vaccinate and the presence of conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. The latter negatively predicted intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Besides, conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines had an indirect effect on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the 13 countries assessed. Finally, the cross-national similarities of the mediational model among the 13 participating countries are strongly supported. The study is the first to test a cross-national mediational model across variables in a large number of Latin American countries. However, further studies with other countries in other regions of the world are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - José M. Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, Universidad de Valencia, España
| | | | - Pablo D. Valencia
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Tlanepantla de Baz, Mexico
| | - Carlos Carbajal-León
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Lindsey W. Vilca
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - José Ventura-León
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Lima, Peru
| | - Rubí Paredes-Angeles
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Miguel Gallegos
- Programa de Pós-graduação de Psicologia, Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - Claudio Rojas-Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martino
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ciencias del Comportamiento (LICIC), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Marlon Elías Lobos-Rivera
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | | | | | - Antonio Samaniego-Pinho
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Filosofía, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay
| | | | | | - Andrés Camargo
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Julio Torales
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | | | | | - Vanessa Smith-Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
| | | | - Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Bayamo, Cuba
| | - Raymundo Calderón
- Colegio Estatal de Psicólogos en Intervención de Jalisco A.C. Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
| | | | - Daniela Ferrufino-Borja
- Facultad de Humanidades, Comunicación y Artes, Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
| | - Paula Ceballos-Vásquez
- Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Agueda Muñoz-del-Carpio-Toia
- Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Escuela de Postgrado, Escuela de Medicina Humana, Universidad Católica de Santa María, Arequipa, Perú
| | - Jorge Palacios
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad del Valle de México, Querétaro, México
| | - Carmen Burgos-Videla
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Sociales y Educación, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile
| | | | - Ibeth Vergara
- Asociación Panameña de Psicólogos, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Latina de Panamá, Panamá
| | - Diego Vega
- Escuela de Psicologia, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Marion K. Shulmeyer
- Facultad de Humanidades, Comunicación y Artes, Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
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Lee T, Koo GH. What Drives Belief in COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories? Examining the Role of Uncertainty, Negative Emotions, and Perceived Relevance and Threat. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:3091-3101. [PMID: 36224749 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2134703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As conspiracy theories around COVID-19 pose a big global challenge to public health and well-being, this study seeks to identify how and when people are likely to activate conspiratorial thinking and believe in conspiracy theories about the coronavirus. Based on a U.S. national two-wave survey (W1: N = 1,119; W2: N = 543), this study found partial support for direct effects of uncertainty on conspiratorial thinking and support for indirect effects through threat perception. We also found some evidence of direct effects of uncertainty on conspiracy beliefs and indirect effects through threat perception and serially mediated through threat perception and negative emotions. Findings suggest that effects - either direct or indirect - of uncertainty on conspiratorial thinking/conspiracy beliefs are moderated by perceived relevance to COVID-19, personal experience of the disease, and social media use. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyoung Lee
- School of Journalism and Media, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Gyo Hyun Koo
- School of Journalism and Media, The University of Texas at Austin
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25
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Lu J, Xiao Y. Heuristic Information Processing as a Mediating Factor in the Process of Exposure to COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Misinformation Sharing on Social Media. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-14. [PMID: 38016931 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2288373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Social media use for risk communication during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable concerns about an overabundance of information, particularly misinformation. However, how exposure to COVID-19 information on social media can lead to subsequent misinformation sharing during the pandemic has received little research attention. This study adopted the social amplification of risk framework to delineate how exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information on social media can be associated with individuals' misinformation sharing through heuristic information processing. The role of social media trust was also examined. Results from an online survey (N = 1488) of Chinese Internet users revealed that exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information on social media was associated with misinformation sharing, mediated by both affect heuristics (i.e., negative affect toward the COVID-19 pandemic in general) and availability heuristics (i.e., perceived misinformation availability). Importantly, both high and low levels of trust in social media strengthened the mediating associations. While a low level of trust strengthened the association between exposure to COVID-19 vaccine information on social media and the affect heuristics, a high level of trust strengthened its association with the availability heuristics, both of which were associated with misinformation sharing. Our findings suggest that heuristic information processing is essential in amplifying the spread of misinformation after exposure to risk information on social media. It is also suggested that individuals should maintain a middle level of trust in social media, being open while critical of risk information on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Lu
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University
| | - Yi Xiao
- School of New Media and Communication, Tianjin University
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26
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Zhao S, Zhou J, Wang T. Attentive immobility: Investigating the emotional-cognitive mechanism underlying conspiracy mentality and Covid-19 preventive behaviors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294681. [PMID: 37972104 PMCID: PMC10653459 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While conspiracy theories have received extensive attention in the realm of misinformation, there has been limited research exploring the impact of conspiracy mentality on individuals' preventive behaviors during acute public health crises. This study investigates how conspiracy mentality may affect compliance with preventive health measures necessary to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and the underlying emotional and cognitive mediators. Data was collected through a survey among 1878 Chinese respondents at the conclusion of the pandemic. The results indicate that individuals with higher levels of conspiracy mentality are significantly less engaged in preventive behaviors. Furthermore, this correlation is mediated by a sequence of mediating factors, starting from anger leading to institutional distrust and fear leading to perceived risk. Conspiracists' response mode can be described as a state of "attentive immobility," in which the impact of heightened institutional distrust outweighs their perceptions of risk, ultimately reducing engagement in preventive behaviors during crises. These findings underscore the importance of debunking initiatives that aim to address and mitigate the negative consequences of conspiracy mentality by targeting the mediating psychological processes during future pandemic threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuguang Zhao
- Research Center of Journalism and Social Development, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
- School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Zhou
- New Era International Communication Research Institute, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- New Era International Communication Research Institute, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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27
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Górska P, Marchlewska M, Szczepańska D, Molenda Z, Michalski P, Furman A. A vicious circle? Longitudinal relationships between different modes of in-group identity and COVID-19 conspiracy thinking. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:877-894. [PMID: 35959690 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2111250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Since March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a global pandemic, conspiracy theories have continued to rise. This research examines the role of different forms of in-group identity in predicting conspiracy thinking in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. We hypothesized that conspiracy thinking would be predicted positively by national narcissism (i.e., a belief in in-group's greatness which is contingent on its external validation and makes in-group members sensitive to psychological threats) but negatively by secure national identification (i.e., a confidently held ingroup evaluation, which serves as a buffer against psychological threats). In a three-wave longitudinal study conducted on a representative sample of adult Poles (N = 650), conspiracy thinking was positively predicted by national narcissism, but negatively by national identification. Further, we found evidence that conspiracy thinking strengthened national narcissism (but not national identification) over time. Implications for intra- and intergroup processes are discussed.
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28
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Karić T, Međedović J. Do media objectivity and frequency of informing mediate the relationship between traditionalist social attitudes and COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs? THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:841-854. [PMID: 35762491 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2093151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we hypothesized that traditionalist social attitudes (conservatism, religiousness, and authoritarianism) significantly predict COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs (Hiding Information and Harmless Virus), as well as conspiracy mentality in general. We also hypothesized that these relationships are mediated by the objectivity of the media through which individuals inform themselves, and the frequency with which people informed themselves about the pandemic. The sample consisted of 341 participants from Serbia (mean age 33.51 years), of which 40.5% were women. The results revealed that conservatism predicts both conspiracy belief sets and conspiracy mentality, authoritarianism only COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, and religiousness only beliefs that the virus is harmless. Media objectivity does not mediate these relationships. The frequency of informing is a significant mediator only of the relationships between authoritarianism, and conspiracy beliefs and conspiracy mentality, indicating that the role of seeking information is in reducing the threat perceived by more authoritarian individuals. The study reveals that media objectivity might not play a role in reducing conspiracy beliefs. An explanation might be found in the importance of the perceived credibility of the media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijana Karić
- Institute of Criminological and Sociological Research
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29
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Gaudiano BA, Marks R, Ellett L, So SHW, Lincoln TM, Morris EMJ, Kingston JL. The role of general vs pandemic-specific paranoid ideation in the use of recommended health behaviors and vaccine willingness during a worldwide pandemic: An international study in the general public. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 167:110-118. [PMID: 37862907 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public's adherence to recommended COVID-19 preventative behaviors, including vaccinations and social distancing, has been low in certain groups and has contributed to many preventable deaths worldwide. An examination of general and pandemic-specific aspects of nonclinical paranoid ideation may aid in the understanding of the public's response to the pandemic, given that it is a global threat event. METHODS A representative international sample of general adults (N = 2,510) from five international sites were recruited with stratified quota sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among general paranoid ideation, pandemic paranoid ideation (interpersonal mistrust, conspiratorial thinking, and persecutory threat), general distress (depression, anxiety), vaccine willingness, and other preventative behaviors (masking, social distancing, hygiene). RESULTS Although general distress and paranoid ideation were associated with vaccination willingness and preventative behaviors, their effects were inconsistent or weak. Pandemic paranoid ideation showed robust direct and indirect effects that differentially predicted COVID-19 preventative behaviors, with higher interpersonal mistrust associated with higher adherence to all behaviors, higher conspiratorial thinking related to lower adherence to all behaviors, and higher persecutory threat related to higher vaccine willingness, but lower adherence to other preventative behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Examination of pandemic-specific paranoid ideation leads to more precise prediction of the public's adherence to recommended health behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak. This information could be used to inform intervention strategies for micro-targeting different subgroups with nonclinical paranoid thinking, as well as for improving responses to future pandemics and vaccination efforts for other common illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Suzanne Ho-Wai So
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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30
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Fotakis EA, Simou E. Belief in COVID-19 related conspiracy theories around the globe: A systematic review. Health Policy 2023; 137:104903. [PMID: 37688953 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Conspiracy theories have been widespread in public discourses about COVID-19. Belief in conspiracy theories has negative effects on COVID-19 protective and preventive behaviour. However, evidence on the prevalence of belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, remains fragmented. We conducted a systematic review on the adult general population prevalence of belief in different COVID-19 conspiracy theories at country and regional level around the globe. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases (end of search: March 22, 2022). We followed guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We identified 1637 potentially relevant titles in our search and included 33 studies in our review, reflecting conspiracy theory endorsement between March 2020 and August 2021. We found high belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories in most studies: 29 studies measured at least one conspiracy theory belief prevalence ≥20%. For several conspiracy theories, e.g. "Lab origin" or "Destabilization and power gain", prevalence was often between 20 and 50%. Our findings call for increased awareness about COVID-19 conspiracy theories and the need for tailored, context specific conspiracy theory preparedness, prevention and control. Development and integration of a public health oriented communication and infodemic management strategy, alongside the implementation of conspiracy theory endorsement risk assessments are essential for supporting public health policy in future health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece.
| | - Effie Simou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, Greece
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31
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Necaise A, Han J, Vrzáková H, Amon MJ. Understanding Collective Human Behavior in Social Media Networks Via the Dynamical Hypothesis: Applications to Radicalization and Conspiratorial Beliefs. Top Cogn Sci 2023. [PMID: 37850669 DOI: 10.1111/tops.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The dynamical hypothesis has served to explore the ways in which cognitive agents can be understood dynamically and considered dynamical systems. Originally used to explain simple physical systems as a metaphor for cognition (i.e., the Watt governor) and eventually more complex animal systems (e.g., bird flocks), we argue that the dynamical hypothesis is among the most viable approaches to understanding pressing modern-day issues that arise from collective human behavior in online social networks. First, we discuss how the dynamical hypothesis is positioned to describe, predict, and explain the time-evolving nature of complex systems. Next, we adopt an interdisciplinary perspective to describe how online social networks are appropriately understood as dynamical systems. We introduce a dynamical modeling approach to reveal information about emergent properties in social media, where radicalized conspiratorial beliefs arise via coordination between user-level and community-level comments. Lastly, we contrast how the dynamical hypothesis differs from alternatives in explaining collective human behavior in social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Necaise
- School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training, University of Central Florida
| | - Jingjing Han
- School of Journalism, Fudan University
- Institute for Global Communications and Integrated Media, Fudan University
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Data Science, Fudan University
| | | | - Mary Jean Amon
- School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training, University of Central Florida
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32
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Shen L, Lee D. Predicting COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccination Confidence and Uptake in the United States. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1597. [PMID: 37896999 PMCID: PMC10611394 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates and compares the predictors of COVID-19 and influenza vaccination confidence and uptake in the U.S. Vaccine hesitancy is defined as the reluctance or refusal (i.e., less than 100% behavioral intention) to vaccinate despite the availability of effective and safe vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy is a major obstacle in the fight against infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza. Predictors of vaccination intention are identified using the reasoned action approach and the integrated behavioral model. Data from two national samples (N = 1131 for COVID-19 and N = 1126 for influenza) were collected from U.S. Qualtrics panels. Tobit regression models were estimated to predict percentage increases in vaccination intention (i.e., confidence) and the probability of vaccination uptake (i.e., intention reaching 100%). The results provided evidence for the reasoned approach and the IBM model and showed that the predictors followed different patterns for COVID-19 and influenza. The implications for intervention strategies and message designs were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijiang Shen
- Department of Communication Arts and Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
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33
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Williams SN, Dienes K, Jaheed J, Wardman JK, Petts J. Effectiveness of communications in enhancing adherence to public health behavioural interventions: a COVID-19 evidence review. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20230129. [PMID: 37611630 PMCID: PMC10446905 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Health communication has relevance for virtually every aspect of health and well-being, including disease prevention. This review explored the effectiveness of communications in enhancing the adoption of or adherence to behavioural interventions (non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)) related to COVID-19. The review takes the UK as a case study and focuses on self-reported behaviours (e.g. social distancing). It also reviews the psychosocial determinants of adherence. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, CINAL, ASSIA and iCite databases. Eleven thousand five hundred records were identified and 13 were included in the final sample. Included studies suggest that NPI adoption or adherence was generally high, and communication had significant impacts, with key themes including clarity and consistency, trust and control. Based on the evidence in this review, features of effective communication in the context of NPI adoption or adherence are (i) information should be conveyed clearly and conflicting (mixed) messages should be avoided; (ii) information should be conveyed by trusted sources (e.g. health authorities) and (iii) communication should strike a balance between being authoritative but avoiding language seen as controlling (e.g. 'you must'). Future research should prioritize quantitative, experimental and longitudinal study designs, that focus specifically on communication as an intervention, and which measure behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N. Williams
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Vivien Tower, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60208, USA
| | - Kimberly Dienes
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Vivien Tower, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Jemma Jaheed
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Vivien Tower, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, UK
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34
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Kosal M. How COVID-19 is reshaping U.S. national security policy. Politics Life Sci 2023; 43:83-98. [PMID: 38567781 DOI: 10.1017/pls.2023.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States is actively reshaping parts of its national security enterprise. This article explores the underlying politics, with a specific interest in the context of biosecurity, biodefense, and bioterrorism strategy, programs, and response, as the United States responds to the most significant outbreak of an emerging infectious disease in over a century. How the implicit or tacit failure to recognize the political will and political decision-making connected to warfare and conflict for biological weapons programs in these trends is explored. Securitization of public health has been a focus of the literature over the past half century. This recent trend may represent something of an inverse: an attempt to treat national security interests as public health problems. A hypothesis is that the most significant underrecognized problem associated with COVID-19 is disinformation and the weakening of confidence in institutions, including governments, and how adversaries may exploit that blind spot.
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Adebesin F, Smuts H, Mawela T, Maramba G, Hattingh M. The Role of Social Media in Health Misinformation and Disinformation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Bibliometric Analysis. JMIR INFODEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:e48620. [PMID: 37728981 PMCID: PMC10551800 DOI: 10.2196/48620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of social media platforms to seek information continues to increase. Social media platforms can be used to disseminate important information to people worldwide instantaneously. However, their viral nature also makes it easy to share misinformation, disinformation, unverified information, and fake news. The unprecedented reliance on social media platforms to seek information during the COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by increased incidents of misinformation and disinformation. Consequently, there was an increase in the number of scientific publications related to the role of social media in disseminating health misinformation and disinformation at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health misinformation and disinformation, especially in periods of global public health disasters, can lead to the erosion of trust in policy makers at best and fatal consequences at worst. OBJECTIVE This paper reports a bibliometric analysis aimed at investigating the evolution of research publications related to the role of social media as a driver of health misinformation and disinformation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, this study aimed to identify the top trending keywords, niche topics, authors, and publishers for publishing papers related to the current research, as well as the global collaboration between authors on topics related to the role of social media in health misinformation and disinformation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The Scopus database was accessed on June 8, 2023, using a combination of Medical Subject Heading and author-defined terms to create the following search phrases that targeted the title, abstract, and keyword fields: ("Health*" OR "Medical") AND ("Misinformation" OR "Disinformation" OR "Fake News") AND ("Social media" OR "Twitter" OR "Facebook" OR "YouTube" OR "WhatsApp" OR "Instagram" OR "TikTok") AND ("Pandemic*" OR "Corona*" OR "Covid*"). A total of 943 research papers published between 2020 and June 2023 were analyzed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation), VOSviewer (Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University), and the Biblioshiny package in Bibliometrix (K-Synth Srl) for RStudio (Posit, PBC). RESULTS The highest number of publications was from 2022 (387/943, 41%). Most publications (725/943, 76.9%) were articles. JMIR published the most research papers (54/943, 5.7%). Authors from the United States collaborated the most, with 311 coauthored research papers. The keywords "Covid-19," "social media," and "misinformation" were the top 3 trending keywords, whereas "learning systems," "learning models," and "learning algorithms" were revealed as the niche topics on the role of social media in health misinformation and disinformation during the COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS Collaborations between authors can increase their productivity and citation counts. Niche topics such as "learning systems," "learning models," and "learning algorithms" could be exploited by researchers in future studies to analyze the influence of social media on health misinformation and disinformation during periods of global public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Funmi Adebesin
- Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hanlie Smuts
- Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tendani Mawela
- Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - George Maramba
- Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marie Hattingh
- Department of Informatics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Keval A, Titi M, Saleh HO, Young S, Gomez JD, Atanasov V, Black B, Meurer J. Community focus groups about a COVID-19 individual risk assessment tool: access, understanding and usefulness. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1761. [PMID: 37697247 PMCID: PMC10494421 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
To make informed COVID-19 related decisions, individuals need information about their personal risks and how those risks may vary with specific demographic and health characteristics. The Fight COVID Milwaukee web-based risk assessment tool allows for assessment of COVID-19 mortality risk as a function of personal and neighborhood characteristics. The purpose of this study is to explore public understanding of this risk assessment tool and risk perception through community focus groups. Individuals were recruited from the general adult population in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, USA, to participate in nine online focus groups where the risk assessment tool was presented for feedback. Three main themes were identified in the focus groups regarding the web-based risk assessment tool: some challenges in accessibility, variable ease of understanding, and personal usefulness but uncertain value for others. This paper explores how members of the community interpret individual risk assessments and life expectancy estimations, and how these vary with age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and pre-existing comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyah Keval
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Mohammad Titi
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Hadi Omar Saleh
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Staci Young
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Julia Dickson Gomez
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | | | - Bernard Black
- Northwestern University, 633 Clark St, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - John Meurer
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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37
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Junot A, Chabanet P, Ridde V. Management of the COVID crisis in Reunion Island (SW Indian Ocean): representations of COVID-19 and acceptance of public health measures. Health Psychol Behav Med 2023; 11:2252902. [PMID: 37674594 PMCID: PMC10478632 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2023.2252902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Context The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has caused a major health crisis, requiring the implementation of various public health measures in order to slow the spread of the virus and reduce the associated mortality. However, the success of these measures depends on people's acceptance of them. This research aimed at understanding people's representations of COVID-19 and its crisis management, and ultimately at understanding their attitudes toward health measures for counteracting the spread of COVID-19 in Reunion Island together with the behaviours expected of them. Method Using Random Digit Dialling, a qualitative study was conducted with 53 inhabitants between February and May 2021. The COREQ checklist was followed. A dual textometric and manual thematic analysis was adopted in order to identify representations of COVID and the management of the crisis. Results Some respondents perceived COVID-19 as a serious disease, while others saw it as a banal virus or even doubted its existence. A perceived ineffectiveness of public health measures and the incompetency of public actors predominated in the participants' discourse. Conclusions Thus, there was a considerable lack of trust and negative attitudes toward health measures, possibly influencing people's acceptance and explaining numerous controversies. This research examines the importance of considering people's representations of the health situation in order to improve people's acceptance of protective measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pascale Chabanet
- UMR Entropie (IRD, UR, CNRS, IFREMER, UNC), CS La Réunion, France
| | - Valéry Ridde
- UMR Ceped (IRD, Université de Paris Cité, Inserm), Paris, France
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38
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Stojanov A, Hannawa A. Validating a German Version of the Conspiracy Mentality Scale (CMS). J Pers Assess 2023; 105:691-701. [PMID: 36507630 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2149408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increased scientific interest in conspiracy beliefs raises the need for validated individual difference measures in the general tendency to believe in conspiracy theories, otherwise referred to as conspiracy mentality. In this article, we present a German language version of the Conspiracy Mentality Scale (CMS). A representative sample of German-speaking Swiss residents (N = 468) filled in the scale, along with measures of trust in several sources of information, need for social validation, compliance with Covid-19 preventive measures, perceived severity of the pandemic, loneliness, functional literacy and interpersonal conflict. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure of the original scale. Positive correlations between conspiracy theory ideation and trust in friends and the need for social validation on the one hand, and negative correlations with trust in scientific publications and scientific experts, perceived severity of the pandemic and functional literacy on the other hand supported construct validity. We conclude that our German language version of the scale is a valid measure of conspiracy theory ideation and skepticism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Stojanov
- Higher Education Development Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Annegret Hannawa
- Faculty of Communication, Culture & Society, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
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N. Fountoulakis K, N. Karakatsoulis G, Abraham S, Adorjan K, Ahmed HU, Alarcón RD, Arai K, Auwal SS, Bobes J, Bobes-Bascaran T, Bourgin-Duchesnay J, Bredicean CA, Bukelskis L, Burkadze A, Cabrera Abud II, Castilla-Puentes R, Cetkovich M, Colon-Rivera H, Corral R, Cortez-Vergara C, Crepin P, de Berardis D, Zamora Delgado S, de Lucena D, de Sousa A, di Stefano R, Dodd S, Elek LP, Elissa A, Erdelyi-Hamza B, Erzin G, Etchevers MJ, Falkai P, Farcas A, Fedotov I, Filatova V, Fountoulakis NK, Frankova I, Franza F, Frias P, Galako T, Garay CJ, Garcia-Álvarez L, García-Portilla P, Gonda X, Gondek TM, Morera González D, Gould H, Grandinetti P, Grau A, Groudeva V, Hagin M, Harada T, Hasan TM, Azreen Hashim N, Hilbig J, Hossain S, Iakimova R, Ibrahim M, Iftene F, Ignatenko Y, Irarrazaval M, Ismail Z, Ismayilova J, Jacobs A, Jakovljević M, Jakšić N, Javed A, Yilmaz Kafali H, Karia S, Kazakova O, Khalifa D, Khaustova O, Koh S, Kopishinskaia S, Kosenko K, Koupidis SA, Kovacs I, Kulig B, Lalljee A, Liewig J, Majid A, Malashonkova E, Malik K, Iqbal Malik N, Mammadzada G, Mandalia B, Marazziti D, Marčinko D, Martinez S, Matiekus E, Mejia G, Memon RS, Meza Martínez XE, Mickevičiūtė D, Milev R, Mohammed M, Molina-López A, Morozov P, Muhammad NS, Mustač F, Naor MS, Nassieb A, Navickas A, Okasha T, Pandova M, Panfil AL, Panteleeva L, Papava I, Patsali ME, Pavlichenko A, Pejuskovic B, Pinto da Costa M, Popkov M, Popovic D, Raduan NJN, Vargas Ramírez F, Rancans E, Razali S, Rebok F, Rewekant A, Reyes Flores EN, Rivera-Encinas MT, Saiz PA, Sánchez de Carmona M, Saucedo Martínez D, Saw JA, Saygili G, Schneidereit P, Shah B, Shirasaka T, Silagadze K, Sitanggang S, Skugarevsky O, Spikina A, Mahalingappa SS, Stoyanova M, Szczegielniak A, Tamasan SC, Tavormina G, Tavormina MGM, Theodorakis PN, Tohen M, Tsapakis EM, Tukhvatullina D, Ullah I, Vaidya R, Vega-Dienstmaier JM, Vrublevska J, Vukovic O, Vysotska O, Widiasih N, Yashikhina A, Prezerakos PE, Berk M, Levaj S, Smirnova D. Results of the COVID-19 mental health international for the health professionals (COMET-HP) study: depression, suicidal tendencies and conspiracism. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1387-1410. [PMID: 36867224 PMCID: PMC9982799 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02438-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current study aimed to investigate the rates of anxiety, clinical depression, and suicidality and their changes in health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data came from the larger COMET-G study. The study sample includes 12,792 health professionals from 40 countries (62.40% women aged 39.76 ± 11.70; 36.81% men aged 35.91 ± 11.00 and 0.78% non-binary gender aged 35.15 ± 13.03). Distress and clinical depression were identified with the use of a previously developed cut-off and algorithm, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics were calculated. Chi-square tests, multiple forward stepwise linear regression analyses, and Factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tested relations among variables. RESULTS Clinical depression was detected in 13.16% with male doctors and 'non-binary genders' having the lowest rates (7.89 and 5.88% respectively) and 'non-binary gender' nurses and administrative staff had the highest (37.50%); distress was present in 15.19%. A significant percentage reported a deterioration in mental state, family dynamics, and everyday lifestyle. Persons with a history of mental disorders had higher rates of current depression (24.64% vs. 9.62%; p < 0.0001). Suicidal tendencies were at least doubled in terms of RASS scores. Approximately one-third of participants were accepting (at least to a moderate degree) a non-bizarre conspiracy. The highest Relative Risk (RR) to develop clinical depression was associated with a history of Bipolar disorder (RR = 4.23). CONCLUSIONS The current study reported findings in health care professionals similar in magnitude and quality to those reported earlier in the general population although rates of clinical depression, suicidal tendencies, and adherence to conspiracy theories were much lower. However, the general model of factors interplay seems to be the same and this could be of practical utility since many of these factors are modifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigorios N. Karakatsoulis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Seri Abraham
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Core Psychiatry Training, Health Education England North West, Manchester, UK
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludiwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Helal Uddin Ahmed
- Child Adolescent and Family Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Renato D. Alarcón
- Section of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado, Lima, Peru
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Kiyomi Arai
- School of Medicine and Health Science, Institute of Health Science Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Sani Salihu Auwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Julio Bobes
- Psychiatry Area, Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Teresa Bobes-Bascaran
- Mental Health Center of La Corredoria, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Julie Bourgin-Duchesnay
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Groupe Hospitalier Nord Essonne, Orsay, France
| | - Cristina Ana Bredicean
- Department of Neuroscience, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Laurynas Bukelskis
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Akaki Burkadze
- Mental Hub, Tbilisi, Georgia
- NGO Healthcare Research and Quality Agency, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Ruby Castilla-Puentes
- Janssen Research and Development, Johnson and Johnson, American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry and WARMI Women Mental Health, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Marcelo Cetkovich
- Institute of Translational and Cognitive Neuroscience (INCyT), INECO Foundation, Favaloro University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hector Colon-Rivera
- APM Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Neurology, Addiction Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine, UPMC, DDAP, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ricardo Corral
- Department of Teaching and Research, Hospital Borda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Piirika Crepin
- Sanitaire and Social Union for Accompaniment and Prevention, Center of Ambulatory Psychiatry of Narbonne and Lezigan, Narbonne, France
| | - Domenico de Berardis
- Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- School of Nursing, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, School of Psychiatry, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sergio Zamora Delgado
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
| | - David de Lucena
- Departamento de Fisiología E Farmacología, Universidade Federal Do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará Brazil
| | - Avinash de Sousa
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, India
- Desousa Foundation, Mumbai, India
| | - Ramona di Stefano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Seetal Dodd
- IMPACT–the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
- Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- University Hospital Geelong, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC Australia
| | - Livia Priyanka Elek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Elissa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Berta Erdelyi-Hamza
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gamze Erzin
- Psychiatry Department, Ankara Dışkapı Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Martin J. Etchevers
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludiwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Adriana Farcas
- Centre of Neuroscience, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Ilya Fedotov
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Ryazan State Medical University N.a. Academician I.P. Pavlov, Ryazan, Russia
| | - Viktoriia Filatova
- State Budgetary Institution of the Rostov Region “Psychoneurological Dispensary”, Rostov-On-Don, Russia
| | | | - Iryna Frankova
- Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Department, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Francesco Franza
- Villa Dei Pini Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center, Avellino, Italy
- Psychiatric Studies Centre, Provaglio d’Iseo, Italy
| | | | - Tatiana Galako
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Psychology and Drug Abuse, Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Cristian J. Garay
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Paz García-Portilla
- Psychiatry Area, Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
- Mental Health Center of La Ería, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Xenia Gonda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tomasz M. Gondek
- Specialty Training Section, Polish Psychiatric Association, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Hilary Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Paolo Grandinetti
- Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Arturo Grau
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Violeta Groudeva
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital Saint Ekaterina, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Michal Hagin
- Forensic Psychiatry Unit, Abarbanel Mental Health Center, Bat Yam, Israel
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Education Bureau of the Laboratory Schools, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tasdik M. Hasan
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Public Health Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nurul Azreen Hashim
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jan Hilbig
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sahadat Hossain
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rossitza Iakimova
- Second Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital for Active Treatment in Neurology and Psychiatry “Saint Naum”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mona Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Felicia Iftene
- Department of Psychiatry, Queens University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Yulia Ignatenko
- Mental Health Clinic No 1 N.a. N.A. Alexeev of Moscow Healthcare Department, Education Center, Moscow, Russia
| | - Matias Irarrazaval
- Ministry of Health, Millenium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality, Santiago, Chile
| | - Zaliha Ismail
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jamila Ismayilova
- National Mental Health Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Asaf Jacobs
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center Health System, Valhalla, NY USA
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY USA
| | | | - Nenad Jakšić
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Afzal Javed
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Psychiatric Research Centre, Fountain House, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Sagar Karia
- Department of Psychiatry, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Doaa Khalifa
- Faculty of Medicine, Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olena Khaustova
- Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Department, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Steve Koh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Svetlana Kopishinskaia
- International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry (ICERN), Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
- Kirov State Medical University, Kirov, Russia
| | - Korneliia Kosenko
- Drug Abuse and Psychology Department, Odessa National Medical University, Odessa, Ukraine
| | - Sotirios A. Koupidis
- Occupational and Environmental Health Sector, Public Health Policy Department, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Illes Kovacs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Barbara Kulig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Justine Liewig
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Groupe Hospitalier Nord Essonne, Orsay, France
| | - Abdul Majid
- Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, India
| | - Evgeniia Malashonkova
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Groupe Hospitalier Nord Essonne, Orsay, France
| | - Khamelia Malik
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Najma Iqbal Malik
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Gulay Mammadzada
- Department of Psychiatry, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | | | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Unicamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
- Brain Research Foundation Onus, Lucca, Italy
| | - Darko Marčinko
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stephanie Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Eimantas Matiekus
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gabriela Mejia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Roha Saeed Memon
- Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Roumen Milev
- Department of Psychiatry, Queens University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Muftau Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Alejandro Molina-López
- General Office for the Psychiatric Services of the Ministry of Health, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Petr Morozov
- Department of Postgraduate Education, Russian National Research Medical University N.a. N.I. Pirogov, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nuru Suleiman Muhammad
- Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Filip Mustač
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mika S. Naor
- Sackler School of Medicine New York State American Program, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Amira Nassieb
- Faculty of Medicine, Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alvydas Navickas
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Tarek Okasha
- Faculty of Medicine, Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Milena Pandova
- Second Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital for Active Treatment in Neurology and Psychiatry “Saint Naum”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anca-Livia Panfil
- Compartment of Liaison Psychiatry, “Pius Brinzeu” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Liliya Panteleeva
- Department of Medical Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | - Ion Papava
- Department of Neuroscience, Discipline of Psychiatry, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mikaella E. Patsali
- School of Social Sciences, Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Alexey Pavlichenko
- Ministry of Health, Millenium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bojana Pejuskovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinical Department for Crisis and Affective Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Mikhail Popkov
- Department of the Introduction to Internal Medicine and Family Medicine, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
| | | | - Nor Jannah Nasution Raduan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Francisca Vargas Ramírez
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elmars Rancans
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga, Latvia
| | - Salmi Razali
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Federico Rebok
- Servicio de Emergencia, Acute Inpatient Unit, Hospital Moyano, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Argentine Institute of Clinical Psychiatry (IAPC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anna Rewekant
- General Psychiatry Unit I, Greater Poland Neuropsychiatric Center, Kościan, Poland
| | | | - María Teresa Rivera-Encinas
- Centro de Investigación en Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Instituto Nacional de Salud Mental “Honorio Delgado – Hideyo Noguchi”, Lima, Perú
| | - Pilar A. Saiz
- Psychiatry Area, Department of Medicine, University of Oviedo, ISPA, INEUROPA. CIBERSAM, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - David Saucedo Martínez
- Department of Psychiatry, Escuela Nacional de Medicina, TEC de Monterrey. Servicio de Geriatría. Hospital Universitario “José Eleuterio González” UANL, Monterrey, Nuevo León México
| | - Jo Anne Saw
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Görkem Saygili
- Assistant Professor at Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence Department, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Schneidereit
- Klinik Für Allgemeine Psychiatrie Und Psychotherapie Ost, Psychiatrische Institutsambulanz, Klinikum Am Weissenhof, Weissenhof, Germany
| | | | - Tomohiro Shirasaka
- Department of Psychiatry, Teine Keijinkai Medical Center, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Satti Sitanggang
- Psychiatric Unit, Pambalah Batung General Hospital, South Kalimantan, Amuntai, Indonesia
| | - Oleg Skugarevsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Anna Spikina
- Saint Petersburg Psychoneurological Dispensary No2, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sridevi Sira Mahalingappa
- Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, The Liasion Team, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, Derbyshire UK
| | - Maria Stoyanova
- Second Psychiatric Clinic, University Hospital for Active Treatment in Neurology and Psychiatry “Saint Naum”, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anna Szczegielniak
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Simona Claudia Tamasan
- Compartment of Liaison Psychiatry, “Pius Brinzeu” County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Giuseppe Tavormina
- Psychiatric Studies Centre, Provaglio d’Iseo, Italy
- European Depression Association and Italian Association on Depression, Brussels, Belgium
- Bedforshire Center for Mental Health Research, in association with the University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Mauricio Tohen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Eva-Maria Tsapakis
- Agios Charalambos Mental Health Clinic, Heraklion, Crete Greece
- 1st Department of Academic Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dina Tukhvatullina
- Centre for Global Public Health, Institute of Population Health Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Irfan Ullah
- Kabir Medical College, Gandhara University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Ratnaraj Vaidya
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Jelena Vrublevska
- Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Riga Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Riga, Latvia
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
| | - Olivera Vukovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Institute of Public Health, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Olga Vysotska
- Department for Research and Education, Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natalia Widiasih
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Anna Yashikhina
- International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry (ICERN), Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
- Educational and Research Center–Ukrainian Family Medicine Training Center, Bogomolets National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Panagiotis E. Prezerakos
- Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT–the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
- Orygen The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Levaj
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Daria Smirnova
- International Centre for Education and Research in Neuropsychiatry (ICERN), Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia
- Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Laboratory of Integrated Health Care, Tripoli, Greece
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Nah S, Williamson LD, Kahlor LA, Atkinson L, Upshaw SJ, Ntang-Beb JL. The Roles of Social Media Use and Medical Mistrust in Black Americans' COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: The RISP Model Perspective. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37551159 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2244169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to healthcare and public health messaging in the United States. One area of focus has been vaccination uptake among Black Americans, who have experienced COVID-19 deaths disproportionate to their share of the United States population, raising questions about the processes involved in vaccination perceptions and behaviors. Guided by the Risk Information Seeking and Processing model, this study explored the roles of medical mistrust and social media as a source of risk information in Black Americans' vaccine hesitancy. Survey results from a YouGov panel sample of Black Americans (n = 1,136; 53.5% female) showed that social media use and medical mistrust were positively associated with belief in misinformation related to the COVID-19 vaccine, which, in turn, was positively related to vaccine hesitancy through perceived information insufficiency and information seeking intentions. Furthermore, we found that belief in misinformation and subjective norms toward anti-vaccination also serially mediated the association between social media use and medical mistrust with vaccine hesitancy. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soya Nah
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin
| | | | - Lee Ann Kahlor
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Lucy Atkinson
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Sean J Upshaw
- The Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, The University of Texas at Austin
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Bălăeț M, Kurtin DL, Gruia DC, Lerede A, Custovic D, Trender W, Jolly AE, Hellyer PJ, Hampshire A. Mapping the sociodemographic distribution and self-reported justifications for non-compliance with COVID-19 guidelines in the United Kingdom. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1183789. [PMID: 37539003 PMCID: PMC10395087 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1183789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Which population factors have predisposed people to disregard government safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and what justifications do they give for this non-compliance? To address these questions, we analyse fixed-choice and free-text responses to survey questions about compliance and government handling of the pandemic, collected from tens of thousands of members of the UK public at three 6-monthly timepoints. We report that sceptical opinions about the government and mainstream-media narrative, especially as pertaining to justification for guidelines, significantly predict non-compliance. However, free text topic modelling shows that such opinions are diverse, spanning from scepticism about government competence and self-interest to full-blown conspiracy theories, and covary in prevalence with sociodemographic variables. These results indicate that attempts to counter non-compliance through argument should account for this diversity in peoples' underlying opinions, and inform conversations aimed at bridging the gap between the general public and bodies of authority accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bălăeț
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle L. Kurtin
- Neuromodulation Lab, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Dragos C. Gruia
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annalaura Lerede
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Healthcare, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darije Custovic
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute: Care Research & Technology, London, United Kingdom
| | - William Trender
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council CDT Neurotechnology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy E. Jolly
- NMR Unit, Queen Square Multiple Sclerosis Centre, UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Department of Neuroinflammation, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Hellyer
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Hampshire
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Youssef D, Abou-Abass L, Hassan H. Unveiling the unknown: first comprehensive assessment of the knowledge, attitudes and practices of hospital cleaning services staff regarding COVID-19 in Lebanon during the pandemic. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:134. [PMID: 37461121 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01149-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital cleaners are the unsung heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of hospital cleaners towards COVID-19 and determine factors associated with good practices. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between the 1st and 14th November 2020. Using a snowball sampling technique, data were collected through an online survey that was sent to governmental and private hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics and KAP of hospital cleaners towards COVID-19. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS A total of 453 cleaners completed the survey, of whom 54.3% were females. Most participants had a good level of COVID-19 knowledge (98%) and good preventive practices (89.7%). Regarding attitude, 90.7% had a positive attitude toward health facilities, 78.8% toward cleaning and disinfection, and 73.5% toward health authorities. Sociodemographic characteristics, including younger age, higher levels of education, working in private hospitals, and having more than 3 years of experience, were positively associated with good preventive practices. Our results also showed that participants who had good knowledge about COVID-19, COVID-19 prevention and treatment, cleaning and disinfection processes, and COVID-19 risk factors had a higher likelihood of positive preventive practices. Finally, a positive attitude toward health facilities, health authorities, and cleaning and disinfection was positively associated with good practices. CONCLUSION The surveyed cleaners have a high level of knowledge and expressed positive attitudes toward health facilities and health authorities, as well as good preventive practices. Understanding the determinants of cleaning performance is critical in tailoring interventions to improve hospital cleaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Youssef
- Clinical Trial Program, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Bordeaux Research Center for Population Health, Institut de sante publique, d'epidemiologie et de developpement (ISPED), Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France.
- Lebanese Higher Institute of Technical and Professional, Ministry of Education, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Linda Abou-Abass
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Shankar K, Chandrasekaran R, Jeripity Venkata P, Miketinas D. Investigating the Role of Nutrition in Enhancing Immunity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Twitter Text-Mining Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e47328. [PMID: 37428522 PMCID: PMC10366666 DOI: 10.2196/47328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the spotlight the critical role played by a balanced and healthy diet in bolstering the human immune system. There is burgeoning interest in nutrition-related information on social media platforms like Twitter. There is a critical need to assess and understand public opinion, attitudes, and sentiments toward nutrition-related information shared on Twitter. OBJECTIVE This study uses text mining to analyze nutrition-related messages on Twitter to identify and analyze how the general public perceives various food groups and diets for improving immunity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. METHODS We gathered 71,178 nutrition-related tweets that were posted between January 01, 2020, and September 30, 2020. The Correlated Explanation text mining algorithm was used to identify frequently discussed topics that users mentioned as contributing to immunity building against SARS-CoV-2. We assessed the relative importance of these topics and performed a sentiment analysis. We also qualitatively examined the tweets to gain a closer understanding of nutrition-related topics and food groups. RESULTS Text-mining yielded 10 topics that users discussed frequently on Twitter, viz proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy-related, spices and herbs, fluids, supplements, avoidable foods, and specialty diets. Supplements were the most frequently discussed topic (23,913/71,178, 33.6%) with a higher proportion (20,935/23,913, 87.75%) exhibiting a positive sentiment with a score of 0.41. Consuming fluids (17,685/71,178, 24.85%) and fruits (14,807/71,178, 20.80%) were the second and third most frequent topics with favorable, positive sentiments. Spices and herbs (8719/71,178, 12.25%) and avoidable foods (8619/71,178, 12.11%) were also frequently discussed. Negative sentiments were observed for a higher proportion of avoidable foods (7627/8619, 84.31%) with a sentiment score of -0.39. CONCLUSIONS This study identified 10 important food groups and associated sentiments that users discussed as a means to improve immunity. Our findings can help dieticians and nutritionists to frame appropriate interventions and diet programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Shankar
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University Institute for Health Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
- Department of Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | | | - Derek Miketinas
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University Institute for Health Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
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Lamba N, Khokhlova O, Bhatia A, McHugh C. Mental health hygiene during a health crisis: Exploring factors associated with media-induced secondary trauma in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Psychol Open 2023; 10:20551029231199578. [PMID: 37746585 PMCID: PMC10517610 DOI: 10.1177/20551029231199578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Given the risk of developing vicarious trauma through news media has increased during the pandemic, we explored risk factors associated with media induced secondary trauma, and its behavioral and psychological implications. Methods An international study (N = 1066), with a diverse sample, was administered in July 2020. We used standardized and validated questionnaires to measure news consumption, media-related trauma, compliance, and paranoia. Results Greater frequency of news consumption, accessing news via social media and WHO, and believing in conspiracy theories increased likelihood of developing media-induced secondary trauma. News related trauma was associated with greater compliance with safety measures and increased paranoid ideation. Media-trauma however exhibited a greater association with paranoia than compliance. Conclusion Findings highlight the need to facilitate a collaborative intervention, with public, media houses, health safety officials, and social scientists to have a deeper understanding of potential psychological costs of news consumption patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishtha Lamba
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Olga Khokhlova
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Aditi Bhatia
- Department of Psychology, Middlesex University Dubai, Dubai, UAE
| | - Cillian McHugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Watkins M, Mallion JS, Frings D, Wills J, Sykes S, Whittaker A. Public health messages during a global emergency through an online community: a discourse and sentiment analysis. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1130784. [PMID: 37448835 PMCID: PMC10336855 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1130784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing popularity of social media and its ubiquitous presence in our lives brings associated risks such as the spread of mis- and disinformation, particularly when these may be unregulated in times of global crises. Online communities are able to provide support by enabling connection with others and also provide great potential for dynamic interaction and timely dissemination of information compared with more traditional methods. This study evaluates interactions within the Essex Coronavirus Action/Support Facebook private group, which set out to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection by informing Essex residents of guidance and helping vulnerable individuals. At the outset, 18 community administrators oversaw the group, which attracted approximately 37,900 members. Longitudinal Facebook group interactions across five periods spanning the UK lockdowns 2020-2021 were analysed using psychological discourse analysis and supplementary computed-mediated analysis to further explore sentiment and linguistic features. The findings endorsed that the group provided a protected space for residents to express their feelings in times of crises and an opportunity to address confusion and concern. The effective communication of public health messages was facilitated by promoting desired interaction and the construction of group identities. Administrators worked with group members to achieve a shared understanding of others' perspectives and the COVID-19 evidence base, which led to a mobilisation of the provision of support in the community. This was accomplished through the application of rhetorical and interactional devices. This study demonstrates how online groups can employ discursive strategies to engage audiences, build cohesion, provide support, and encourage health protective behaviours. This has implications for public health teams in terms of designing, implementing, or evaluating such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Watkins
- Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaimee S. Mallion
- School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Frings
- School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Wills
- Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Susie Sykes
- Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Whittaker
- Institute of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
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Wirtz VJ, Millán-Garduño G, Hegewisch-Taylor J, Dreser A, Anaya-Sanchez A, González-Vázquez TT, Escalera R, Torres-Pereda P. Misinformation messages shared via WhatsApp in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:7151549. [PMID: 37140349 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the role of WhatsApp in spreading misinformation during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico. The aim of this study is to analyze the message content, format, authorship, time trends and social media distribution channels of misinformation in WhatsApp messages in Mexico. From March 18 to June 30, 2020 the authors collected all WhatsApp messages received via their personal contacts and their social networks that contained information about COVID-19. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the scientifically inaccurate messages and the relationship between variables, respectively. Google image and video searches were carried out to identify sharing on other social media. Out of a total of 106 messages, the most frequently mentioned COVID-19 related message topics were prevention (20.0%), conspiracy (18.5%), therapy (15.4%) and origin of the virus (10.3%), changing throughout the pandemic according to users' concerns. Half of all WhatsApp messages were either images or videos. WhatsApp images were also shared on Facebook (80%) and YouTube (~50%). Our findings indicate that the design of information and health promotion campaigns requires to be proactive in adapting to the changes in message content and format of misinformation shared through encrypted social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika J Wirtz
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Millán-Garduño
- Center for Information on Public Health Decisions, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Anahi Dreser
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Andrea Anaya-Sanchez
- Graduate Group in Microbiology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Escalera
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Pilar Torres-Pereda
- Center for Health Systems Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- PhD student in Anthropology and Communication, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain
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Jones C, Galbraith N, Boyda D, Martin DBH, Jackson K. A latent profile analysis of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs: Associations with thinking styles, mistrust, socio-political control, need for closure and verbal intelligence. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 207:112155. [PMID: 36923243 PMCID: PMC9988712 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has been drawn to conspiracy theories. To date, research has largely examined commonalities in conspiracy theory belief, however it is important to identify where there may be notable differences. The aim of the present research was first to distinguish between typologies of COVID-19 conspiracy belief and explore demographic, social cognitive factors associated with these beliefs. Secondly, we aimed to examine the effects of such beliefs on adherence to government health guidelines. Participants (N = 319) rated well known COVID-19 conspiracy theories, completing measures of thinking style, socio-political control, mistrust, verbal intelligence, need for closure and demographic information. Participants also rated the extent to which they followed government health guidelines. Latent profile analysis suggests three profiles of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs with low, moderate, and high COVID conspiracy belief profiles and successively stronger endorsement on all but one of the COVID-19 conspiracy theories. Those holding stronger COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs are more likely to reason emotively, feel less socio-political control, mistrust others, have lower verbal ability and adhere less to COVID-19 guidelines. The social and health implications of these findings are discussed.
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Smail EJ, Livingston T, Wolach A, Cenko E, Kaufmann CN, Manini TM. Media Consumption and COVID-19-Related Precautionary Behaviors During the Early Pandemic: Survey Study of Older Adults. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e46230. [PMID: 37213166 DOI: 10.2196/46230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, media sources dedicated significant time and resources to improve knowledge of COVID-19 precautionary behaviors (eg, wearing a mask). Many older adults report using the television, radio, print newspapers, or web-based sources to get information on political news, yet little is known about whether consuming news in the early phase of the pandemic led to behavior change, particularly in older adults. OBJECTIVE The goals of this study were to determine (1) whether dosage of news consumption on the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with COVID-19 precautionary behaviors; (2) whether being an ever-user of social media was associated with engagement in COVID-19 precautionary behaviors; and (3) among social media users, whether change in social media use during the early stages of the pandemic was associated with engagement in COVID-19 precautionary behaviors. METHODS Data were obtained from a University of Florida-administered study conducted in May and June of 2020. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between traditional news and social media use on COVID-19 precautionary behaviors (eg, mask wearing, hand washing, and social distancing behaviors). Analyses were adjusted for demographic characteristics, including age, sex, marital status, and education level. RESULTS In a sample of 1082 older adults (mean age 73, IQR 68-78 years; 615/1082, 56.8% female), reporting 0 and <1 hour per day of media consumption, relative to >3 hours per day, was associated with lower engagement in COVID-19 precautionary behaviors in models adjusted for demographic characteristics (β=-2.00; P<.001 and β=-.41; P=.01, respectively). In addition, increasing social media use (relative to unchanged use) was associated with engagement in more COVID-19 precautionary behaviors (β=.70, P<.001). No associations were found between being an ever-user of social media and engaging in COVID-19 precautionary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated an association between higher media consumption and greater engagement in COVID-19 precautionary behaviors in older adults. These findings suggest that media can be effectively used as a public health tool for communication of prevention strategies and best practices during future health threats, even among populations who are historically less engaged in certain types of media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Smail
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Torie Livingston
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Adam Wolach
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Erta Cenko
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Christopher N Kaufmann
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Todd M Manini
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Thorpe A, Zhong L, Scherer LD, Drews FA, Shoemaker H, Fagerlin A. Demographic, structural, and psychological predictors of risk-increasing and mask wearing behaviors among US adults between December 2020-March 2021. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 114:107792. [PMID: 37201301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess demographic, structural, and psychological predictors of risk-increasing and risk-decreasing behaviors METHODS: 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. RESULTS 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). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight key individual-level determinants of risk-increasing behaviors and mask wearing which encompass demographic, structural, and psychological factors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Findings can support public health experts and health communicators promote engagement with risk-reducing behaviors and address key barriers to engaging in these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Thorpe
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Lingzi Zhong
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Laura D Scherer
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Denver VA Center of Innovation, USA
| | - Frank A Drews
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; University of Utah College of Social and Behavioral Science, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Holly Shoemaker
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Naveed MA, Shaukat R, Asghar A, Rafique GM. How Covid-19 literacy influences fear, protective behaviour, and conspiracy beliefs among university students in Pakistan? JOURNAL OF ACADEMIC LIBRARIANSHIP 2023; 49:102699. [PMID: 36945708 PMCID: PMC10020042 DOI: 10.1016/j.acalib.2023.102699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Covid-19 literacy, a social vaccine, is crucial to cope pandemic situations as it helps individuals to manage panic situations, adopt health preventive behaviours and adapting to the new normal. Objectives This research examined the effects of Covid-19 literacy on fear, protective behaviour, and conspiracy beliefs of university students using an online questionnaire. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted at two universities from Lahore with permission from concerned authorities. A total of 301 received responses were analyzed by applying descriptive as well as inferential statistics in SPSS. Results The results indicated that Covid-19 literacy appeared to predict negatively fear of Covid-19 and conspiracy beliefs and positively health-protective behaviours. In other words, the university students with better Covid-19 literacy appeared to have less fear of Covid-19, more likely to adopt health-protective behaviours and believe less in conspirative information. Conclusions These results demonstrated the potential benefits of Covid-19 literacy to respond proactively to the fear caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, managing infodemic and adoption of health-protective behaviours. These results would be useful for policymakers, NGOs, health professionals, and university librarians in planning health education and promotion for not only university students but also for general public. This research contributed to the existing research on health literacy related to the Covid-19 pandemic in general and Covid-19 literacy in particular as limited studies have been published so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asif Naveed
- Department of Information Management, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Rozeen Shaukat
- Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Asghar
- HSM, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
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