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Danaei Mehrabad S, Panahi S, Sedghi S, Aryankhesal A. Information and health literacy policies during pandemics: A narrative review. Health Info Libr J 2024; 41:216-234. [PMID: 39101635 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12544] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled governments globally to formulate policies addressing the unique needs of their populations. These policies are critical in disseminating accurate information and enhancing health literacy during crises. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to identify and assess effective information and health literacy policies implemented during pandemics. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed across five electronic information sources (PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Emerald Insight, Scopus), supplemented by Google Scholar. The analysis employed Walt and Gilson's health policy triangle framework to categorize and evaluate the findings. RESULTS The review revealed that the policies could be grouped into several key categories: educational programs, laws and regulations, knowledge sharing, national programs, and different information sources. The development of these policies involved multifaceted processes influenced by political, scientific, economic, cultural and social factors, as well as the involvement of multiple stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This review offers significant insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. By understanding the dimensions and components of effective information and health literacy policies, stakeholders can better prepare for and respond to future pandemics and similar health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Danaei Mehrabad
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Panahi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Sedghi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aidin Aryankhesal
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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León-Figueroa DA, Barboza JJ, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Sources of information on monkeypox virus infection. A systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:276. [PMID: 38263135 PMCID: PMC10807226 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17741-5] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monkeypox (Mpox) virus infection is a topic of growing interest today because of its potential public health impact and concern about possible outbreaks. Reliable and up-to-date sources of information that provide accurate data on its transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment are essential for understanding and effectively addressing this disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of sources of information on Mpox virus infection. METHODS An exhaustive systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out using the information available in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases up to August 3, 2023. The data were analyzed using R software version 4.2.3. The quality of the cross-sectional studies that formed part of this review was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) tool. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed based on the study populations. RESULTS Through electronic searches of five databases, a total of 1833 studies were identified. Twenty-four cross-sectional articles were included, with a total sample of 35,959 participants from 34 countries. The pooled prevalence of each of the included information sources was: social networks reached 59% (95% CI: 50-68%; 29,146 participants; 22 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01); the Internet was 61% (95% CI: 44-77%; 14,002 participants; 5 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), radio reached 10% (95% CI: 07-13%; 8917 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 93%; p < 0.01), television accounted for 24% (95% CI: 09-43%; 14,896 participants; 8 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), and the combination of radio and television accounted for 45% (95% CI: 31-60%; 4207 participants; 7 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01); for newspapers, it was 15% (95% CI: 05-27%; 2841 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01), friends and relatives accounted for 19% (95% CI: 12-28%; 28,470 participants; 19 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), the World Health Organization (WHO) accounted for 17% (95% CI: 07-29%; 1656 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 97%; p < 0.01), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) accounted for 10% (95% CI: 03-21%; 2378 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 98%; p < 0.01), and the combination of WHO and CDC websites accounted for 60% (95% CI: 48-72%; 1828 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 96%; p < 0.01), and finally, scientific articles and journals accounted for 24% (95% CI: 16-33%; 16,775 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The study suggests that people access a variety of information sources to gain knowledge about Mpox virus infection, with a strong emphasis on online sources such as social networks and the Internet. However, it is important to note that the quality and accuracy of information available from these sources can vary, underscoring the need to promote access to reliable and up-to-date information about this disease to ensure public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshuan J Barboza
- Unidad de Revisiones Sistemáticas y Meta-análisis, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, 15046, Lima, Peru
| | - Mario J Valladares-Garrido
- Universidad Continental, 15046, Lima, Peru.
- Oficina de Epidemiología, Hospital Regional Lambayeque, 14012, Chiclayo, Peru.
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Chitha N, Ntsele N, Mabunda SA, Funani I, Swartbooi B, Mnyaka O, Thabede J, Tshabalala R, Pulido-Estrada GA, Nomatshila S, Chitha W. Exploring the Information Sources Consulted by Doctors at the Point of Care in Four Selected South African Referral Hospitals. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:8. [PMID: 38200915 PMCID: PMC10778943 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010008] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide an understanding of the clinical information sources consulted by teaching or referral hospital-based doctors in four South African provinces. METHODS A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used. To identify provinces, hospitals, and participants, simple random sampling was adopted. This study targeted a total of 276 doctors from all the four hospitals working across different departments within the hospitals. This study was conducted in four selected South African public referral/teaching hospitals in four different provinces, namely Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in the Eastern Cape province; Witbank Hospital in Mpumalanga province; Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Northern Cape province and lastly, Pietersburg Hospital in Limpopo province. RESULTS Overall, 221 doctors were surveyed. Doctors relied more on colleagues as formal and informal sources of information. They seldomly relied on newspapers, reference, and library books, or used hospital computers to access the internet. They seldomly attended training workshops organised by the district or provincial office. Protocols and clinical guidelines which are kept in the hospitals and easily accessible were often (27.9%) or always (51.1%) used. CONCLUSIONS Teaching hospitals need to strengthen information resources to ensure that even when colleagues are used as an information source, they are an accessible means to validate the correctness of the information provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nombulelo Chitha
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Nkanyiso Ntsele
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Sikhumbuzo A. Mabunda
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
- Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Itumeleng Funani
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Buyiswa Swartbooi
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Onke Mnyaka
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Jahman Thabede
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | - Ruth Tshabalala
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
| | | | - Sibusiso Nomatshila
- Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
| | - Wezile Chitha
- Health Systems Enablement and Innovation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa (B.S.); (O.M.); (J.T.)
- Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa
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Fang F, Chen S, Geng X, Kiprop E. Survey on public awareness, attitudes and self-protective behavior adoption in different periods of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1063384. [PMID: 36743164 PMCID: PMC9895391 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1063384] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The outbreak and spread of the pandemics have been an issue of critical concern globally, posing a significant threat to the health sector globally. This study aimed to examine the basic knowledge and attitudes toward the recommended protective measures at different times, respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide recommendations for developing targeted strategies and measures for preventing and controlling public health emergencies. Methods The study used self-filled questionnaires to examine the public's knowledge, attitudes, and practices on COVID-19 at two different period, from 20 to 31 March 2020 (the beginning period) and 22-27 April 2022 (the regular epidemic prevention and control period). Descriptive and quantitative analyses were used for statistical analysis. Results and discussion The survey collected 2375 valid questionnaires. A comparison of the two periods reveals that as the epidemic continued over a long period, the level of knowledge, attitudes toward preventive measures, risk perceptions, and adoption behavior of the respondents at the beginning of the epidemic were significantly higher than during the regular epidemic prevention and control period. With the upsurge in the spread of the epidemic, the public needs a multi-channel, targeted, and all-round guidance and information on prevention and control of the COVID-19, and internalizes knowledge into individual's behavior of actively responding to diseases.When the epidemic lasts for a long time, the relevant agencies should strengthen their monitoring role to promote public compliance with the recommended measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- School of Economics and Humanities, Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, China
| | - Sijie Chen
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Sijie Chen ✉
| | - Xianhui Geng
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Emmanuel Kiprop
- School of Business and Economics, Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya
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Gasiorek J, Ebesu Hubbard AS, Shin SY. COVID-19 Information Seeking Behaviors of University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Undergraduates: Information Channels, Sources, and Consumption. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE 2023; 82:3-9. [PMID: 36685780 PMCID: PMC9850824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study explored how undergraduate students at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa sought and consumed information about the virus that causes COVID-19. This study also examined student perceptions of the severity of and their susceptibility to the virus and their main concerns about it. Four hundred fifty-six students completed online surveys between October and early December of 2020 and 2021. Students reported low to moderate levels of information seeking across four domains: (1) knowledge about COVID-19 and its symptoms; (2) preventing the spread of the virus; (3) the current state of the pandemic in Hawai'i; and (4) the likely future of the pandemic in Hawai'i. Overall, websites, television, and Instagram were the top 3 channels used by students to seek information for these domains. Students reported primarily paying attention to information from government and news organizations as sources. However, students' preferred channels and sources varied with the type of information they sought. Students also reported believing that COVID-19 is severe and that they are susceptible to being infected with it. The more time students reported seeking information, the greater their perceptions of COVID-19's severity across all domains. Students' primary concerns about COVID-19 centered on state regulations/policies, vaccines, tourism/travel, the economy, and pandemic/post-pandemic life. These findings can help public health practitioners in Hawai'i determine how best to reach an undergraduate student population with information related to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gasiorek
- Communicology Program, School of Communication and Information, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (JG, ASEH)
| | - Amy S. Ebesu Hubbard
- Communicology Program, School of Communication and Information, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI (JG, ASEH)
| | - Soo Yun Shin
- Department of Communication, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (SYS)
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Juvalta S, Speranza C, Robin D, El Maohub Y, Krasselt J, Dreesen P, Dratva J, Suggs LS. Young people's media use and adherence to preventive measures in the "infodemic": Is it masked by political ideology? Soc Sci Med 2023; 317:115596. [PMID: 36535229 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Navigating in the COVID-19 "infodemic" and adhering to preventive measures is especially challenging for young people. The use of information sources and political ideology are empirically important factors for adherence behavior. How these two are interconnected and if political ideology on its own contributes to adherence is not yet well established in young people. OBJECTIVE This study investigates what role political ideology and political extremism, use of information sources, trust and risk perception play for adhering to preventive measures in young people. METHODS Cross-sectional online survey in a representative random sample of young people aged 15-34 in two German-speaking and one Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. The hypotheses were tested with logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS The odds for using the following information sources decreases for young people positioning themselves towards the right pole of the ideology scale: health-based sources 0.90 (CI: 0.84-0.97), news sources 0.93 (CI 0.87-0.997) and other websites 0.83 (CI: 0.75-0.92). In contrast, the odds of using broadcasting sources increases for young people positioning themselves towards the right pole of the ideology scale (OR: 1.08, CI 1.01-1.15). The odds of using social media decreases with higher political extremism (OR 0.88, CI 0.78-0.99). Political extremism was related with lower adherence to preventive measures in young people with low trust in the government, scientists, and journalists. CONCLUSION Young peoples' use of information sources is associated with their political ideology and political extremism needs to be taken in account in conjunction with low trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibylle Juvalta
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, Postfach, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Camilla Speranza
- BeChange Research Group, Institute of Communication and Public Policy and Institue of Public Health, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, Via Guiseppe Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Dominik Robin
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, Postfach, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Yassmeen El Maohub
- BeChange Research Group, Institute of Communication and Public Policy and Institue of Public Health, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, Via Guiseppe Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Julia Krasselt
- Institute of Language Competence, ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics, Theaterstrasse 17, Postfach, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Philipp Dreesen
- Institute of Language Competence, ZHAW School of Applied Linguistics, Theaterstrasse 17, Postfach, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland.
| | - Julia Dratva
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Katharina-Sulzer-Platz 9, Postfach, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland; Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - L Suzanne Suggs
- BeChange Research Group, Institute of Communication and Public Policy and Institue of Public Health, Università Della Svizzera Italiana, Via Guiseppe Buffi 13, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland.
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Sun Y, Hu Q, Grossman S, Basnyat I, Wang P. Comparison of COVID-19 Information Seeking, Trust of Information Sources, and Protective Behaviors in China and the US. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:657-666. [PMID: 34702136 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1987590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing amount of new information that is emerging about COVID-19, traditional and web-based information sources are commonly used to spread and seek information. This study compared differences in information seeking, trust of information sources, and use of protective behaviors (e.g., mask wearing) among individuals in the US and China during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 722 valid responses in the US and 493 valid responses in China were collected via online surveys in May 2020. Pearson's Chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and multiple linear regressions were used to conduct the analyses. Results showed that US respondents accessed significantly fewer COVID-19 information sources, rated significantly lower levels of trust in these sources, and reported significantly lower levels of protective behaviors than the Chinese respondents. In both countries, trust in newspapers, radio/community broadcasting, and news portals were significantly positively correlated with protective behaviors. While trust of TV was significant in both populations, in China it was positively correlated, whereas in the US was negatively correlated, with protective behaviors. Findings from this study showed that coordinated and consistent messages from governmental officials, health authorities, and media platforms are important to promote and encourage protective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, P.R. China
- Research Center for Social Development and Social Risk Control, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Qixi Hu
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Suzanne Grossman
- College of Health and Behavioral Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- Global Affairs & Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
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Baghdadi LR, Hassounah MM, Younis A, Al Suwaidan HI, Al Khalifah R. Caregivers' Sources of Information About Immunization as Predictors of Delayed Childhood Vaccinations in Saudi Arabia During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3541-3550. [PMID: 34466043 PMCID: PMC8403080 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s312148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study compared the most used sources of information by caregivers for scheduled childhood vaccination in Saudi Arabia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the effect of this decision-making. Methods An electronic survey was administered to 577 caregivers of children aged ≤2 years residing in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic curfew. The sources of information on childhood vaccination considered by the caregivers and their influence on the caregivers’ decision to delay scheduled vaccination were assessed and statistically analyzed. Results Most participants (90.8%) were mothers aged 32.6 ± 5.7 years. Before the pandemic, most caregivers sought information about children’s vaccinations personally from the healthcare workers, or trustworthy sources, including the Ministry of Health (MOH), MOH call center 937, and MOH Sehha app. However, during the pandemic, there was a noticeable decrease in the searches for health information through professional consultations (in person and health websites) and a significant increase in the use of social media platforms. Twitter was the most used platform (29.9%) and the use of Snapchat was significantly higher during the lockdown period compared to its use before the pandemic (21.9% vs 17.2%, P < 0.001). The use of social media not only increased the level of fear among the caregivers but also had a negative effect on their decisions about children’s vaccinations. Searches on YouTube and Facebook particularly increased the odds of delaying vaccinations by 2.63 times (P = 0.008) and 3.66 times (P = 0.025), respectively. Conclusion During the pandemic, caregivers’ health-information seeking behavior was directed towards social media networking. In Saudi Arabia, YouTube and Facebook, in particular, played an important role in the caregivers’ decision-making about childhood vaccinations. The results of this survey provide valuable information on how to reach the Saudi population and launch an effective awareness campaign using the most commonly accessed and influential sources of information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena R Baghdadi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwah M Hassounah
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afnan Younis
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hessah I Al Suwaidan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Al Khalifah
- Paediatric Endocrinology Division, Paediatrics Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11362, Saudi Arabia
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Berg SH, O'Hara JK, Shortt MT, Thune H, Brønnick KK, Lungu DA, Røislien J, Wiig S. Health authorities' health risk communication with the public during pandemics: a rapid scoping review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1401. [PMID: 34266403 PMCID: PMC8280576 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Responses from the H1N1 swine flu pandemic and the recent COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic provide an opportunity for insight into the role of health authorities' ways of communicating health risk information to the public. We aimed to synthesise the existing evidence regarding different modes of communication used by health authorities in health risk communication with the public during a pandemic. METHODS We conducted a rapid scoping review. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for publications in English from January 2009 through October 2020, covering both the full H1N1 pandemic and the response phase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The search resulted in 1440 records, of which 48 studies met our eligibility criteria. RESULTS The present review identified studies across a broad interdisciplinary field of health risk communication. The majority focused on the H1N1 pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. A content analysis of the studies identified three categories for modes of communication: i) communication channels, ii) source credibility and iii) how the message is communicated. The identified studies on social media focused mainly on content and engagement, while studies on the effect of the use of social media and self-protective behaviour were lacking. Studies on the modes of communication that take the diversity of receivers in the field into account are lacking. A limited number of studies of health authorities' use of graphic and audio-visual means were identified, yet these did not consider/evaluate creative communication choices. CONCLUSION Experimental studies that investigate the effect of health authorities' videos and messages on social media platforms and self-protective behaviour are needed. More studies are needed across the fields of health risk communication and media studies, including visual communication, web design, video and digital marketing, at a time when online digital communication is central to reaching the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siv Hilde Berg
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Jane K O'Hara
- Faculty of Medicine & Health, School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, England
| | - Marie Therese Shortt
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Henriette Thune
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kolbjørn Kallesten Brønnick
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine (SESAM), Helse Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Daniel Adrian Lungu
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Jo Røislien
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Siri Wiig
- Centre for Resilience in Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Kjell Arholmsgate 43, 4021, Stavanger, Norway
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Alvarez-Galvez J, Suarez-Lledo V, Rojas-Garcia A. Determinants of Infodemics During Disease Outbreaks: A Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2021; 9:603603. [PMID: 33855006 PMCID: PMC8039137 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.603603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of social media represents an unprecedented opportunity for health promotion. We have more information and evidence-based health related knowledge, for instance about healthy habits or possible risk behaviors. However, these tools also carry some disadvantages since they also open the door to new social and health risks, in particular during health emergencies. This systematic review aims to study the determinants of infodemics during disease outbreaks, drawing on both quantitative and qualitative methods. Methods: We searched research articles in PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Sociological abstracts, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Additional research works were included by searching bibliographies of electronically retrieved review articles. Results: Finally, 42 studies were included in the review. Five determinants of infodemics were identified: (1) information sources; (2) online communities' structure and consensus; (3) communication channels (i.e., mass media, social media, forums, and websites); (4) messages content (i.e., quality of information, sensationalism, etc.,); and (5) context (e.g., social consensus, health emergencies, public opinion, etc.). Studied selected in this systematic review identified different measures to combat misinformation during outbreaks. Conclusion: The clarity of the health promotion messages has been proven essential to prevent the spread of a particular disease and to avoid potential risks, but it is also fundamental to understand the network structure of social media platforms and the emergency context where misinformation might dynamically evolve. Therefore, in order to prevent future infodemics, special attention will need to be paid both to increase the visibility of evidence-based knowledge generated by health organizations and academia, and to detect the possible sources of mis/disinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Alvarez-Galvez
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology, and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Victor Suarez-Lledo
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology, and Public Health, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain
| | - Antonio Rojas-Garcia
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Wang PW, Chen YL, Chang YP, Wu CF, Lu WH, Yen CF. Sources of COVID-19-Related Information in People with Various Levels of Risk Perception and Preventive Behaviors in Taiwan: A Latent Profile Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042091. [PMID: 33669977 PMCID: PMC7924873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the distinct levels of risk perception and preventive behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak among people in Taiwan and to examine the roles of information sources in various levels of risk perception and preventive behavior. The online survey recruited 1984 participants through a Facebook advertisement. Their self-reported risk perception, adopted preventive behaviors and COVID-19-related information were collected. We analyzed individuals’ risk perception and adopted preventive behaviors by using latent profile analysis and conducted multinomial logistic regression of latent class membership on COVID-19-related information sources. Four latent classes were identified, including the risk neutrals with high preventive behaviors, the risk exaggerators with high preventive behaviors, the risk deniers with moderate preventive behaviors, and the risk deniers with low preventive behaviors. Compared with the risk neutrals, the risk exaggerators with high preventive behaviors were more likely to obtain COVID-19 information from multiple sources, whereas the risk deniers with moderate preventive behaviors and risk deniers with low preventive behaviors were less likely to obtain COVID-19 information compared with the risk neutrals. Governments and health professions should take the variety of risk perception and adopted preventive behaviors into consideration when disseminating information on COVID-19 to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, NY 14214-3079, USA;
| | - Chia-Fen Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.W.)
| | - Wei-Hsin Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City 60002, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-H.L.); (C.-F.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-H.L.); (C.-F.Y.)
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12
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Liu WY, Chuang YC, Liu TJ, Chien CW, Tung TH. Insights from the comparisons of SARS-CoV and COVID-19 outbreaks: The evidence-based experience of epidemic prevention in China. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e24650. [PMID: 33578592 PMCID: PMC10545395 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000024650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of infectious diseases caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). At the beginning of 2020, a sudden outbreak of novel pneumonia, originated from Wuhan, China, swiftly evolves to a worldwide pandemic, alike the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, Chinese-style innovation in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 helped China to reach a faster and more effective success in the containment of this epidemic. This review summarizes insights from the comparisons of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and COVID-19 outbreaks on the basis of preventive strategies in China for this coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yi Liu
- Department of Health Policy Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Shanghai Bluecross Medical Science Institute, Shanghai
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen Campus
| | | | - Ting-Jun Liu
- Tai Kang Institute of Healthcare Management, Beijing
| | - Ching-Wen Chien
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen Campus
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming, Guangdong, China
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13
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Brunelli L, Valent F, Romanese F, Tricarico P, Pellizzaro A, d'Angelo M, Benetollo PP, Iob A, Forgiarini M, Brusaferro S. Parental trust and beliefs after the discovery of a six-year-long failure to vaccinate. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:583-587. [PMID: 32750274 PMCID: PMC7899632 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1777820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Italy vaccine hesitancy worsened after a failure to vaccinate episode that took place in Friuli Venezia-Giulia Region until early 2017 which undermined herd immunity by leaving unprotected more than 5,444 children. METHODS Between May and June 2017, 2,557 parents were surveyed at the local vaccination clinic where they were invited within the subsequent extraordinary vaccination campaign. The aim of the survey was to evaluate whether the multi-channel extraordinary vaccination campaign had reached the target population and to know parental beliefs and trusted sources of information after the failure to vaccinate event. RESULTS While 279 parents were non-hesitant (10.9%) and 1,491 hesitant acceptors (58.3%), just 38 (1.5%) refused to have their children revaccinated. Overall, the most consulted sources of information were print media (18.8%), physicians (16.0%), relatives and friends (12.1%). The majority of parents considered vaccination as a fundamental practice (73.9%), but many were worried about potential side effects (38.8%) or doubtful about the effectiveness of some vaccines (11.0%). According to parents, 19.7% of them (57) changed their opinion about vaccines after the Codroipo case. CONCLUSIONS After the Codroipo case, most parents chose to have their children re-vaccinated and just a little proportion refused the re-administration of vaccines. More studies are needed to confirm the importance of a coherent multi-channel communication strategy using both traditional and new media in order to counteract vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brunelli
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università Degli Studi di Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Francesca Valent
- Istituto di Igiene Ed Epidemiologia Clinica, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Federico Romanese
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università Degli Studi di Udine , Udine, Italy
| | | | - Alice Pellizzaro
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università Degli Studi di Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Matteo d'Angelo
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università Degli Studi di Udine , Udine, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Benetollo
- Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria No.3 Del Friuli Venezia Giulia , Gemona, Italy
| | - Andrea Iob
- Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria No.3 Del Friuli Venezia Giulia , Gemona, Italy
| | - Mariarita Forgiarini
- Azienda per l'Assistenza Sanitaria No.3 Del Friuli Venezia Giulia , Gemona, Italy
| | - Silvio Brusaferro
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Università Degli Studi di Udine , Udine, Italy
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14
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Jong W. Evaluating Crisis Communication. A 30-item Checklist for Assessing Performance during COVID-19 and Other Pandemics. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2020; 25:962-970. [PMID: 33455526 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1871791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of this paper is to propose a conceptual checklist to assess crisis communication efforts during pandemics and in their aftermath. No consolidated checklist exists for assessing the effectiveness of crisis communication at all levels during pandemics. A literature review was conducted, encompassing articles on crisis communication during SARS, swine flu, H1N1, ZIKA, Ebola, and/or COVID-19. Based on the review, a comprehensive checklist was developed to enable researchers and evaluators to assess and review all important aspects of crisis communication during pandemics. The final Assessment tool for Crisis Communication during Pandemics (ACCP) consists of 30 criteria. Further research is suggested to validate the checklist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Jong
- Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University, The Hague, The Netherlands
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15
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Geçer E, Yıldırım M, Akgül Ö. Sources of information in times of health crisis: evidence from Turkey during COVID-19. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 30:1113-1119. [PMID: 33072495 PMCID: PMC7552946 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01393-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Aim Media as a source of information can shape public opinion regarding the COVID-19 response. Identifying how and where people seek information during the COVID-19 outbreak is vital to convey the most effective message about managing the COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of information and investigate the role of various demographic factors-age, gender, educational attainment and perceived economic level-on sources of information. Subject and methods An online survey (n = 4624) was conducted on Turkish public during the early stages of the COVID-19. Results The results showed that internet journalism and social media were the most preferable sources of information. Higher age, educational attainment and economic level were related to higher levels of seeking information from TV, newspaper, internet journalism and informative meetings. Females obtained information more from their friends and family and social media than males. High school graduates or below watched more TV and obtained less information from internet journalism, while university graduates sought information from their families and friends, and postgraduates attended informative meetings and read newspapers. People with medium and high economic status, respectively, watched more TV and read more newspapers, while people with low socioeconomic status attended informative meetings less. Conclusion In sum, this study provides evidence that a source of information might be influenced by demographic factors. Researchers and policymakers can use a source of information to develop crisis-response strategies by considering variations in the demographic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekmel Geçer
- Department of Psychology, Hamidiye Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University, Erzurum Yolu 4 Km 04100, Merkez, Ağrı Turkey
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ömer Akgül
- Department of Psychology, Hamidiye Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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16
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Jin Y, Iles IA, Austin L, Liu B, Hancock GR. The Infectious Disease Threat (IDT) Appraisal Model: How Perceptions of IDT Predictability and Controllability Predict Individuals’ Responses to Risks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1553118x.2020.1801691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jin
- Department of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Lucinda Austin
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Brooke Liu
- Department of Communication, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory R. Hancock
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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17
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Purohit N, Mehta S. Risk Communication Initiatives amid COVID-19 in India: Analyzing Message Effectiveness of Videos on National Television. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0972063420935659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Communication for all hazards including widespread public health emergencies is a massive task. The crucial element is to reach and cover maximum people in a timely manner. This article is based on a systematic content analysis of videos on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on National Television by Indian Public Service Broadcaster and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A total of 36 videos were telecasted on National Television channel Doordarshan from 3 March to 21 April 2020 in between programme breaks. The article analyses the presentation characteristics of these videos with respect to timing, duration, language, characters, format and key message content of communication videos on COVID-19. The article deliberates about the manner in which the chronology of the communication messages synced with the external events of the trajectory of the pandemic and thereby information-need of the community in India. All the messages which evolved in these videos (real and animated) were built on each other and depicted an information hierarchy (e.g., washing hands to social distancing) which could be viewed as an empowering tool for the community. The videos were analysed based on the nine constructs of conceptual model of emergency risk communication given by Seeger et al. (2018) . The key preventive messages in these videos focused on generating awareness, which was the fundamental necessity in view of the new type of pandemic like COVID-19. The summated scores show that 36 videos were appropriate up to 79 per cent times for the nine constructs, indicating the effectiveness of the messages in communicating the intended message as per the assessed construct. Limitations of the messages were primarily related to the inability to design communication messages with respect to specific understanding, needs and culture of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Purohit
- Institute of Health Management Research, IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Seema Mehta
- Institute of Health Management Research, IIHMR University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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18
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Li W, Liao J, Li Q, Baskota M, Wang X, Tang Y, Zhou Q, Wang X, Luo X, Ma Y, Fukuoka T, Ahn HS, Lee MS, Chen Y, Luo Z, Liu E. Public health education for parents during the outbreak of COVID-19: a rapid review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:628. [PMID: 32566565 PMCID: PMC7290608 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background It is well-known that public health education plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases, but how health providers should advise families and parents to obtain health education information is a challenging question. With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading around the world, this rapid review aims to answer that question and thus to promote evidence-based decision making in health education policy and practice. Methods We systematically searched the literature on health education during COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemics in Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data from their inception until March 31, 2020. The potential bias of the studies was assessed by Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Results Of 1,067 papers found, 24 cross-sectional studies with a total of 35,967 participants were included in this review. The general public lacked good knowledge of SARS and MERS at the early stage of epidemics. Some people’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of COVID-19 had been improved, but the health behaviors of some special groups including children and their parents need to be strengthened. Negative emotions including fear and stigmatization occurred during the outbreaks. Reliable health information was needed to improve public awareness and mental health for infectious diseases. Health information from nonprofit, government and academic websites was more accurate than privately owned commercial websites and media websites. Conclusions For educating and cultivating children, parents should obtain information from the official websites of authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and national Centers for Disease Control, or from other sources endorsed by these authorities, rather than from a general search of the internet or social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Jing Liao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Qinyuan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Muna Baskota
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xingmei Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yuyi Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Xufei Luo
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yanfang Ma
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Toshio Fukuoka
- Emergency and Critical Care Center, Department of General Medicine, Department of Research and Medical Education, Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki, Japan.,Advisory Committee in Cochrane Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyeong Sik Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Korea Cochrane Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.,University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yaolong Chen
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Lanzhou University, an Affiliate of the Cochrane China Network, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Chinese GRADE Center, Lanzhou 730000, China.,Key Laboratory of Evidence-Based Medicine and Knowledge Translation of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhengxiu Luo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Enmei Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing 400014, China
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19
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Odone A, Tramutola V, Morgado M, Signorelli C. Immunization and media coverage in Italy: an eleven-year analysis (2007-17). Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 14:2533-2536. [PMID: 29993316 PMCID: PMC6284508 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1486156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunization polices in Italy has recently reached important milestones, including the approval of the National Immunization Prevention Plan and of a new law mandatory immunization; this stimulating a lively debate at the scientific, political and societal-level, reflected on the media. We applied a model previously published to quantitatively and qualitatively assess media coverage on vaccines and immunization-related topics on the most read Italian newspaper, "Corriere della Sera", over an 11-year study period (2007-2017). We retrieved relevant key words and articles, reported on included articles' topic, position, approach to immunization and on other selected indicators' summary statistics, temporal trends and correspondence with key epidemiological and policy events. Over the study period the quote "vaccin*" was mentioned on average 325 times per year; with an increase of 150% after the approval of the new law on mandatory immunization in 2017. In the same year, on average, two first-page articles per week were published on the topic. We report a clear association between key events (i.e the H1N1 influenza pandemic, the "Fluad case", the approval of the new law on mandatory immunization) and their media coverage. Overall, 84% of articles had a positive attitude towards immunization, this share decreasing to 79% when only considering articles published after the approval of the law on mandatory vaccination. Media play a crucial role in channelling health-related information and significantly influence health behaviours. We urge public institutions, health authorities and the scientific community not to underestimate the opportunity to monitor media coverage on key healthcare topics and to convey evidence-based health education messages through the media.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Odone
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Tramutola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - M. Morgado
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - C. Signorelli
- School of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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20
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Use of Obstetric Practice Web Sites to Distribute Zika Virus Information to Pregnant Women During a Zika Virus Outbreak. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2018; 23:608-613. [PMID: 28125540 PMCID: PMC5636051 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Objective: To describe the current use of obstetric practice Web sites to disseminate Zika virus information to patients. Design: Review of 913 randomly selected practice Web sites and associated social media accounts in January and August 2016. Setting: Obstetric practice Web sites and associated social media accounts, United States of America. Participants: N/A. Main Outcome Measures: Proportion of obstetric practice Web sites and linked social media accounts providing Zika virus information. Results: Twenty-five percent and 35% of obstetric practice Web sites had information posted about Zika virus in January 2016 and August 2016, respectively. Between the 2 time points, the proportion of practices posting Zika virus content on Facebook and Twitter declined (Facebook: 15% in January, 9% in August; Twitter: 12% in January, 8% in August). In August, the most frequently observed Zika virus–related content themes were the use of insect repellent (14%) and travel advisories (14%). At both time points, practices affiliated with large university hospitals were more likely to have posted information on Zika virus than independent OB/GYN-only practices: January: odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 5.68 (3.50-9.20); August: OR (95% CI) = 8.37 (5.31-13.17). Similarly, practices associated with nonuniversity hospitals were more likely to have posted information than independent OB/GYN-only practices: January: OR (95% CI) = 2.71 (1.88-3.92); August: OR (95% CI) = 6.75 (4.75-9.60). Conclusion: Obstetric care practices are not fully utilizing their practice Web sites to relay Zika virus information to their patients. Since practitioner-sponsored Web sites have the capacity to directly reach the populations at greatest risk for Zika virus complications, public health professionals should consider adapting their materials and provider outreach campaigns to more easily accommodate Web site–based information dissemination during this type of public health emergency. There must be greater recognition of the value information gains in the eyes of the patient when it is validated by their own provider, especially when that patient is part of the highest-risk population for a given emergency. Public health organizations should strive to minimize the burden it takes for providers to relay useful resources to patients in order to maximize the impact that those resources can have.
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21
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Hou Y, Tan YR, Lim WY, Lee V, Tan LWL, Chen MIC, Yap P. Adequacy of public health communications on H7N9 and MERS in Singapore: insights from a community based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:436. [PMID: 29609573 PMCID: PMC5879609 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Singapore remains vulnerable to worldwide epidemics due to high air traffic with other countries This study aims to measure the public’s awareness of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Avian Influenza A (H7N9), identify population groups who are uninformed or misinformed about the diseases, understand their choice of outbreak information source, and assess the effectiveness of communication channels in Singapore. Methods A cross-sectional study, comprising of face-to-face interviews, was conducted between June and December 2013 to assess the public’s awareness and knowledge of MERS and H7N9, including their choice of information source. Respondents were randomly selected and recruited from 3 existing cohort studies. An opportunistic sampling approach was also used to recruit new participants or members in the same household through referrals from existing participants. Results Out of 2969 participants, 53.2% and 79.4% were not aware of H7N9 and MERS respectively. Participants who were older and better educated were most likely to hear about the diseases. The mean total knowledge score was 9.2 (S.D ± 2.3) out of 20, and 5.9 (S.D ± 1.2) out of 10 for H7N9 and MERS respectively. Participants who were Chinese, more educated and older had better knowledge of the diseases. Television and radio were the primary sources of outbreak information regardless of socio-demographic factors. Conclusion Heightening education of infectious outbreaks through appropriate media to the young and less educated could increase awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan'an Hou
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.,Epidemiology Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi-Roe Tan
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Yen Lim
- Research and Development Office, Agency for Integrated Care, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vernon Lee
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - Linda Wei Lin Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - Mark I-Cheng Chen
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore. .,Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Peiling Yap
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Ludolph R, Schulz PJ, Chen L. Investigating the Effects of Mass Media Exposure on the Uptake of Preventive Measures by Hong Kong Residents during the 2015 MERS Outbreak: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Communication and the Perception of Concern. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2017; 23:1-8. [PMID: 29261430 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2017.1388455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, South Korea experienced the largest outbreak to date of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) outside the Middle East. Fears related to a potential spread of the disease led to an increased alert level as well as heightened media coverage in the neighboring Hong Kong. A cross-sectional survey (N = 533) among residents of Hong Kong was conducted to assess the relationships between the effects of outbreak-related mass media coverage, interpersonal communication, the perceived level of concern in one's close environment, and the uptake of preventive measures. A serial multiple mediator model finds that interpersonal communication and higher perceived concern indirectly influence the effects of media coverage on the engagement in preventive actions. These results expand previous research on the mediating role of interpersonal communication and support assumptions about a modified two-step flow of communication in the context of a public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Ludolph
- a Institute of Communication and Health , Università della Svizzera italiana , Lugano , Switzerland
| | - Peter J Schulz
- a Institute of Communication and Health , Università della Svizzera italiana , Lugano , Switzerland
| | - Ling Chen
- b Department of Communication Studies , Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong SAR , China
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Abstract
Introduction: This paper reports the findings of a national online survey to parents of children aged 5 and younger. The objectives of the study were to assess parental understanding of childhood immunizations, identify sources of information that they trust for vaccine-related content, assess where parents with young children stand on the key issues in the public debate about vaccination, and identify which risk communication messages are most effective for influencing the behaviours of vaccine hesitant parents. Methods: A total of 1,000 surveys (closed and open-ended questions) were administered in November 2015 using the Angus Reid Forum Panel, a key consumer panel consisting of approximately 150,000 Canadian adults aged 18 and older, spread across all geographic regions of Canada. Results: Approximately 92% of the Canadian parents surveyed consider vaccines safe and effective, and trust doctors and public health officials to provide timely and credible vaccine-related information. However, a concerning number of them either believe or are uncertain whether there is a link between vaccines and autism (28%), worry that vaccines might seriously harm their children (27%), or believe the pharmaceutical industry is behind the push for mandatory immunization (33%). Moreover, despite the common assumption that social media are becoming the go-to source of health news and information, most parents still rely on traditional media and official government websites for timely and credible information about vaccines and vaccine preventable diseases, particularly during community-based disease outbreaks. Finally, parents reported high levels of support for pro-vaccine messaging that has been demonstrated in previous research to have little to no positive impact on behaviour change, and may even be counterproductive. Discussion: The study’s results are highly relevant in a context where public health officials are expending significant resources to increase rates of childhood immunization and combat vaccine hesitancy. The data offer insight into where parents stand on the political and public debate about mandatory vaccination, what aspects of vaccine science remain uncertain to them, which media and institutional sources they use and trust to navigate the health information environment, how they look for information and whom they trust during periods of health emergency or crisis, and which communication strategies are considered most effective in persuading vaccine hesitant parents to immunize their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Greenberg
- School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eve Dubé
- Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Michelle Driedger
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Measles, the media, and MMR: Impact of the 2014-15 measles outbreak. Vaccine 2016; 34:6375-6380. [PMID: 27817962 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In late 2014, a measles outbreak beginning in California received significant media attention. To better understand the impact of this outbreak, we conducted a survey to assess and compare among vaccine hesitant and non-hesitant new mothers how this outbreak affected vaccine knowledge, attitudes, vaccination plans, and media use. METHODS A cross-sectional email survey of English-speaking women with a child ⩽1year old using a convenience sample of women from nine obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) practices in Colorado assessed vaccine hesitancy, knowledge and attitudes about MMR vaccines and the outbreak, MMR vaccination plans before and after the outbreak, and use of and trust for media sources related to the outbreak. RESULTS The response rate was 50% (351/701). Knowledge about the outbreak was high and vaccination attitudes were mostly favorable. Forty-eight percent of respondents thought MMR vaccine was more important after the outbreak. Online news (76%), television news (75%), and social media (68%) were the most frequently used media sources, yet were highly trusted by only 18%, 22%, and 1% of respondents respectively. Government websites (34%) and information from a doctor's office (34%) were infrequently used, but were highly trusted by 62% and 60% of respondents. Knowledge of the outbreak was lower among vaccine-hesitant respondents. Few mothers changed MMR vaccination plans after the outbreak. CONCLUSIONS New mothers had high levels of knowledge and favorable attitudes about vaccination after the 2014-15 measles outbreak. Media sources used the most are not the most trusted. Communication about outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases should include spread of accurate information to new media sources and strengthening of existing trust in traditional media.
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Capsule Commentary on Ganguli et al., Ebola Risk and Preparedness: A National Survey of Internists. J Gen Intern Med 2016; 31:321. [PMID: 26754688 PMCID: PMC4762818 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-015-3570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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