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Elazab K, Özden M, Baruh L, Cemalcılar Z. "Oh no, they caught it!": Vicarious experience of COVID-19, protection motivation and protective behaviors. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:510-521. [PMID: 37947219 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231207166] [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: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Utilizing the components of the protection motivation theory, this study investigated the role of close others' diagnosis of COVID-19 (as a vicarious experience) in individuals' adherence to protective behavior against COVID-19. Path analysis of online survey data from 3695 participants showed that the presence of a diagnosed close other was positively related to perceived vulnerability, while being negatively related to perceived response efficacy and self-efficacy. In addition, perceived severity and efficacy appraisals were positively associated with protective behavioral tendencies. Although efficacy appraisal mediated the relationship between vicarious experience and protective behavior, threat appraisal did not mediate this relationship. In sum, the results suggest that efficacy appraisal derived from vicarious experiences can be more consequential for protective behaviors than threat appraisal. Implications of these results on future large-scale health crises are discussed along with limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lemi Baruh
- Koç University, Turkey
- The University of Queensland, Australia
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2
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Ölcer S. Perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and government response among Turkish-speaking immigrants in Germany during the initial lockdown period. J Public Health Policy 2023; 44:602-615. [PMID: 37980437 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-023-00449-y] [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] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the socioeconomic and health impacts of the pandemic and their consequences on immigrants necessitates consideration of how they have perceived the global threat. By applying agenda-setting theory to Turkish-speaking immigrants in Germany as a case study, I investigated what issues created a sense of urgency for them during the initial lockdown and how they approached the government's COVID-19-related agenda. I used purposeful sampling and video comments on COVID-19-related news created by three journalists on YouTube channels and applied qualitative content analysis to interpret the comments. Analysis of 118 comments and 68 replies showed that social media played an important role in immigrants' awareness of COVID-19, especially about authorities' responses, pandemic-related measures, and economic aid packages. Immigrants perceived the information as cause for concern and reactions varied by socioeconomic status. Comments not only supported authorities pandemic strategies but also indicated doubts caused by lack of transparency, certain recommendations, regulations, and aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabahat Ölcer
- Institute for Management, Economics and Care in the Health Sector, Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany.
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Kettlitz R, Harries M, Ortmann J, Krause G, Aigner A, Lange B. Association of known SARS-CoV-2 serostatus and adherence to personal protection measures and the impact of personal protective measures on seropositivity in a population-based cross-sectional study (MuSPAD) in Germany. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2281. [PMID: 37978484 PMCID: PMC10657116 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17121-5] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020/2021 in Germany, several non-pharmacological interventions were introduced to lower the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We investigated to what extent knowledge of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 or vaccination status influenced the use of personal protection measures (PPM). Further, we were interested in the effect of compliance with PPM on SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. METHODS Data was based on a sequential, multilocal seroprevalence study (MuSPAD), carried out in eight locations from July 2020 to August 2021. We estimated the association between a known SARS-CoV-2 serostatus (reported positive PCR test or vaccination) and self-reported PPM behavior (hand hygiene, physical distancing, wearing face mask), just as the association of PPM compliance with seropositivity against nucleocapsid (NC), receptor-binding domain (RBD), and spike protein (S) antigens. We identified relevant variables and deduced adjustment sets with directed acyclic graphs (DAG), and applied mixed logistic regression. RESULTS Out of the 22,297 participants (median age: 54 years, 43% male), 781 were classified as SARS-CoV-2-infected and 3,877 had a vaccinated immune response. Vaccinated individuals were less likely to keep 1.5 m distance [OR = 0.74 (95% CI: 0.57-0.97)] and only partly physically distanced [OR = 0.71 (95% CI: 0.58-0.87)]. Participants with self-reported positive PCR test had a lower chance of adhering partly to physical distancing [OR = 0.70 (95% CI: 0.50-0.99)] in comparison to the reference group. Higher odds of additionally wearing a face mask was observed in vaccinated [OR = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.08-1.51)] even if it was not obligatory. Overall, among unvaccinated participants, we found little evidence of lower odds of seropositivity given mask wearing [OR: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.71-1.16)], physical distancing [OR: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.59-1.20)] and no evidence for completely adhering to hand cleaning [OR: 0.97 (95% CI: 0.29-3.22)]. CONCLUSIONS A known confirmed prior infection and vaccination may have the potential to influence adherence to PPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Kettlitz
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department Epidemiology, Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany.
| | - M Harries
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department Epidemiology, Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany.
- Translational Infrastructure Epidemiology, German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
| | - J Ortmann
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department Epidemiology, Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - G Krause
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department Epidemiology, Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Translational Infrastructure Epidemiology, German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, TWINCORE, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - A Aigner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - B Lange
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department Epidemiology, Brunswick, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Translational Infrastructure Epidemiology, German Centre for Infection Research, DZIF, Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, TWINCORE, Hannover, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Zhu G, Wang X, Zhang T, Zhao W, Ma L. The impact of confirmed cases of COVID-19 on residents' traditional Chinese medicine health literacy: A survey from Gansu Province of China. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285744. [PMID: 37963149 PMCID: PMC10645358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285744] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the new crown epidemic in China in early 2020, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has continued to increase, and the Chinese government's policy of "static management" in the first round of the epidemic may affect the health behavior adjustment of Chinese residents. Using survey data on the TCM health literacy of 4016 residents in China (Gansu Province), a causal inference approach was used to explore the impact of the emergence of confirmed cases of COVID-19 on residents' TCM health literacy. We found that the emergence of confirmed cases can increase by 3.5%-7.0% in residents' TCM health literacy. Among them, the TCM health literacy of uneducated residents has not improved significantly, and the residents with secondary education have increased significantly by 8%. For those with higher education, the number of residents increased significantly by 6%. At the same time, the emergence of confirmed cases will increase the residents' practical TCM health literacy and decrease theoretical TCM health literacy. Through heterogeneity analysis, we explored the impact mechanism of confirmed cases on residents' TCM health literacy. We believe that the emergence of confirmed cases will make residents more inclined to participate in TCM-free clinics, theme activities, and other ways to acquire TCM knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhu
- School of Economics, Trade and Management, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiulan Wang
- School of Economics, Trade and Management, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tengyue Zhang
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wangping Zhao
- School of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Li Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Herbert C, Shi Q, Baek J, Wang B, Kheterpal V, Nowak C, Suvarna T, Singh A, Hartin P, Durnam B, Schrader S, Harman E, Gerber B, Barton B, Zai A, Cohen-Wolkowiez M, Corbie-Smith G, Kibbe W, Marquez J, Hafer N, Broach J, Lin H, Heetderks W, McManus DD, Soni A. Association of neighborhood-level sociodemographic factors with Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) distribution of COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in 5 US communities. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1848. [PMID: 37735647 PMCID: PMC10515232 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16642-3] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many interventions for widescale distribution of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 have utilized online, direct-to-consumer (DTC) ordering systems; however, little is known about the sociodemographic characteristics of home-test users. We aimed to characterize the patterns of online orders for rapid antigen tests and determine geospatial and temporal associations with neighborhood characteristics and community incidence of COVID-19, respectively. METHODS This observational study analyzed online, DTC orders for rapid antigen test kits from beneficiaries of the Say Yes! Covid Test program from March to November 2021 in five communities: Louisville, Kentucky; Indianapolis, Indiana; Fulton County, Georgia; O'ahu, Hawaii; and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, Michigan. Using spatial autoregressive models, we assessed the geospatial associations of test kit distribution with Census block-level education, income, age, population density, and racial distribution and Census tract-level Social Vulnerability Index. Lag association analyses were used to measure the association between online rapid antigen kit orders and community-level COVID-19 incidence. RESULTS In total, 164,402 DTC test kits were ordered during the intervention. Distribution of tests at all sites were significantly geospatially clustered at the block-group level (Moran's I: p < 0.001); however, education, income, age, population density, race, and social vulnerability index were inconsistently associated with test orders across sites. In Michigan, Georgia, and Kentucky, there were strong associations between same-day COVID-19 incidence and test kit orders (Michigan: r = 0.89, Georgia: r = 0.85, Kentucky: r = 0.75). The incidence of COVID-19 during the current day and the previous 6-days increased current DTC orders by 9.0 (95% CI = 1.7, 16.3), 3.0 (95% CI = 1.3, 4.6), and 6.8 (95% CI = 3.4, 10.2) in Michigan, Georgia, and Kentucky, respectively. There was no same-day or 6-day lagged correlation between test kit orders and COVID-19 incidence in Indiana. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that online ordering is not associated with geospatial clustering based on sociodemographic characteristics. Observed temporal preferences for DTC ordering can guide public health messaging around DTC testing programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Herbert
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Qiming Shi
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jonggyu Baek
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Biqi Wang
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | | | | | | | - Aditi Singh
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Paul Hartin
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ben Gerber
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bruce Barton
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Adrian Zai
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Giselle Corbie-Smith
- Department of Social Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Health Equity Research, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Warren Kibbe
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Juan Marquez
- Washtenaw County Health Department, Washtenaw, MI, USA
| | - Nathaniel Hafer
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Massachusetts, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John Broach
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Honghuang Lin
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - William Heetderks
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, NIH, Via Contract With Kelly Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David D McManus
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Apurv Soni
- Program in Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, WorcesterWorcester, MA, 01655, USA.
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Division of Health System Science, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Salti N, McCall SJ, Abi Zeid B, El Salibi N, Alawieh M, Ramadan Z, Ghattas H, Abdulrahim S. The determinants of sustained adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0268851. [PMID: 37347734 PMCID: PMC10286991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268851] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lebanon has battled the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of an economic crisis. The evolution of the pandemic and a fragile health system have meant that public health policy has had to rely heavily on non-pharmaceutical interventions for disease control. However, changes in disease dynamics, an unraveling economy, and pandemic fatigue have meant that disease control policies need to be updated. METHODS Using recent and timely data on older (50 years and above) Syrian refugees in Lebanon, this paper uses multivariate linear probability models to explore the determinants of adherence to two non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 prevention measures (wearing a mask and avoiding social gatherings) among this high-risk subgroup in a vulnerable population. Among respondents who report adhering to these measures, the paper also investigates the determinants of sustained adherence over a period of 6 months. RESULTS The findings suggest that no individual-level characteristics were robustly associated with mask wearing. For avoiding social gatherings, education was inversely associated with adherence to this preventive measure. Avoiding social gatherings was also significantly lower for residents of informal tented settlements (ITSs). Among initial adherents, and for both preventive practices, ITS dwellers were also significantly less likely to maintain adherence. CONCLUSION Identifying variables associated with adherence to non-pharmaceutical preventive practices, particularly for vulnerable groups, can help inform and refine interventions in the face of changing conditions. The material, physical, administrative and socio-economic constraints of life in an ITS suggest that avoiding social gatherings is hardly feasible. Yet despite the challenging conditions of ITSs, the indication to wear a mask is initially complied with, suggesting that tailoring policies to the limits and constrains of context can lead to successful outcomes even in very adverse settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Salti
- Department of Economics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Stephen J. McCall
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Berthe Abi Zeid
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Noura El Salibi
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sawsan Abdulrahim
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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7
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Cohrdes C, Pryss R, Baumeister H, Eicher S, Knoll N, Hölling H. Support- and meaning-focused coping as key factors for maintaining adult quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1196404. [PMID: 37377548 PMCID: PMC10291068 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1196404] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, questions about both consequences and helpful strategies to maintain quality of life (QoL) have become increasingly important. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of coping factors during the COVID-19 pandemic, their associations with QoL and the moderating role of certain sociodemographic characteristics. Methods Analyses were based on cross-sectional self-reports from German adult participants (N = 2,137, 18-84 years, 52.1% female) of the CORONA HEALTH APP Study from July 2020 to July 2021. Multivariate regression analyses were used to predict (a) coping factors assessed with the Brief COPE and (b) QoL assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF while taking measurement time, central sociodemographic, and health characteristics into account. Results During the COVID-19 pandemic, German adults mostly pursued problem- and meaning-focused coping factors and showed a relatively good QoL [Mean values (M) from 57.2 to 73.6, standard deviations (SD) = 16.3-22.6], except for the social domain (M = 57.2, SD = 22.6), and with a decreasing trend over time (β from -0.06 to -0.11, ps < 0.01). Whereas, escape-avoidance coping was negatively related to all QoL domains (β = -0.35, p < 0.001 for psychological, β = -0.22, p < 0.001 for physical, β = -0.13, p = 0.045 for social, β = -0.49, p < 0.001 for environmental QoL), support- and meaning-focused coping showed positive associations with various QoL domains (β from 0.19 to 0.45, ps < 0.01). The results also suggested differences in the pursuit of coping factors as well as in the strength of associations with QoL by sociodemographic characteristics. Escape-avoidance-focused coping was negatively associated with QoL levels in older and less educated adults (simple slopes differed at ps < 0.001), in particular. Conclusions The results demonstrated what types of coping may be helpful to avoid QoL deterioration (i.e., support- and meaning-focused coping) and provide implications for future universal or targeted health promotion (i.e., older or less educated adults who lack social or instrumental support) and preparedness in the face of unknown challenging societal situations similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional trends of enhanced use of escape-avoidance-focused coping and QoL deterioration point toward a need for increased attention from public health and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Cohrdes
- Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Pryss
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Harald Baumeister
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sophie Eicher
- Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Knoll
- Division of Health Psychology, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Hölling
- Mental Health Research Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Llamas-Clark EF, Heralde FM, Lumandas MU, Cagayan MSFS, Villanueva-Uy MET, Chavez-Coloma LC, Valencia EI, Cabana CAS, Espinosa LBH, Anzures CU, Andal MLD, Martin CPC, Suarez PNV, Quanico CD, Beltran JB, de Guzman VD, Capitulo RB, Dominguez AR, Recio AL, Feliciano JF, Baja ES, Rosell-Ubial PJB. Factors associated with having COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant and non-pregnant women in Metro Manila, Philippines: a multicentre longitudinal cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070688. [PMID: 37068908 PMCID: PMC10111183 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the potential risk factors associated with having COVID-19 among unvaccinated pregnant and non-pregnant women. DESIGN A multicentre prospective cohort study among eligible women in Metro Manila, Philippines, from 2020 to 2022. SETTING Five national and local hospital research sites altogether recruited and screened 500 consenting eligible individuals. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant and non-pregnant participants meeting the eligibility criteria were admitted for a reverse-transcription PCR determination of SARS-CoV-2, pregnancy testing and ultrasound, and an interview with an administered questionnaire. EXPOSURES Primary exposure was pregnancy; secondary exposures involve sociodemographic, lifestyle and obstetric-gynaecologic factors. OUTCOME MEASURE Outcome being measured was COVID-19 status. RESULTS The significant COVID-19 risk factors were: pregnancy (PR=1.184, 95% CI 1.096, 1.279), having a white-collar job (PR=1.123, 95% CI 1.02, 1.235), travelling abroad (PR=1.369, 95% CI 1.083, 1.173) and being infected by at least one vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) (PR=1.208, 95% CI 1.113, 1.310). Protective factors included having graduate-level education (PR=0.787, 95% CI 0.649, 0.954), immunisation against a VPD (PR=0.795, 95% CI 0.733, 0.862) and practising contraception (PR=0.889, 95% CI 0.824, 0.960). CONCLUSION This study is the first in the country to determine the risks influencing COVID-19 infection among unvaccinated pregnant and non-pregnant women. Pregnancy is a significant risk for COVID-19 among women in Metro Manila. Educational attainment and positive health behaviours seem to confer protection. Occupations and activities that increase the frequency of interactions, as well as history of communicable diseases may predispose women to COVID-19. Further studies are needed to elucidate the development of the disease in pregnant women, including the maternal and neonatal effects of COVID-19 via potential vertical mechanisms of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlidia F Llamas-Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
- Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Francisco M Heralde
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mayan U Lumandas
- Department of Virology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa, Philippines
| | - Maria Stephanie Fay S Cagayan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Esterlita T Villanueva-Uy
- Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Leilani C Chavez-Coloma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jose R Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Eleyneth I Valencia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jose R Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Charizze Anne S Cabana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jose R Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Cynthia U Anzures
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Lu D Andal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | | | - Celine D Quanico
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Julia B Beltran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Vanessa D de Guzman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ryan B Capitulo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Arlene R Dominguez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sta Ana Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Abygail L Recio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sta Ana Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Emmanuel S Baja
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, University of the Philippines Manila College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Paulyn Jean B Rosell-Ubial
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health, Manila, Philippines
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9
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Li H, He X, Hu TY, Xie X. Past lesson works: SARS memory moderates the relationship between media use and protective behavior during COVID-19 pandemic in China. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:203-215. [PMID: 35733346 PMCID: PMC9982424 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221105349] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has become one of the top global health concerns. The present research examined the relationship between media use and protective behavior. The moderating role of SARS memory was also examined. A cross-sectional study found that media use was associated with more protective behaviors (i.e. preventive behavior, and avoidant behavior). We further found that SARS memory moderated the association between media use and avoidant behavior. Moreover, the moderating role of SARS memory on the relationship between daily media use and daily protective behavior was again tested using a daily design in Study 2. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
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Martin-Lapoirie D, d'Onofrio A, McColl K, Raude J. Testing a simple and frugal model of health protective behaviour in epidemic times. Epidemics 2023; 42:100658. [PMID: 36508954 PMCID: PMC9721169 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2022.100658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic highlighted the necessity to integrate dynamic human behaviour change into infectious disease transmission models. The adoption of health protective behaviour, such as handwashing or staying at home, depends on both epidemiological and personal variables. However, only a few models have been proposed in the recent literature to account for behavioural change in response to the health threat over time. This study aims to estimate the relevance of TELL ME, a simple and frugal agent-based model developed following the 2009 H1N1 outbreak to explain individual engagement in health protective behaviours in epidemic times and how communication can influence this. Basically, TELL ME includes a behavioural rule to simulate individual decisions to adopt health protective behaviours. To test this rule, we used behavioural data from a series of 12 cross-sectional surveys in France over a 6-month period (May to November 2020). Samples were representative of the French population (N = 24,003). We found the TELL ME behavioural rule to be associated with a moderate to high error rate in representing the adoption of behaviours, indicating that parameter values are not constant over time and that other key variables influence individual decisions. These results highlight the crucial need for longitudinal behavioural data to better calibrate epidemiological models accounting for public responses to infectious disease threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Martin-Lapoirie
- École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP), French School of Public Health, 35043 Rennes, France; UMR ARENES - Equipe de Recherche sur les Services et le Management en Santé (Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS 6051, INSERM 1309), 35043 Rennes, France.
| | - Alberto d'Onofrio
- Institut Camille Jordan, Université Claude Bernard - Lyon 1, 21 Av. Claude Bernard, 69100 Villeurbanne, France; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Analisi dei Sistemi e di Informatica Antonio Ruberti, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Kathleen McColl
- École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP), French School of Public Health, 35043 Rennes, France; UMR ARENES - Equipe de Recherche sur les Services et le Management en Santé (Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS 6051, INSERM 1309), 35043 Rennes, France
| | - Jocelyn Raude
- École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique (EHESP), French School of Public Health, 35043 Rennes, France; UMR ARENES - Equipe de Recherche sur les Services et le Management en Santé (Univ Rennes, EHESP, CNRS 6051, INSERM 1309), 35043 Rennes, France
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11
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Waldhauer J, Beese F, Wachtler B, Haller S, Koschollek C, Pförtner TK, Hoebel J. Socioeconomic differences in the reduction of face-to-face contacts in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2419. [PMID: 36564783 PMCID: PMC9780616 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14811-4] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to physical distancing measures to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Evidence on contact dynamics in different socioeconomic groups is still sparse. This study aimed to investigate the association of socioeconomic status with private and professional contact reductions in the first COVID-19 wave in Germany. METHODS Data from two especially affected municipalities were derived from the population-based cross-sectional seroepidemiological CORONA-MONITORING lokal study (data collection May-July 2020). The study sample (n = 3,637) was restricted to working age (18-67 years). We calculated the association of educational and occupational status (low, medium, high) with self-reported private and professional contact reductions with respect to former contact levels in the first wave of the pandemic. Multivariate Poisson regressions were performed to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) adjusted for municipality, age, gender, country of birth, household size, contact levels before physical distancing measures, own infection status, contact to SARS-CoV-2 infected people and working remotely. RESULTS The analyses showed significant differences in the initial level of private and professional contacts by educational and occupational status. Less private contact reductions with lower educational status (PR low vs. high = 0,79 [CI = 0.68-0.91], p = 0.002; PR medium vs. high = 0,93 [CI = 0.89-0.97], p = 0.001) and less professional contact reductions with lower educational status (PR low vs. high = 0,87 [CI = 0.70-1.07], p = 0.179; PR medium vs. high = 0,89 [CI = 0.83-0.95], p = 0.001) and lower occupational status (PR low vs. high = 0,62 [CI = 0.55-0.71], p < 0.001; PR medium vs. high = 0,82 [CI = 0.77-0.88], p < 0.001) were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate disadvantages for groups with lower socioeconomic status in private and professional contact reductions in the first wave of the pandemic. This may be associated with the higher risk of infection among individuals in lower socioeconomic groups. Preventive measures that a) adequately explain the importance of contact restrictions with respect to varying living and working conditions and b) facilitate the implementation of these reductions especially in the occupational setting seem necessary to better protect structurally disadvantaged groups during epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Waldhauer
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Beese
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Wachtler
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haller
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Koschollek
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Timo-Kolja Pförtner
- grid.6190.e0000 0000 8580 3777Research Methods Division, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Hoebel
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Division of Social Determinants of Health, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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12
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Sun Y, Wang P, Tang J. Impact of mental health, job insecurity, and COVID-19 symptoms on protective behavior changes among White, Black, and other minorities in the US. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1040413. [PMID: 36478929 PMCID: PMC9720273 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1040413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Job insecurity such as loss of jobs or reduced wages has become a serious social problem in the US since COVID-19 started. Combined with psychological distress and experience of COVID-19 symptoms, the changes of people's protective behaviors vary across states in the US. METHODS This research investigated racial differences in the COVID-19 related factors among White, Black, and other minorities in the US, and examined how mental health mediated the impact of job insecurity on protective behaviors, and how the COVID-19 symptoms moderated the mediation effect of mental health. The 731 valid responses in a cross-sectional survey from May 23 to 27, 2020, in the US were analyzed with independent sample t-tests, Pearson's chi-square tests, and path analysis. RESULTS The findings showed that there were significant differences in job insecurity and Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) practice among White, Black, and other minorities. Job insecurity was significantly negatively associated with NPIs practice and was significantly positively associated with mental health. Mental health significantly partially mediated the effect of job insecurity on NPIs practice, in that job insecurity is a better predictor of NPIs practice for individuals with worse mental health than that for individuals with better mental health. Experience of COVID-19 symptoms moderates the mediation effect of mental health on the relationship between job insecurity and NPIs practice, in that mental health is a better predictor of NPIs practice for individuals with a higher experience of COVID-19 symptoms than for individuals with a lower experience of COVID-19 symptoms. DISCUSSION The findings in this study shed lights on psychological and behavioral studies of people's behavior changes during a pandemic. The study indicates the importance of treating mental health to promote protective behaviors during a pandemic, as well as advocating for employees by identifying the needs for those whose jobs were negatively impacted the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Jun Tang
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
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13
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Präventive Verhaltensweisen zum Schutz vor einer Infektion mit SARS-CoV-2 bei Menschen mit gesundheitlicher Vulnerabilität. PRÄVENTION UND GESUNDHEITSFÖRDERUNG 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11553-022-00989-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Trotz gesundheitlicher Risiken, die für alle Menschen von SARS-CoV‑2 („severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“) ausgehen, weisen Bevölkerungsgruppen mit gesundheitlicher Vulnerabilität ein erhöhtes Gefährdungsprofil auf. Zu den Risikogruppen für schwere COVID-19-Verläufe („coronavirus disease 2019“) gehören Personen ab 50 Jahren, Raucher*innen, adipöse Personen sowie Menschen mit bestimmten Vorerkrankungen. Gerade für diese Bevölkerungsgruppe ergibt sich ein erhöhter Schutzbedarf. Inwiefern sich das Schutzverhalten von Personen mit hoher im Vergleich zu Personen mit geringer gesundheitlicher Vulnerabilität unterscheidet, ist bislang wenig untersucht.
Methode
Es wurde eine onlinebezogene Querschnittstudie mit einem „convenience sample“ von n = 210 in Deutschland lebenden Personen im Alter ab 18 Jahren realisiert. Es wurden subjektive Selbsteinschätzungen zur Anwendung von Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen sowie der eigenen Informationssuche und -zufriedenheit bezüglich der Pandemie und der COVID-19-bezogenen Gesundheitskompetenz (GK) erfasst. Die Analyse erfolgte uni-, bi- sowie multivariat, wobei für alle Analysen ein Signifikanzlevel von p < 0,05 festgelegt wurde.
Ergebnisse
Über alle erhobenen Schutzverhaltensweisen hinweg weisen die Befragten eine insgesamt hohe Compliance (84 %) auf. Während das Tragen einer Maske (96 %) und das Vermeiden von privaten Reisen und Händeschütteln (95 %) die höchste Zustimmung erhielten, berührten 47 % der Befragten ihr Gesicht häufig mit ungewaschenen Händen. Jüngere (35 % bis 29 Jahre) sowie Personen mit eingeschränkter Gesundheitskompetenz (28 %) zeigen sowohl in den bivariaten und multivariaten Analyse signifikant häufiger ein weniger ausgeprägtes Schutzverhalten. Hingegen ließen sich differenziert nach Anzahl gesundheitlicher Risikofaktoren keine Unterschiede im präventiven Schutzverhalten feststellen
Schlussfolgerung
Es konnte ein hohes Niveau der Anwendung von präventiven Schutzmaßnahmen bei Befragten dieser Studie ermittelt werden. Sowohl in den uni- als auch bi- und multivariaten Analysen ist die gesundheitliche Vulnerabilität nicht mit einem stärker ausgeprägten Schutzverhalten assoziiert. Insbesondere für Personen mit eingeschränkter coronaspezifischer Gesundheitskompetenz sind Defizite im Infektionsschutz erkennbar, weshalb die zielgruppenspezifische Aufklärung weiter priorisiert werden muss.
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14
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Book J, Broichhaus L, Grüne B, Nießen J, Wiesmüller GA, Joisten C, Kossow A. Adherence to stay-at-home orders: awareness, implementation and difficulties of officially ordered quarantine measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Cologne - a retrospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063358. [PMID: 36323466 PMCID: PMC9638749 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063358] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the awareness, implementation and difficulty of behavioural recommendations and their correlates in officially ordered domestic isolation and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Online retrospective cohort survey conducted from 12 December 2020 to 6 January 2021 as part of the Cologne-Corona Counselling and Support for Index and Contact Persons During the Quarantine Period study. SETTING Administrative area of the city of Cologne, Germany. PARTICIPANTS 3011 infected persons (IPs) and 5822 contacts over 16 years of age who were in officially ordered domestic isolation or quarantine between 28 February 2020 and 9 December 2020. Of these, 60.4% were women. OUTCOME MEASURES Self-developed scores were calculated based on responses about awareness and implementation of 19 behavioural recommendations to determine community-based and household-based adherence. Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine factors influencing adherence. RESULTS The average adherence to all recommendations, including staying in a single room, keeping distance and wearing a mask, was 13.8±2.4 out of 15 points for community-based recommendations (CBRs) and 17.2±6.8 out of 25 points for household-based recommendations (HBRs). IPs were significantly more adherent to CBRs (14.3±2.0 points vs 13.7±2.6 points, p<0.001) and HBRs (18.2±6.7 points vs 16.5±6.8 points, p<0.001) than were contact persons. Among other factors, both status as an IP and being informed about the measures positively influenced participants' adherence. The linear regression analysis explained 6.6% and 14.4% (corr. R²) of the adherence to CBRs and HBRs. CONCLUSIONS Not all persons under official quarantine were aware of the relevant behavioural recommendations. This was especially true in cases where instructions were given for measures to be taken in one's own household. Due to the high transmission rates within households, HBRs should be communicated with particular emphasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Book
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lukas Broichhaus
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Barbara Grüne
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes Nießen
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gerhard A Wiesmüller
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Uniclinic RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christine Joisten
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
- Department for Physical Activity in Public Health, Institute of Movement and Neurosciences, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annelene Kossow
- Department of Infection Control and Environmental Hygiene, Cologne Health Authority, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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15
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Yang Q, Cao W. Health Disparities in Online COVID-19 Information Seeking and Protective Behaviors: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1534-1543. [PMID: 35410563 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2056980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the U.S. However, the adoption of protective behaviors in response to COVID-19 varies among sociodemographic groups. To better understand the disparities in U.S. adults' adoption of protective behaviors in relation to sociodemographic factors, we conducted a two-wave panel survey in the U.S. Although sociodemographic factors were not found to be significant predictors in lagged regression analysis, results from a cross-sectional analysis showed that the White, younger, and higher educated individuals were more likely to take protective behaviors. Furthermore, based on the structural equation modeling, indirect effects were observed. Specifically, online COVID-19 information seeking mediated the effects of age and education on performance of protective behaviors, and subjective norms and online COVID-19 information seeking were found to be significant serial mediators of these relationships. The study not only extends the health disparities and health information seeking literature, but also offers practical insights to health campaigns and interventions promoting protective behaviors during a pandemic and reducing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Yang
- Department of Communication Studies, Bob Schieffer College of Commuication, Texas Christian University
| | - Weidan Cao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University
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16
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Khin YP, Matsuyama Y, Fujiwara T. Association between social capital and COVID-19 preventive behaviors: Country-level ecological study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 82:103335. [PMID: 36196251 PMCID: PMC9523911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between social capital and preventive behaviors against COVID-19 remains controversial. We examined the association between social capital and preventive behaviors against COVID-19 at country level. METHODS The data on country-level social capital (i.e., social trust, group affiliations, civic responsibility, and confidence in state institutions) was obtained from a previous literature based on World Value Survey. Preventive behaviors were calculated as the percentage of people in a country who took COVID-19 preventive behaviors (i.e., physical distancing, hand hygiene, and the use of face mask) from an international survey of Facebook users, from July to October 2020 (207 data points for 9 waves of 23 countries). The scores on social capital were standardized. The association was investigated with multilevel linear regression analysis. RESULTS High civic responsibility (per 1 standard deviation, SD) was associated with low percentage points of physical distancing (β = -4.66, 95% confidence interval, CI: 7.23, -2.09), hand hygiene (β = -2.88, 95% CI: 3.98, -1.78) and the use of face mask (β = -3.95, 95% CI: 5.29, -2.62). Group affiliations were associated with high percentage points of physical distancing (β = 2.96, 95% CI: 0.35, 5.58) and the use of face mask (β = 1.80, 95% CI: 0.45, 3.16). Social trust had significant positive association with performing hand hygiene (β = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.09, 2.35). CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that in countries with higher levels of civic responsibility, preventive behaviors should be more intensified during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Par Khin
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Matsuyama
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Zhao T. Impact of COVID-19 Awareness on Protective Behaviors during the Off-Peak Period: Sex Differences among Chinese Undergraduates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013483. [PMID: 36294065 PMCID: PMC9603291 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013483] [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: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 remains an extreme threat in higher education settings, even during the off-peak period. Appropriate protective measures have been suggested to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in a large population context. Undergraduate students represent a highly vulnerable fraction of the population, so their COVID-19 protective behaviors play critical roles in enabling successful pandemic prevention. Hence, this study aims to understand what and how individual factors contribute to undergraduate students' protective behaviors. After building multigroup structural equation models using data acquired from the survey taken by 991 undergraduates at a large research university in eastern China, I found that students' COVID-19 awareness was positively associated with their protective behaviors, such as wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and maintaining proper social distance, but not with getting vaccinated. In addition, I found students with higher COVID-19 awareness were more likely to have more COVID-19 knowledge than those with less awareness. Furthermore, sex differences were observed in the mediation effects of COVID-19 awareness on wearing a mask and getting vaccinated, via COVID-19 knowledge, respectively. The results of this study have implications in helping higher education stakeholders enact effective measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhao
- Zhejiang Academy of Higher Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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18
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Demel R, Grassi F, Rafiee Y, Waldmann MR, Schacht A. How German and Italian Laypeople Reason about Distributive Shortages during COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12067. [PMID: 36231370 PMCID: PMC9566015 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to investigate how moral reasoning is influenced by individuals' exposure to a crisis and by personal, societal and temporal proximity. We examined how Italians and Germans judged different behaviors that arose because of the pandemic, which affected health and societal matters. (2) Methods: Over the course of four months and three assessment periods, we used an observational online survey to assess participants' judgments regarding seven scenarios that addressed distributive shortages during the pandemic. (3) Results: Overall, there was no clear answering pattern across all scenarios. For a variation of triage and pandemic restrictions, most participants selected a mean value, which can be interpreted as deferring the choice. For the other scenarios, most participants used the extremes of the scale, thereby reflecting a clear opinion of the public regarding the moral issue. In addition, moral reasoning varied across the two countries, assessment periods, fear, and age. (4) Conclusions: By using scenarios that were taken from real-life experiences, the current study addresses criticism that moral research mostly relies on unrealistic scenarios that lack in external validity, plausibility, and proximity to everyday situations. In addition, it shows how lay people regard measures of public health and societal decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Demel
- Institute of Psychology, Georg-August University, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Institute of Psychology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Science Campus “Primate Cognition”, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Francesco Grassi
- Institute of Psychology, Georg-August University, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Yasaman Rafiee
- Institute of Psychology, Georg-August University, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz Science Campus “Primate Cognition”, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Michael R. Waldmann
- Institute of Psychology, Georg-August University, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz Science Campus “Primate Cognition”, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Annekathrin Schacht
- Institute of Psychology, Georg-August University, 37073 Goettingen, Germany
- Leibniz Science Campus “Primate Cognition”, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
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19
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Nemat A, Sediqi MF, Elhadi YAM, Raufi N, Essar MY, Asady A. Self-reported adherence to preventive practices during the third wave of COVID-19 in Afghanistan. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221122399. [PMID: 36093422 PMCID: PMC9459448 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221122399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The study objectives were aimed to highlight the areas where public awareness
is needed to enhance preventive practices among the public. Hence, to avoid
the spread of virus in public settings. In addition, the study has provided
compelling data and evidence on the coronavirus disease-2019 trend for
health policymakers to make strategic decisions. Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 is a highly contagious respiratory disease
caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type-2. The disease
has spread across the globe. In Afghanistan, thousands of confirmed cases
with hundreds of deaths have been reported. In addition, due to insufficient
healthcare workforce, insecurity, fragile healthcare infrastructure, low
coronavirus disease-2019 vaccination and low testing capacity, the true
nature of the pandemic is unlcear. Method: An online survey of the general population in Afghanistan was conducted from
April-May 2021. Convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the
respondents. Social media platforms were used (WhatsApp, Twitter and
Facebook Messenger) to disseminate the electronic survey instrument. Written
informed consent was taken from the participants before the filling
questionnaires. Data collection was guided through a self-administered
questionnaire developed by the researchers according to the World Health
Organization guidelines. The sample size was calculated using EPI software.
The inclusion criteria were being 18 years or older and having access to the
Internet to fill out the online questionnaire. IBM SPSS Statistics version
25.0 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics (frequencies,
percentages) and bi-variable (chi-square) analyses were done. A p value of
<0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results: From 1094 respondents, 78% were male. The majority of respondents were aged
⩽30 years and had an undergraduate education. Nearly 1 in 3 participants
were healthcare workers, and 70% lived in households with five or more
family members. Overall, 70% of the respondents reported good preventive
practices. The majority of the participants reported covering their mouth
and nose while coughing and sneezing and cleaning their hands regularly and
using alcohol. Meanwhile, 80% of the participants wore a mask when going
outside. Moreover, people with post-graduate education had a higher level of
preventive practices than those with an undergraduate education. The results of logistic regression revealed participants residence in Kabul,
healthcare workers, family size less than 5, avoid meeting people outside,
gender, and avoiding 3Cs, were the significant determinants of adhering to
good preventive practices. Conclusion: Generally, the public in Afghanistan followed infection prevention rules.
However, certain areas require further improvement, such as observing social
distance and avoiding shaking hands when meeting others. Negligence of these
prevention practices can lead to an increase in infection transmission among
people. Public awareness should be continued to keep the people supportive
of the government policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Nemat
- Department of Microbiology, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan.,Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mohammad Faiq Sediqi
- Department of Histology, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Yasir Ahmed Mohammed Elhadi
- Department of Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nahid Raufi
- Department of Dermatology, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | | | - Abdullah Asady
- Department of Microbiology, Kabul University of Medical Sciences, Kabul, Afghanistan
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Felix Greco G, Mysore Guruprasad S, Ring TP, Langer SC. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the air traffic noise at the Hannover airport region. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:1564. [PMID: 36182270 DOI: 10.1121/10.0013889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the environmental noise generated by the air traffic at the Hannover Airport, Germany, is assessed. For this purpose, a comparative study of the air traffic noise in the years 2019 and 2020 is conducted by means of publicly available measurement data and computational simulations. Based on environmental noise directives defined by the responsible German authorities, the comparative study is conducted in terms of A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level metrics computed for the six months of the forecast years with the largest number of flights. In comparison with the year of 2019, the measurement data indicates that the L , L, and L were reduced in average by 2.4, 4.2, and 3.7 dBA, respectively, in the year 2020. Furthermore, the results based on the computational simulations show that the isocontour areas of the L = 60 dBA and L = 55 dBA noise protection zones defined by the German federal government were reduced by ≈ 40.29 % and ≈ 54.08 %, respectively, in the year of 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Felix Greco
- Institut für Akustik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen D-38106, Germany
| | - Shreyas Mysore Guruprasad
- Institut für Akustik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen D-38106, Germany
| | - Tobias P Ring
- Institut für Akustik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen D-38106, Germany
| | - Sabine C Langer
- Institut für Akustik, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Niedersachsen D-38106, Germany
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Hsieh KY, Li DJ, Chou FHC, Hsu ST, Wu HC, Chou LS, Wu PJ, Lin GG, Chen WJ, Liu CL, Huang JJ. Relationship of Societal Adaptation with Vaccine Worries among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159498. [PMID: 35954849 PMCID: PMC9368662 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy has become a major public health problem among healthcare workers (HCWs) in this coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between societal adaptation and vaccine worries and the mediating effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) indicators in HCWs. A total of 435 HCWs (327 women and 108 men) were recruited. Their levels of societal adaptation were evaluated using the Societal Influences Survey Questionnaire (SISQ). Their severity and frequency of PTSD symptoms were examined using the Disaster-Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST). The severity of vaccine worries was assessed using the Vaccination Attitudes Examination (VAX) Scale. The relationships among societal adaptation, PTSD, and vaccine worries were examined using structural equation modeling. The severity of societal adaptation was positively associated with both the severity of PTSD and the severity of vaccine worries. In addition, the severity of PTSD indicators was positively associated with the severity of vaccine worries. These results demonstrated that the severity of societal adaptation was related to the severity of vaccine worries, either directly or indirectly. The indirect relationship was mediated by the severity of PTSD. Societal adaptation and PTSD should be taken into consideration by the community of professionals working on vaccine hesitancy. Early detection and intervention of PTSD should be the objectives for programs aiming to lower vaccine hesitancy among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Ying Hsieh
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Dian-Jeng Li
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
- Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung 91200, Taiwan
| | - Frank Huang-Chih Chou
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.H.-C.C.); (J.-J.H.)
| | - Su-Ting Hsu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung 80201, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Wu
- Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan;
| | - Li-Shiu Chou
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
| | - Pei-Jhen Wu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
| | - Guei-Ging Lin
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung 80201, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Lien Liu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan; (K.-Y.H.); (D.-J.L.); (S.-T.H.); (L.-S.C.); (P.-J.W.); (G.-G.L.); (W.-J.C.); (C.-L.L.)
| | - Joh-Jong Huang
- Department of Medical Humanities and Education, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (F.H.-C.C.); (J.-J.H.)
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22
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COVID-19—What Price Do Children Pay? An Analysis of Economic and Social Policy Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137604. [PMID: 35805261 PMCID: PMC9265511 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have addressed the indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for children such as social isolation or increases in reported child maltreatment. Research on the economic and sociopolitical consequences is scarce as they can only be evaluated with a time lag. To improve our understanding of future, long-term developments in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we gathered findings from the still unexploited empirical literature on the aftermath of earlier pandemics, epidemics, and other infectious disease outbreaks. On top of this, we scrutinized research on past economic crises to interpret the link between changes in the economy and the health of children. Many of the side effects of battling the spread of the current pandemic, such as school closures, the stigma of infection, or conflicts about vaccines, are not novel and have already been documented in connection with previous infectious disease outbreaks. Results highlight that changes in the financial situation of families and socio-political challenges affect the situation and daily routine of children and youth in the long term. In consequence, the already pronounced socioeconomic inequalities will likely further increase. On top of this, due to reduced revenues, child protective services are likely to face challenges in the availability of human and financial resources.
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Pförtner TK, Dohle S, Hower KI. Trends in educational disparities in preventive behaviours, risk perception, perceived effectiveness and trust in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:903. [PMID: 35524252 PMCID: PMC9073434 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13341-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Educational disparities in health and health behaviours have always been relevant in public health research and are particularly challenging in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. First studies suggest that factors important for the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as prevention behaviour, risk perception, perceived effectiveness of containment measures, and trust in authorities handling the pandemic, vary by educational status. This study builds on recent debate by examining trends in absolute and relative educational disparities in these factors in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. METHODS Data stem from four waves of the GESIS Panel surveyed between March and October 2020 in Germany (15,902 observations from 4,690 individuals). Trends in absolute and relative disparities were examined for preventive behaviour, risk perception, perceived effectiveness of COVID-19 containment measures, and trust in individuals and institutions handling the COVID-19 pandemic by educational status using sex, age, residence, nationality, children under 16 living in household, family status, household size, the Big Five Inventory, and income class as control factors. Descriptive statistics as well as unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models and random effects models were performed. RESULTS We observed an initially rising and then falling trend in preventive behaviour with consistent and significant absolute and relative disparities with a lower preventive behaviour among low educated individuals. Indication of a U-shaped trend with consistent significantly lower values among lower educated individuals was found for risk perception, whereas perceived effectiveness and trust decreased significantly over time but did not significantly vary by educational status. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate persistent educational disparities in preventive behaviour and risk perception and a general decline in perceived effectiveness and trust in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. To address this overall downward trend and existing disparities, comprehensive and strategic management is needed to communicate the risks of the pandemic and the benefits of COVID-19 containment measures. Both must be adapted to the different needs of educational groups in particular in order to overcome gaps in preventive behaviour and risk perception by educational status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo-Kolja Pförtner
- Research Methods Division, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. .,Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Simone Dohle
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kira Isabel Hower
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Andersen JA, Rowland B, Ratcliff SM, Felix HC, McElfish PA. Relationship between Sociodemographic Factors, Perceived COVID-19 Risk, and Engagement with Health Protective Behaviors. South Med J 2022; 115:340-346. [PMID: 35504617 PMCID: PMC9042209 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes the relationship between sociodemographic factors, chronic conditions, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fears and stressors, and the perception of risk from COVID-19 and the use of health protective behaviors among Arkansans during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data collected from an online survey, administered in Arkansas between July and August 2020 (n = 1205), were used to estimate regressions. The data analysis was completed in April 2021. RESULTS Wearing a face mask was the most commonly reported behavior (97.4%), followed by handwashing (97.2%). Protective behaviors increased with higher levels of fear (β = 0.030, P < 0.001), more stressors (β = 0.057, P = 0.002), and age (β = 0.006, P = 0.030). Female (β = 0.510, P < 0.001) and Black (β = 0.268, P = 0.039) respondents reported engaging in more protective behaviors than males or other races/ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS In future pandemic planning, there will be a need to create messaging and interventions to increase health protective behaviors directed at young adults, men, and those with lower education levels. Providers will need to address fears related to COVID-19 and help their patients to manage those fears and anxieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Andersen
- From the College of Medicine and the Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, the Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
| | - Brett Rowland
- From the College of Medicine and the Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, the Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
| | - Shawn M Ratcliff
- From the College of Medicine and the Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, the Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
| | - Holly C Felix
- From the College of Medicine and the Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, the Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
| | - Pearl A McElfish
- From the College of Medicine and the Office of Community Health and Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest, Fayetteville, the Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, and the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock
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25
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Anderson-Carpenter KD, Tacy GS. Predictors of social distancing and hand washing among adults in five countries during COVID-19. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264820. [PMID: 35298498 PMCID: PMC8929564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine disparities in hand washing and social distancing among 2,509 adults from the United States, Italy, Spain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and India. Respondents were recruited via Qualtrics' participant pool and completed an online survey in the most common language spoken in each country. In hierarchical linear regression models, living in a rural area (β = -0.08, p = .001), older age (β = 0.07, p < .001), identifying as a woman (β = 0.07, p = .001), and greater educational attainment (β = 0.07, p = .017) were significantly associated with hand washing. Similar results were found regarding social distancing, in which living in a rural area (β = -0.10, p < .001), country of residence (β = 0.11, p < .001), older age (β = 0.17, p < .001), identifying as a woman (β = 0.11, p < .001), and greater educational attainment (β = 0.06, p = .019) were significant predictors. Results from the multivariable linear regression models demonstrate more nuanced findings with distinct and significant disparities across the five countries found with respect to hand washing and social distancing. Taken together, the results suggest multiple influencing factors that contribute to existing disparities regarding social distancing and hand washing among adults internationally. As such, more tailored public interventions are needed to promote preventive measures to mitigate existing COVID-related disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Garrett S. Tacy
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
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Ünal E, Özdemir A. The Effect of Correct Handwashing and Mask Wearing Training on Cardiac Patients' COVID-19 Fear and Anxiety. J Community Health Nurs 2022; 39:71-89. [PMID: 35603874 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2022.2058201] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine the effect of correct handwashing and mask-wearing training on COVID-19 fear and generalized anxiety in cardiac patients. METHODS Randomized controlled experimental study with the formation of intervention and control groups. DESIGN The study (triple-blind) was conducted between August 11 and November 17, 2020, in the cardiology clinic of a tertiary hospital in western Turkey. The pre-study sample size was calculated as a minimum 45 at 80% strength, 0.05 significance level, and 0.60 influence quantity for each group. 112 volunteers meeting the criteria were included in the study. The study was completed with a total of 105 individuals in the intervention group (n=50) and control group (n=53). The post-study strength was (1- β) =1. This study was performed in five stages: (1) collection of data, (2) randomization, (3) providing training, (4) contacting the intervention and control groups for follow-up a month later, and (5) collection of the follow-up data. FINDINGS The training provided to cardiac patients increased the correct handwashing technique (U=36.00; p<0.001) and the correct mask-wearing technique (U=99.00; p<0.001) and decreased COVID-19 fear (U=883.5; p<0.001) and anxiety (U=751.0; p<0.001) (p <.05). CONCLUSION It can be considered that the training provided to the cardiac patients in preventing COVID-19 may also be suitable for other risk groups. CLINICAL EVIDENCE Practical training at the individual level can be used to train cardiac patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eda Ünal
- Department of Nursing, Bursa Uludağ University Institute of Health Sciences, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Aysel Özdemir
- Department of Public Health Nursing, Health Sciences, Bursa Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey
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27
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The Effect of Socio-Demographic Factors in Health-Seeking Behaviors among Bangladeshi Residents during the First Wave of COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030483. [PMID: 35326961 PMCID: PMC8949002 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Socio-demographic variability among nations and cultures highly influences health-seeking behavior (HSB) in managing endemic or pandemic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of socio-demographic factors on HSB among Bangladeshi residents during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was performed with Bangladeshi residents (60% male and 40% female; age range: 10−60 years or above) from May to July 2020. Information was collected from the participants who resided in slum areas or did not have internet access through face-to-face surveys, maintaining spatial distancing and proper preventive measures. A self-reported and structured questionnaire, including socio-demographic and HSB, was undertaken, and the data was analyzed using a convenience sampling method. Finally, among the 947 participants, 20 were selected using a stratified random sampling technique for in-depth-interview (IDI). The linear regression analysis was performed to determine the influence of socio-demographic factors on HSB. Results: Only about 4.2% of respondents did not wear masks, but nearly half of the participants (46.6%) did not use hand gloves. The mean score of HSB was 9.98 (SD = 2.01) out of 16, with a correct overall rate of 62.4%. As per regression analysis, higher HSBs were found among participants who reported older age (>50 years) (9.96 ± 2.45), educated unemployed students (10.1 ± 1.95), higher education (10.5 ± 1.76), and higher-income (10.4 ± 1.59); in contrast, participants living in slum areas (8.18 ± 2.34) and whose source of income was business (8.46 ± 2.04) exhibited lower HSBs. Females, compared to men, showed better HSB in every aspect, apart from online food ordering. Qualitative data showed that the younger generation is more aware because of their access to information and persuaded the older generations to follow health-seeking protocols. The results also showed that some lower-income slum-dwellers have access to information and healthcare through their employers. IDIs also found cultural, religious, and mental-health affect people’s adherence to health-seeking guidelines and regulations. Conclusions: The findings suggest that socio-demographic factors significantly influenced HSBs during COVID-19 in the Bangladeshi population. Authorities can use these observations to systematically manage future endemics or pandemics.
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Pförtner TK, Hower KI. Educational inequalities in risk perception, perceived effectiveness, trust, and preventive behaviour in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Public Health 2022; 206:83-86. [PMID: 35417815 PMCID: PMC8923896 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study analysed educational inequalities in risk perception, perceived effectiveness, trust and adherence to preventive behaviours in the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Study design This was a cross-sectional online survey. Methods Data were obtained from the GESIS Panel Special Survey on the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Germany, including 2949 participants. Stepwise linear regression was conducted to analyse educational inequalities in risk perception, perceived effectiveness, trust and adherence to preventive behaviours considering age, gender, family status and household size as covariates. Results We found lower levels in risk perception, trust towards scientists and adherence to preventive behaviour among individuals with lower education, a lower level of trust towards general practitioners among individuals with higher education and no (clear) educational inequalities in perceived effectiveness and trust towards local and governmental authorities. Conclusion The results underline the relevance of a comprehensive and strategic management in communicating the risks of the pandemic and the benefits of preventive health behaviours by politics and public health. Risk and benefit communication must be adapted to the different needs of social groups in order to overcome educational inequalities in risk perception, trust and adherence to preventive behaviour.
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Pengid S, Peltzer K, de Moura Villela EF, Fodjo JNS, Siau CS, Chen WS, Bono SA, Jayasvasti I, Hasan MT, Wanyenze RK, Hosseinipour MC, Dolo H, Sessou P, Ditekemena JD, Colebunders R. Using Andersen's model of health care utilization to assess factors associated with COVID-19 testing among adults in nine low-and middle-income countries: an online survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:265. [PMID: 35227263 PMCID: PMC8882718 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate, using Andersen’s model of health care utilization, factors associated with COVID-19 testing among adults in nine low- and middle- income countries. Methods In between 10 December 2020 and 9 February 2021, an online survey was organized in nine low- and middle-income countries. In total 10,183 adults (median age 45 years, interquartile range 33–57 years, range 18–93 years), including 6470 from Brazil, 1738 Malaysia, 1124 Thailand, 230 Bangladesh, 219 DR Congo, 159 Benin, 107 Uganda, 81 Malawi and 55 from Mali participated in the study. COVID-19 testing/infection status was assessed by self-report. Results Of the 10,183 participants, 40.3% had ever tested for COVID-19, 7.3% tested positive, and 33.0% tested negative. In an adjusted logistic regression model, predisposing factors (residing in Brazil, postgraduate education), enabling/disabling factors (urban residence, higher perceived economic status, being a student or worker in the health care sector, and moderate or severe psychological distress), and need factors (having at least one chronic condition) increased the odds of COVID-19 testing. Among those who were tested, participants residing in Bangladesh, those who had moderate to severe psychological distress were positively associated with COVID-19 positive diagnosis. Participants who are residing in Malaysia and Thailand, and those who had higher education were negatively associated with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis. Considering all participants, higher perceived economic status, being a student or worker in the health sector, and moderate or severe psychological distress were positively associated with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis, and residing in Malaysia, Thailand or five African countries was negatively associated with a COVID-19 positive diagnosis. Conclusion A high rate of COVID-19 testing among adults was reported in nine low-and middle-income countries. However, access to testing needs to be increased in Africa. Moreover, COVID-19 testing programmes need to target persons of lower economic status and education level who are less tested but most at risk for COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengid
- Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa. .,Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Edlaine Faria de Moura Villela
- Disease Control Coordination, São Paulo State Health Department, São Paulo, 01246-000, Brazil.,Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, 74690-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Won Sun Chen
- Department of Health Science and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Suzanna A Bono
- School of Social Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800, Gelugor, Malaysia
| | | | - M Tasdik Hasan
- Jeeon Bangladesh Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Public Health, State University of Bangladesh (SUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Housseini Dolo
- International Center of Excellence in Research, Faculty of Medicine and OdontoStomatology, Bamako, Mali.,Lymphatic Filariasis Research Unit/International Center of Excellence in Research, Bamako, Mali
| | - Philippe Sessou
- Research Unit on Communicable Diseases, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou 01, BP, 526, Benin
| | - John D Ditekemena
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, 7948, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Theresa Christin Fendt M, Leal Filho W, Barbir J, Boenecke J. Perceived Effectiveness and Sustainability of Face Masks Among German Citizens During the 2nd Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Cross-Sectional Study. Front Public Health 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.768454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic, which began at the end of 2019, has led to a significant increase in the demand for face masks in Germany and around the globe. Since non-reusable masks are often not correctly disposed of and are not biodegradable, their increasing use harms the environment. Both the ongoing pandemic and the rising environmental pollution eventually pose a threat to human health. Yet, it is unclear whether mask users are conscious of this, and which factors influence their choice of face masks. This study investigates the user preferences, perceived effectiveness, and the sustainability of different mouth/nose protection (MNP) to lay the foundation for developing more sustainable and effective alternatives.MethodsA national (Germany-wide) cross-sectional study with a sample of 1,036 participants was conducted. Descriptive data analysis was deployed to describe trends and socio-demographic differences among the respondents. Different socio-demographic groups among the respondents were compared regarding their infection risk perception, compliance toward the use of personal protective measures, their choice of MNP, and knowledge level of sustainability and effectiveness of various MNP using inferential statistics (Chi2 test/Whitney–Mann-U-test/Kruskal–Wallis-test).ResultsThe results suggest that, in addition to protective effectiveness, the reusability of MNP is important to not just most respondents but especially to older participants. In contrast, the price, shape, and design were not as important. The knowledge level of the effectiveness and sustainability of MNP was high among the participants and was not associated with socioeconomic characteristics. However, the knowledge level directly influenced the choice of MNP.ConclusionThere seems to be an inclination to use sustainable MNP, provided their level of protection is similar to medical masks or FFP2/FFP3 masks. The willingness to wear a sustainable option increases with age.
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Ye R, Wu Y, Sun C, Wang Q, Mao Y, Chang W, Zhou H. What Prompted the Adoption of Self-Protective Behaviors in Response to COVID-19? Evidence From Women Living in the Rural Areas of Western China. Front Public Health 2022; 9:756933. [PMID: 35155337 PMCID: PMC8831835 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.756933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-protective behaviors, such as handwashing and mask-wearing, are effective to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), but few studies have focused on women living in rural areas who bear the brunt of the impacts of the pandemic due to their economic and social vulnerabilities. This study explores what prompted the adoption of self-protective behaviors in response to COVID-19 among women living in rural areas of western China. Methods The study sample consisted of 1,524 women from 116 townships across 10 counties in rural western China. We collected data in May and August 2020 on women's socioeconomic characteristics, exposure to COVID-19-related information, psychological response to COVID-19, and adoption of self-protective behaviors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted to analyze the relations among the variables. Results During the lockdown, 1,221 (80.12%) of the 1,524 women in the study sample reported wearing a mask every time when they went outside and 1,021 (66.99%) reported handwashing with soap every time after they came home. Perceived efficacy had the strongest association with self-protective behaviors (β = 0.38; p < 0.001). Receiving public health guidance (β = 0.18; p < 0.001) was indirectly associated with more self-protective behaviors via greater perceived efficacy. Higher socioeconomic status was also directly associated with increased adoption of self-protective behaviors (β = 0.24; p < 0.001). Other variables, such as receiving surveillance and risk information, communication channels, perceived risks, and fear, were indirectly associated with the adoption of self-protective behaviors with smaller effect sizes (all β were lower than 0.10). Conclusions Not all women were able to adopt self-protective behaviors, such as mask-wearing and handwashing, during the COVID-19 pandemic in western China. To further encourage behavioral changes in response to public health crises, the government should develop clear and actionable guidelines and adopt targeted health communication strategies to reach the most disadvantaged groups of society. These findings may inform tailored responses to COVID-19 in other low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Ye
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuju Wu
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chang Sun
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingzhi Wang
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuping Mao
- Department of Communication Studies, College of Liberal Arts, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, United States
| | - Wei Chang
- Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Health Behavior and Social Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Huan Zhou
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Lusmilasari L, Putra ADM, Sandhi A, Saifullah AD. COVID-19 Preventive Behavior Practices and Determinants: A Scoping Review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Proper management for CHD patients is needed to reduce mortality. Nurses have a very important role in making CHD patients can carry out optimal health behaviors.
AIM: This review study aims to identify the effect of the nurse-led program on CHD patients.
METHODS: This systematic review was based on four electronic databases (Scopus, Science Direct, ProQuest, SAGE Journals) and published between 2011 and 2020. This review used the Joanna Briggs Institute and Prisma guidelines. The study’s eligibility was assessed from the title, abstract, research methodology, and full text. The review results were presented in tabulated data and narrative form.
RESULTS: Nine articles showed that the nurse-led program significantly improved health behavior, health-related quality of life, clinical outcome, and illness perception in CHD patients.
CONCLUSIONS: It is expected that the improvement of management in CHD patients will improve patients’ quality of life. Hence, it could reduce the number of morbidities and mortality.
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Silk MJ, Carrignon S, Bentley RA, Fefferman NH. Observations and conversations: how communities learn about infection risk can impact the success of non-pharmaceutical interventions against epidemics. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:13. [PMID: 34986810 PMCID: PMC8729323 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual behavioural decisions are responses to a person's perceived social norms that could be shaped by both their physical and social environment. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, these environments correspond to epidemiological risk from contacts and the social construction of risk by communication within networks of friends. Understanding the circumstances under which the influence of these different social networks can promote the acceptance of non-pharmaceutical interventions and consequently the adoption of protective behaviours is critical for guiding useful, practical public health messaging. METHODS We explore how information from both physical contact and social communication layers of a multiplex network can contribute to flattening the epidemic curve in a community. Connections in the physical contact layer represent opportunities for transmission, while connections in the communication layer represent social interactions through which individuals may gain information, e.g. messaging friends. RESULTS We show that maintaining focus on awareness of risk among each individual's physical contacts promotes the greatest reduction in disease spread, but only when an individual is aware of the symptoms of a non-trivial proportion of their physical contacts (~ ≥ 20%). Information from the social communication layer without was less useful when these connections matched less well with physical contacts and contributed little in combination with accurate information from physical contacts. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that maintaining social focus on local outbreak status will allow individuals to structure their perceived social norms appropriately and respond more rapidly when risk increases. Finding ways to relay accurate local information from trusted community leaders could improve mitigation even where more intrusive/costly strategies, such as contact-tracing, are not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Silk
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Simon Carrignon
- Center for the Dynamics of Social Complexity (DySoC), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
- School of Information Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - R Alexander Bentley
- Center for the Dynamics of Social Complexity (DySoC), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Nina H Fefferman
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & Mathematics, University of Tennessee, 447 Hesler Biology Building, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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Precautionary behaviours of individuals with multimorbidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Ageing 2022; 19:827-835. [PMID: 36692737 PMCID: PMC8724001 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00632-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies show that older individuals with multimorbidity are more susceptible to develop a more severe case of COVID-19 when infected by the virus. These individuals are more likely to be admitted to Intensive Care Units and to die from COVID-19-related conditions than younger individuals or those without multimorbidity. This research aimed to assess whether there are differences in terms of precautionary behaviours between individuals aged 50 + with multimorbidity and their counterparts without multimorbidity residing in 25 European countries plus Israel. We used data from the SHARE-COVID19 questionnaire on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics, multimorbidity, and precautionary behaviours of individuals. SHARE wave 8 and 7 databases were also used to fully identify individuals with multimorbidity. Our results showed that individuals with multimorbidity were more likely to exhibit precautionary behaviours than their counterparts without multimorbidity when gender, age, education, financial distress and countries were included as controls. Additionally, we found that women, more educated individuals and those experiencing more financial distress adopt more protective behaviours than their counterparts. Our results also indicate that the prevalence of precautionary behaviours is higher in Spain and Italy and lower in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. To guarantee the adoption of preventive actions against COVID-19, public health messaging and actions must continue to be disseminated among middle and older aged persons with multimorbidity, and more awareness campaigns should be targeted at men and less educated individuals but also at persons experiencing less financial distress, particularly in countries where people engaged in fewer precautionary behaviours.
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Economou A. The socioeconomic gradient in coping attitudes towards the COVID-19 measures in social welfare regimes in Europe. SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES OPEN 2022; 6:100334. [PMID: 36120513 PMCID: PMC9464597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2022.100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Chan TL, Yuan HY, Lo WC. Modeling COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics With Self-Learning Population Behavioral Change. Front Public Health 2021; 9:768852. [PMID: 35004580 PMCID: PMC8727367 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.768852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many regions observed recurrent outbreaks of COVID-19 cases after relaxing social distancing measures. It suggests that maintaining sufficient social distancing is important for limiting the spread of COVID-19. The change of population behavior responding to the social distancing measures becomes an important factor for the pandemic prediction. In this paper, we develop a SEAIR model for studying the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission with population behavioral change. In our model, the population is divided into several groups with their own social behavior in response to the delayed information about the number of the infected population. The transmission rate depends on the behavioral changes of all the population groups, forming a feedback loop to affect the COVID-19 dynamics. Based on the data of Hong Kong, our simulations demonstrate how the perceived cost after infection and the information delay affect the level and the time period of the COVID-19 waves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz-Lik Chan
- Department of Mathematics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hsiang-Yu Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing-Cheong Lo
- Department of Mathematics, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Sharif N, Alzahrani KJ, Ahmed SN, Opu RR, Ahmed N, Talukder A, Nunia R, Chowdhury MS, Nodi IJ, Saha T, Zhang M, Dey SK. Protective measures are associated with the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 in Bangladesh: A nationwide cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260287. [PMID: 34807962 PMCID: PMC8608304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health issue globally. Preventive health measures against COVID-19 can reduce the health burden significantly by containing the transmission. A few research have been undertaken on the effectiveness of preventive strategies such as mask use, hand washing, and keeping social distance in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The main aim of this study was to determine the association of the preventive measures with the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 among people. Data was collected during January 06, 2021 to May 10, 2021 from 1690 participants in Bangladesh. A validated questionnaire was used to collect both the online and offline data. Chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association among the variables. The prevalence of COVID-19 was 11.5% (195 of 1690) among the population. Age, gender, occupation and monthly income of the participants were significantly associated with the likelihood of following the preventive measures. The risk of infection and death reduced significantly among the participants following preventive measures (p = .001). The odds of incidence was lower among the participants using masks properly (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01-0.43), maintaining social distances (OR: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.33), avoiding crowded places (OR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02-0.19) and hand shaking (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09-0.41). This study suggests that preventive health measures are significantly associated with the reduction of the risk of infection of COVID-19. Findings from this study will help the policymakers to take appropriate steps to curb the health burden of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadim Sharif
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shamsun Nahar Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rubayet Rayhan Opu
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nayan Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Aeken Talukder
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Raju Nunia
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Israt Jahan Nodi
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tama Saha
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shuvra Kanti Dey
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Tang CC, Chen H, Wu WW. Factors influencing the protective behavior of individuals during COVID-19: a transnational survey. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21654. [PMID: 34737327 PMCID: PMC8568907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01239-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To slow the spread of infectious disease, it is crucial to understand the engagement of protective behavior among individuals. The purpose of this study was to systematically examine individuals' protective behaviors and the associated factors across countries during COVID-19. This causal-comparative study used a self-developed online survey to assess individuals' level of engagement with six protective behaviors. Analysis of variance and McNemar's test were employed for data analysis. Three hundred and eighty-four responses were analyzed. The majority of participants lived in three areas: Taiwan, Japan, and North America. Overall, the participants reported a high level of engagement in protective behaviors. However, engagement levels varied according to several demographic variables. Hand hygiene and cleaning/ventilation are two independent behaviors that differ from almost all other protective behaviors. There is a need to target the population at risk, which demonstrates low compliance. Different strategies are needed to promote specific protective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chun Tang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Hsi Chen
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Wu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.
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Ruhle SA, Schmoll R. COVID-19, Telecommuting, and (Virtual) Sickness Presenteeism: Working From Home While Ill During a Pandemic. Front Psychol 2021; 12:734106. [PMID: 34721202 PMCID: PMC8554096 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.734106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored (virtual) sickness presenteeism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative data from 505 members of the German working population, it investigates how working from home, which rapidly increased because of the COVID-19 outbreak, is perceived with regard to the pandemic. The study explored how this development affects the decision to show absence or presence in case of illness. More than 1,300 responses to different open-end questions by presenteeists and non-presenteeists were analyzed. The findings suggest that many previously identified reasons for deciding for or against presenteeism are still applicable. However, noteworthy differences with regard to both telecommuting and the pandemic occurred. Virtual sickness presenteeism seems to be strongly encouraged by the possibility to adjust working conditions at home. Additionally, COVID-19 has affected the perceptions of health at work. The study contributes to a more in-depth understanding of (virtual) sickness presenteeism during a global pandemic. Six propositions for future research are developed, and the importance of context for the consequences of virtual sickness presenteeism is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Alexander Ruhle
- Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - René Schmoll
- Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Khairulbahri M. Lessons learned from three Southeast Asian countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF POLICY MODELING 2021; 43:1354-1364. [PMID: 34690384 PMCID: PMC8526120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpolmod.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Several scholars have focused on the COVID-19 case studies in Europe and USA, leaving the people in Southeast Asia with little information about the lesson learned from their own case studies. This study aims to analyses case studies through the SEIR model in three Southeast Asia countries including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The SEIR model incorporates two types measures including social behavior and lockdowns as well as hospital preparedness. The SEIR model reveals that Malaysia, despite its relatively low testing capacity but with the application of the national lockdown, can slash the coronavirus transmission while Indonesia has still struggled to contain the COVID-19 flow owing to partial lockdowns. Singapore, at one hand, can successfully contain the coronavirus due to the national lockdowns, and the better healthcare system. With this point in mind, it is not surprising that Singapore has very low fatality rates and significantly low cases after lockdowns. Better preparedness lockdowns, and sufficient testing capacity are keys to controlling the COVID-19 flow, especially if the development of vaccines or distribution of respective vaccines is under progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Khairulbahri
- Bandung Institute of Technology, Postgraduate of Development Studies, Ganesha 10, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
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Balbuena L, Monaro M. Fear of Infection and the Common Good: COVID-19 and the First Italian Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111341. [PMID: 34769858 PMCID: PMC8583192 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the first quarter of 2020, Italy became one of the earliest hotspots of COVID-19 infection, and the government imposed a lockdown. During the lockdown, an online survey of 2053 adults was conducted that asked about health behaviors and about the psychological and overall impact of COVID-19. The present study is a secondary analysis of that data. We hypothesized that self-control, higher socio-economic status, existing health conditions, and fear of infection were all inversely related to actions (or intentions) that violated the lockdown (i.e., infractions). Using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), we found that only the fear of infection significantly dissuaded people from violating lockdown rules. Since it is not practical or ethical to sow a fear of infection, our study indicates that enacting rules and enforcing them firmly and fairly are important tools for containing the infection. This may become more important as vaccines become more widely available and people lose their fear of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Balbuena
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
- Correspondence: (L.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35151 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.B.); (M.M.)
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Chan EYY, Kim JH, Kwok KO, Huang Z, Hung KKC, Wong ELY, Lee EKP, Wong SYS. Population Adherence to Infection Control Behaviors during Hong Kong's First and Third COVID-19 Waves: A Serial Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111176. [PMID: 34769694 PMCID: PMC8583559 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although COVID-19 has affected over 220 countries by October 2021, there is limited research examining the patterns and determinants of adherence to infection control measures over time. Aims: Our study examines the sociodemographic factors associated with changes in the frequency of adherence to personal hygiene and social distancing behaviors in Hong Kong. Methods: A serial cross-sectional telephone survey in the general population was conducted during the first (March 2020) (n = 765) and third wave (December 2020) (n = 651) of the local outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents were asked about their level of compliance with various personal hygiene and social distancing recommendations. Results: By the third wave, mask use increased to 100%, and throughout the study periods, >90% practiced frequent hand hygiene. However, adherence to social distancing measures significantly waned over time: avoidance of social gatherings (80.5% to 72.0%), avoidance of public places/public transport (53.3% to 26.0%), avoidance of international travel (85.8% to 76.6%) (p < 0.05). The practice of ordering food takeout/home delivery, however, increased, particularly among high-income respondents. Higher education, female gender and employment status were the most consistently associated factors with adherence to COVID-19 preventive practices in the multivariable models. Conclusions: In urban areas of this region, interventions to improve personal hygiene in a prolonged pandemic should target males and those with low education. In addition to these groups, the working population needs to be targeted in order to improve adherence to social distancing guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ying Yang Chan
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- GX Foundation, Hong Kong, China
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jean H. Kim
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Kin-on Kwok
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Zhe Huang
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
| | - Kevin Kei Ching Hung
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eliza Lai Yi Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Eric Kam Pui Lee
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (K.-o.K.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (S.Y.S.W.)
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Knight H, Carlisle S, O’Connor M, Briggs L, Fothergill L, Al-Oraibi A, Yildirim M, Morling JR, Corner J, Ball J, Denning C, Vedhara K, Blake H. Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Self-Isolation on Students and Staff in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10675. [PMID: 34682418 PMCID: PMC8535702 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This qualitative study explored the impact of COVID-19 self-isolation and social restriction measures on university students, through the perspectives of both students and the staff supporting them. The study comprised 11 focus groups (students) and 26 individual interviews (staff) at a higher education institution in England during a period of national lockdown (January-March 2021). Participants were university students (n = 52) with self-isolation experiences and university staff (n = 26) with student-facing support roles. Focus group and interview data were combined and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Four themes emerged: 'Adaptation during the pandemic', 'Practical, environmental, and emotional challenges of self-isolating', 'Social factors and their impact on COVID-19 testing and self-isolation adherence', and 'Supporting self-isolation'. Students and staff struggled with the imposed restrictions and shift to online education. Students found it difficult to adapt to new expectations for university life and reported missing out on professional and social experiences. Students and staff noted concerns about the impact of online teaching on educational outcomes. Students endorsed varied emotional responses to self-isolation; some felt unaffected whilst others experienced lowered mood and loneliness. Students were motivated by pro-social attitudes; campaigns targeting these factors may encourage continued engagement in protective behaviours. Staff struggled to manage their increased workloads delivering support for self-isolating students. Universities must consider the support needs of students during self-isolation and prepare for the long-term impacts of the pandemic on student wellbeing and educational attainment. Greater support should be provided for staff during transitional periods, with ongoing monitoring of workforce stress levels warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Knight
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (S.C.); (J.R.M.); (C.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Sophie Carlisle
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (S.C.); (J.R.M.); (C.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Mórna O’Connor
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (M.O.); (L.B.); (L.F.); (A.A.-O.); (M.Y.); (H.B.)
| | - Lydia Briggs
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (M.O.); (L.B.); (L.F.); (A.A.-O.); (M.Y.); (H.B.)
| | - Lauren Fothergill
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (M.O.); (L.B.); (L.F.); (A.A.-O.); (M.Y.); (H.B.)
| | - Amani Al-Oraibi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (M.O.); (L.B.); (L.F.); (A.A.-O.); (M.Y.); (H.B.)
| | - Mehmet Yildirim
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (M.O.); (L.B.); (L.F.); (A.A.-O.); (M.Y.); (H.B.)
| | - Joanne R. Morling
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (S.C.); (J.R.M.); (C.D.); (K.V.)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Jessica Corner
- University Executive Board, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Jonathan Ball
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Chris Denning
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (S.C.); (J.R.M.); (C.D.); (K.V.)
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (S.C.); (J.R.M.); (C.D.); (K.V.)
| | - Holly Blake
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK; (M.O.); (L.B.); (L.F.); (A.A.-O.); (M.Y.); (H.B.)
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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Kao WT, Hsu ST, Chou FHC, Chou LS, Hsieh KY, Li DJ, Lin GG, Wu PJ, Chen WJ, Huang JJ. The Societal Influences and Quality of Life Among Healthcare Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:706443. [PMID: 34707517 PMCID: PMC8542799 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.706443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus infection disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to put healthcare professionals across the world in an unprecedented situation. Methods: A total of 683 healthcare workers were recruited in this study. Short form-12 items (SF-12), Societal Influences Survey Questionnaire (SISQ), and Disaster-Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST) were used to survey participants. Multiple linear regression and structural equation model (SEM) were used to explore the possible factors to the societal influences and quality of life. Results: After multiple linear regression analysis, female, older, more education years, married, regular intake, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequency had positive association with SISQ. To physical component summary (PCS) of SF-12, chronic illness, sleep score, PTSD frequency, and social distance had negative association, and exercise habits had positive association. A mental component summary (MCS) value of SF-12, age, participate in social activities, and social information had positive association, and PTSD frequency, sleep score, social anxiety, and depression had negative association. Under SEM analysis, PTSD had positive influence on SISQ. Sleep score and MCS value had negative influences on SISQ. PTSD severity, older age, sleep score, smoking, and nursing staff had negative influences on PCS value. Young age, PTSD frequency, sleep score, and depression had negative influences on MCS value. Conclusion: Healthcare team members with severe PTSD symptoms suffered more societal influences. Relative to PTSD severity, PTSD frequency was more important to the quality of life. Members of older age who frequently participate in clubs, volunteers, or charity activities had better mental life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Tsung Kao
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Sports, Health and Leisure and Graduate Institute of Sports, Health and Leisure, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Su-Ting Hsu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Li-Shiu Chou
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ying Hsieh
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Dian-Jeng Li
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Guei-Ging Lin
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pay-Jen Wu
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jen Chen
- Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Counseling Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, National Kaohsiung Normal University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Joh-Jong Huang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Health, Kaohsiung City Government, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Kim S, Lee S, Ko E, Jang K, Yeo J. Changes in car and bus usage amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Relationship with land use and land price. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT GEOGRAPHY 2021; 96:103168. [PMID: 34511748 PMCID: PMC8424062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2021.103168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the impacts of COVID-19 on car and bus usage and their relationships with land use and land price. Large-scale trip data of car and bus usage in Daejeon, South Korea, were tested. We made a trip-chain-level data set to analyze travel behavior based on activity-based travel volumes. Hexagonal cells were used to capture geographical explanatory variables, and a mixed-effect regression model was adopted to determine the impacts of COVID-19. The modeling outcomes demonstrated behavioral differences between associated with using cars and buses amid the pandemic. People responded to the pandemic by reducing their trips more intensively during the daytime and weekends. Moreover, they avoided crowded or shared spaces by reducing bus trips and trips toward commercial areas. In terms of social equity, trips of people living in wealthier areas decreased more than those of people living in lower-priced areas, especially trips by buses. The findings contribute to the previous literature by adding a fundamental reference for the different impacts of pandemics on two universal transportation modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suji Kim
- Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Sujin Lee
- The Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Green Transportation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 193 Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34051, South Korea
| | - Eunjeong Ko
- The Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Green Transportation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 193 Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34051, South Korea
| | - Kitae Jang
- The Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Green Transportation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 193 Munji-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34051, South Korea
| | - Jiho Yeo
- Department of Big Data Application, College of Social Economic & Interdisciplinary Studies, Hannam University, 70 Hannam-ro, Daedeok-gu, Daejeon 34430, South Korea
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Iftekhar EN, Priesemann V, Balling R, Bauer S, Beutels P, Calero Valdez A, Cuschieri S, Czypionka T, Dumpis U, Glaab E, Grill E, Hanson C, Hotulainen P, Klimek P, Kretzschmar M, Krüger T, Krutzinna J, Low N, Machado H, Martins C, McKee M, Mohr SB, Nassehi A, Perc M, Petelos E, Pickersgill M, Prainsack B, Rocklöv J, Schernhammer E, Staines A, Szczurek E, Tsiodras S, Van Gucht S, Willeit P. A look into the future of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe: an expert consultation. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 8:100185. [PMID: 34345876 PMCID: PMC8321710 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
How will the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic develop in the coming months and years? Based on an expert survey, we examine key aspects that are likely to influence the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. The challenges and developments will strongly depend on the progress of national and global vaccination programs, the emergence and spread of variants of concern (VOCs), and public responses to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). In the short term, many people remain unvaccinated, VOCs continue to emerge and spread, and mobility and population mixing are expected to increase. Therefore, lifting restrictions too much and too early risk another damaging wave. This challenge remains despite the reduced opportunities for transmission given vaccination progress and reduced indoor mixing in summer 2021. In autumn 2021, increased indoor activity might accelerate the spread again, whilst a necessary reintroduction of NPIs might be too slow. The incidence may strongly rise again, possibly filling intensive care units, if vaccination levels are not high enough. A moderate, adaptive level of NPIs will thus remain necessary. These epidemiological aspects combined with economic, social, and health-related consequences provide a more holistic perspective on the future of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Viola Priesemann
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rudi Balling
- University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Simon Bauer
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Czypionka
- Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna, Austria, and London School of Economics, London, UK
| | - Uga Dumpis
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Enrico Glaab
- University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Eva Grill
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, München, Germany
| | - Claudia Hanson
- Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Pirta Hotulainen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Klimek
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, and Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Tyll Krüger
- Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Helena Machado
- Institute for Social Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Carlos Martins
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Martin McKee
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Armin Nassehi
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, München, Germany
| | - Matjaž Perc
- University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia, and Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Elena Petelos
- University of Crete, Crete, Greece, and Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Barbara Prainsack
- Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joacim Rocklöv
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Willeit
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria, and University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Lanza K, Durand CP, Alcazar M, Ehlers S, Zhang K, Kohl HW. School Parks as a Community Health Resource: Use of Joint-Use Parks by Children before and during COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179237. [PMID: 34501821 PMCID: PMC8430500 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Parks are settings for physical activity that can support the physical and mental health of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We determined the impact of the pandemic on the use of joint-use parks outside of school hours by children in Austin, TX, United States. In autumn of 2019 and autumn of 2020 (i.e., before and during the COVID-19 pandemic), we used an adapted version of the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities to observe whether children aged 1-12 participated in physical activity (i.e., sedentary, light and moderate, vigorous) at three parks located at schools serving mostly economically disadvantaged Latinx families. In 2020, we also observed whether children maintained social distance and wore face coverings. Results of negative binomial regression modeling revealed the pandemic was associated with a 46% [95% CI: 20-63%] and 62% [95% CI: 39-76%] decrease in the number of girls and boys at parks, respectively, and a 42% [95% CI: 16-59%] and 60% [95% CI: 36-75%] decrease in the number of girls and boys engaging in physical activity, respectively (p < 0.01). In total, 60.6% of girls and 73.6% of boys were not social distancing, and 91.8% of the time no children wore masks. Interventions should be considered to safely reintroduce children to parks for health benefits during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lanza
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, School of Public Health in Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Austin, TX 77030, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Casey P. Durand
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health in Houston, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Melody Alcazar
- Parks and Recreation Department, Austin, Austin, TX 78704, USA; (M.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Sierra Ehlers
- Parks and Recreation Department, Austin, Austin, TX 78704, USA; (M.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA;
| | - Harold W. Kohl
- Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living, School of Public Health in Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Austin, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health in Austin, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Austin, TX 78701, USA
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Gozzi N, Bajardi P, Perra N. The importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009346. [PMID: 34506478 PMCID: PMC8457458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The promise of efficacious vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 is fulfilled and vaccination campaigns have started worldwide. However, the fight against the pandemic is far from over. Here, we propose an age-structured compartmental model to study the interplay of disease transmission, vaccines rollout, and behavioural dynamics. We investigate, via in-silico simulations, individual and societal behavioural changes, possibly induced by the start of the vaccination campaigns, and manifested as a relaxation in the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions. We explore different vaccination rollout speeds, prioritization strategies, vaccine efficacy, as well as multiple behavioural responses. We apply our model to six countries worldwide (Egypt, Peru, Serbia, Ukraine, Canada, and Italy), selected to sample diverse socio-demographic and socio-economic contexts. To isolate the effects of age-structures and contacts patterns from the particular pandemic history of each location, we first study the model considering the same hypothetical initial epidemic scenario in all countries. We then calibrate the model using real epidemiological and mobility data for the different countries. Our findings suggest that early relaxation of safe behaviours can jeopardize the benefits brought by the vaccine in the short term: a fast vaccine distribution and policies aimed at keeping high compliance of individual safe behaviours are key to mitigate disease resurgence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Gozzi
- Networks and Urban Systems Centre, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola Perra
- Networks and Urban Systems Centre, University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
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Mondal P, Sinharoy A, Sankoorikal BJ, Siddaiah R, Mazur L, Graff G. The Influence of Sociodemographic Heterogeneity on the Perceptions of COVID-19: A Countrywide Survey Study in the USA. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8922. [PMID: 34501512 PMCID: PMC8431068 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Sociodemographic factors such as age, race, education, family income, and sex have been reported to influence COVID-related perceptions, reflected by knowledge, stress, and preventive behavior. We conducted a US-based survey to estimate the difference in COVID-related perceptions among diverse sociodemographic groups and the influence of sociodemographic heterogeneity on COVID-related perceptions. Methods: The survey enquired about sociodemographic parameters and relevant information to measure knowledge, stress, and preventive behavior. COVID-perception scores among sociodemographic subgroups were compared with ANOVA (Bonferroni). The general linear model (GLM) was used to estimate the association among sociodemographic factors and COVID-related perceptions. Results: Females (75%) and White participants (78%) were the predominant (N = 3734). Females, White participants, wealthy, and educated participants demonstrated better knowledge, while participants of minority races, younger ages, low incomes, and females experienced high stress. Females, African-Americans, and educated participants better adopted preventive behaviors. Race, family income, and sex were the highest contributors to the predictive model. Sociodemographic determinants had statistically significant associations with knowledge (F-score = 7.72, p < 0.001; foremost predictor: race), stress (F-score = 16.46, p < 0.001; foremost predictor: income), and preventive behavior (GLM: F-score = 7.72, p < 0.001, foremost predictor: sex). Conclusion: Sociodemographic heterogeneity significantly influenced COVID-related perceptions, while race, family income, and sex were the strongest determinants of COVID-related perceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritish Mondal
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (B.-J.S.); (R.S.); (G.G.)
| | | | - Binu-John Sankoorikal
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (B.-J.S.); (R.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Roopa Siddaiah
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (B.-J.S.); (R.S.); (G.G.)
| | - Lauren Mazur
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Gavin Graff
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA; (B.-J.S.); (R.S.); (G.G.)
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50
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A study of self-precaution against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of risk perception attitude theory and social support. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1527. [PMID: 34372799 PMCID: PMC8352715 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11597-9] [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: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this research, the factors that influence the self-precautionary behavior during the pandemic are explored with the combination of social support and a risk perception attitude framework. METHODS An online survey was conducted among 429 members to collect information on demographic data, social support, perceptions of outbreak risk, health self-efficacy, and self-precautionary behaviors with the guide of the Social Support Scale, the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale, the Health Self-Efficacy Scale and the Self-precautionary Behavior Scale. RESULTS The research shows that among the three dimensions of social support, both objective support and support utilization negatively predict risk perception, while subjective support positively predicts health self-efficacy; health self-efficacy and risk perception significantly predict self-precautionary behavior; the relationship between risk perception and self-precautionary behavior is significantly moderated by health self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS The combined influence of social capital and risk perception attitudinal frameworks on self-precautionary behavior is highlighted in this study, with the relationship between the public's risk perception, health self-efficacy, and self-precautionary behavior intentions examined against the background of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These findings contribute to understanding the impact of social capital factors on risk perception and health self-efficacy, which provides insight into the current status and influencing factors of the public's precautionary behavior and facilitates early intervention during a pandemic.
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