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Mendes FR, Sim-Sim M, Gemito ML, Barros MDL, Serra IDC, Caldeira AT. Fear of COVID-19 among professional caregivers of the elderly in Central Alentejo, Portugal. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3131. [PMID: 38326517 PMCID: PMC10850084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52993-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected many institutionalised elderly people. In Portugal, the level of pandemic fear among professional caregivers of the elderly is unknown, as are its predictive factors. This study aimed to investigate predictors of fear of COVID-19 among workers caring for institutionalised elderly people in nursing homes. This is a cross-sectional study using multiple linear regression applied to a population of 652 caregivers located in 14 municipalities in Central Alentejo, Portugal, at March 2021. The criterion variable was the fear of COVID-19. Standardised regression coefficients showed that the higher the level of education, the lower the level of fear (β = - 0.158; t = - 4.134; p < .001). Other predictors of the level of fear were gender, with women having higher levels (β = 0.123; t = t = 3.203; p < 0.001), higher scores on COVID-19-like suspicious symptoms (β = 0.123; t = 3.219; p < 0.001) and having received a flu vaccine (β = 0.086; t = 2.252; p = 0.025). The model explains 6.7% of the variation in fear of COVID-19 (R2Adj = 0.067). Health literacy can minimise the impact on the physical and mental health of these workers. In Central Alentejo, caregivers of the elderly play a fundamental role in social balance. Further studies are needed to better understand the factors that can improve their personal and professional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felismina Rosa Mendes
- Nursing Department, University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHCRC), University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
| | - Margarida Sim-Sim
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHCRC), University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Maria Laurência Gemito
- Nursing Department, University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHCRC), University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
| | - Maria da Luz Barros
- Nursing Department, University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHCRC), University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Teresa Caldeira
- School of Science and Technology, University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
- HERCULES Laboratory, University of Évora, 7000-811, Évora, Portugal
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Koulierakis G, Dermatis A, Zavras D, Pavi E. Protective behaviors during COVID-19 confinement measures in Greece: the role of anxiety, perceived risk and risky-choice framing. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:281-296. [PMID: 37304597 PMCID: PMC10251049 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Confinement measures at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed major changes on the global population. The aim of this study was to explore the level to which the public adhered to protective guidelines by adopting the most appropriate behaviors at that time (such as hand washing with soap and using sanitizer gel) and to identify the determinants of these behaviors. A purposive sample of 1013 individuals was invited and voluntarily participated in the online survey. The questionnaire collected information on demographic data, hand washing, risk perception, anxiety (through the S = Anxiety scale of STAI) and risky-choice framing. Results showed increased levels of anxiety, a moderate perception of the risk of catching coronavirus and increased adoption of protective behaviors, such as handwashing and cleaning surfaces with disinfectant/antiseptic products. Multiple ordinal logistic regression models showed that being female, more educated and cleaning home with disinfectant / antiseptic products predicted handwashing with soap. Additionally, having an increased perception of getting the coronavirus, being older and cleaning the home with disinfectant / antiseptic products predicted handwashing with antiseptics. Public health interventions should take into consideration the unified cleaning pattern and the combined effect of sociodemographic variables and risk perception on the adoption of protective behaviour in the context of a health crisis which is out of people's control.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Koulierakis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Dermatis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Zavras
- Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, Division of Health Systems and Policy. Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Elpida Pavi
- Laboratory for Health Technology Assessment, Division of Health Systems and Policy. Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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Breakwell GM, Jaspal R, Wright DB. Identity resilience, science mistrust, COVID-19 risk and fear predictors of vaccine positivity and vaccination likelihood: A survey of UK and Portuguese samples. J Health Psychol 2023:13591053231161891. [PMID: 36967590 PMCID: PMC10043349 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231161891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on Identity Process Theory, we hypothesised that two elements of identity resilience (identity worth and identity continuity) differentially predict variance in COVID-19 fear and risk, science mistrust, vaccine positivity, and vaccination likelihood. Data from an online survey of 643 UK and 485 Portuguese adults collected during March 2021 showed the UK and Portuguese did not differ significantly on vaccination likelihood or identity resilience. UK respondents reported less science mistrust, COVID-19 risk, and fear, but higher vaccine positivity than the Portuguese. Identity worth and identity continuity differed between countries in their effects on science mistrust, COVID-19 fear, risk, vaccine positivity and vaccination likelihood. Science mistrust and COVID-19 fear proved key factors in predicting vaccine positivity and vaccination likelihood. We conclude the roles of discrete elements of identity resilience in health behaviour require further examination and action reducing prevalence of specific forms of science mistrust can improve vaccination likelihood.
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Zhao B, Xu J, Kong F, Nam EW. Validation of the Chinese version of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale among Chinese college students. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13468. [PMID: 36789385 PMCID: PMC9911978 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13468] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Different languages and versions of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S) have been developed and tested in several countries. Chinese college students are a large vulnerable group and are susceptible to psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, no studies had yet examined the reliability and validity of the C19P-S in China among college students group. This study aims to evaluate the COVID-19-related phobia of Chinese college students and examine the reliability and validity of this scale. Methods A total of 1689 Chinese college students participated in this study from April 27 to May 7, 2022. They finished the online questionnaire including demographic information and C19P-S. Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability were used to examine the internal consistency of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was further used to examine the scale's construct validity. Convergence validity was also confirmed. Results This scale in Chinese had high reliability and validity. The Cronbach's alpha and split-half reliability of the total scale were 0.960 and 0.935, respectively. The construct validity-related indicators of the total scale met the standards (RMSEA = 0.064, IFI = 0.907, TLI = 0.906, and CFI = 0.907). Regarding the subscales, the composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) also met the cutoff values (CR > 0.7 and AVE >0.5). Comparison between gender groups showed that total and subscale scores between male and female students differed significantly. Conclusion The Chinese version of the C19P-S was appropriate for evaluating phobic symptoms among Chinese college students. Therefore, this tool could be used to evaluate the mental health of college students in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- Department of Health Administration, Graduate School, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do 26493, South Korea,Yonei Global Health Center, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 26493, South Korea
| | - Jing Xu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Fanlei Kong
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China,Corresponding author. Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Eun Woo Nam
- Department of Health Administration, Graduate School, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do 26493, South Korea,Yonei Global Health Center, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 26493, South Korea,Corresponding author. Department of Health Administration, Graduate School, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju, Gangwon-do 26493, South Korea
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Meneguin S, Pollo CF, Melchiades EP, Ramos MSM, de Morais JF, de Oliveira C. Scale of Adherence to Good Hospital Practices for COVID-19: Psychometric Properties. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191912025. [PMID: 36231328 PMCID: PMC9566148 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
To avoid hospital transmission, all COVID-19 prevention measures should be followed. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a novel scale developed to assess adherence to good practices for COVID-19 in the hospital setting. A methodological cross-sectional study was conducted at a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with 307 healthcare providers. Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic/occupational data and the Adherence to Standard Precautions for COVID-19 scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficients and the intraclass correlation coefficients were used to measure internal consistency and temporal stability (test-retest analysis), respectively. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficients between the scores of the overall scale and its domains. Factorial structure was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and goodness-of-fit of the model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the scale and its domains were higher than 0.7, except the psychosocial domain (0.61). All intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than 0.7. Strong correlations were found between the total score and the personal (0.84) and organizational (0.90) domains of the scale and a good correlation was found with the psychosocial domain (0.66). The fit of the multidimensional model was satisfactory for all parameters and the three-dimensional structure of the scale was confirmed by the fit of the factor loadings. The novel scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing adherence to good hospital practices for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silmara Meneguin
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, Paulista State University, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Camila Fernandes Pollo
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, Paulista State University, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Ediana Preisler Melchiades
- Department of Nursing, Botucatu Medical School, Paulista State University, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | | | - José Fausto de Morais
- Faculty of Mathematics, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38400-902, MG, Brazil
| | - Cesar de Oliveira
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Özdemir Ş, Baloğlu M, Şahin R. The Japanese adaptation and validation of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S). JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022:10.1002/jcop.22850. [PMID: 35349737 PMCID: PMC9088247 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There exists a significant need of screening, measuring, and assessing phobic reactions to the negative effects and consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the world. For this purpose, the C19P-S has been developed and adapted to several languages and cultures including Turkish, Russian, Arabic, English, Korean, and soforth. This study aimed to adapt the scale into Japanese. Convenience sampling was used in the recruitment of the participants. The sample involved 310 Japanese-speaking natives from different prefectures of the country (MeanAGE = 49.97; SD = 13.07). The scale is a self-report instrument, which includes 20, 5-point Likert-type items. The scale assesses the levels of COVID-19 phobia in four areas: Psychological, Somatic, Economic, and Social. The validity (content, construct, convergent, and discriminant) and reliability (internal consistency) analyses were conducted. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used for group comparisons. MANOVA results show that women scored statistically higher in the psychological area. Furthermore, the participants with a lower educational level scored higher than those with a higher level in the somatic area. Among other scales measuring fear and anxiety, the C19P-S Japanese (C19P-SJ) is the first measurement tool specifically designed and adapted for evaluating coronaphobia. It is suggested that the individuals with psychiatric diagnoses be included to measure and support the construct validity of the scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şevket Özdemir
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman UniversityMuğlaTurkey
| | - Mustafa Baloğlu
- Department of Special EducationSchool of Education, Hacettepe UniversityAnkaraTurkey
| | - Rukiye Şahin
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa UniversityTokatTurkey
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Nazari R, Barzegari S, Arpaci I, Hasani A, Zabihi A. Psychometric properties of the Persian COVID-19 phobia scale. JOURNAL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/jnms.jnms_52_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Magano J, Vidal DG, Sousa HFPE, Dinis MAP, Leite Â. Psychological Factors Explaining Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Travel. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:1120-1133. [PMID: 34698167 PMCID: PMC8544653 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11040083] [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: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aims to determine the psychological factors that contribute to the perceived impact of COVID-19 on travel using a convenience sample (N = 1122) from the general population to whom instruments assessing the perception of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on travel, anxiety, fear, phobia, risk perception, and stress were applied. The participants were mainly female (65.6%), had not attended university, and who were professionally active, with a mean age of around 30-years-old (M = 31.91, SD = 13.76, Min = 18, Max = 81). The perceived impact of COVID-19 on travel correlates with all of the psychological variables, mainly in terms of the emotional fear of COVID-19. Together with the perceived risk of COVID-19, social phobia due to COVID-19, and COVID-19 stress contamination, these variables explain 20% of the perceived impact of COVID-19 on travel variance. The relationship between COVID-19 stress socio-economic consequences and the perception of the pandemic's impact on travel is moderated by the emotional perceived risk of COVID-19. Fear and perception of this risk explain the impact of the COVID-19 on travel in pandemic times, suggesting that the psychological impact of fear and anxiety induced by the pandemic needs to be handled as a public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Magano
- Research Center in Business and Economics (CICEE), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, Rua Sta. Marta 47, 5° Andar, 1150-293 Lisboa, Portugal
- ISCET—Higher Institute of Business Sciences and Tourism, Rua de Cedofeita, 285, 4050-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Guedes Vidal
- UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP-ENAS), University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Hélder Fernando Pedrosa e Sousa
- Department of Mathematics (DM), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
| | - Maria Alzira Pimenta Dinis
- UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP-ENAS), University Fernando Pessoa (UFP), Praça 9 de Abril 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Ângela Leite
- School of Human and Social Sciences (ECHS), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
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