Risk perception and resource scarcity in food procurement during the early outbreak of COVID-19

Buffering against exposure to mental health misinformation in online communities on Facebook: the interplay of depression literacy and expert moderation

BACKGROUND

The proliferation of health misinformation on social media is a growing public health concern. Online communities for mental health (OCMHs) are also considered an outlet for exposure to misinformation. This study explored the impact of the self-reported volume of exposure to mental health misinformation in misinformation agreement and the moderating effects of depression literacy and type of OCMHs participation (expert vs. peer-led).

METHODS

Participants (n = 403) were recruited in Italian-speaking OCMHs on Facebook. We conducted regression analyses using PROCESS macro (moderated moderation, Model 3). Measures included: the Depression Literacy Questionnaire (Griffiths et al., 2004), the self-reported misinformation exposure in the OCMHs (3 items), and misinformation agreement with the exposure items (3 items). Whether participants were members of expert or peer-led OCMHs was also investigated.

RESULTS

The final model explained the 12% variance in the agreement. There was a positive and significant relationship between misinformation exposure and misinformation agreement (β = 0.3221, p < .001), a significant two-way interaction between misinformation exposure and depression literacy (β = - 0.2179, p = .0014 ), and between self-reported misinformation exposure and type of OCMH (β = - 0.2322, p = .0254), such that at higher levels of depression literacy and in case of participation to expert-led OCMHs, the relationship misinformation exposure-misinformation agreement was weaker. Finally, a three-way interaction was found (β = 0.2497, p = .0144) that showed that depression literacy moderated the positive relationship between misinformation exposure and misinformation agreement such that the more misinformation participants were exposed to, the more they agreed with it unless they had higher levels of depression literacy; this, however, occurred only if they participated in peer-led groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide evidence that the more members reported being exposed to mental health misinformation, the more they tended to agree with it, however this was only visible when participants had lower depression literacy and were participating in peer-led OCMHs. Results of this study suggest that both internal factors (i.e., high depression literacy) and external factors (the type of online community individuals were participating in) can buffer the negative effects of misinformation exposure. It also suggests that increasing depression literacy and expert community moderation could curb the negative consequences of misinformation exposure related to mental health. Results will guide interventions to mitigate the effects of misinformation in OCMHs, including encouraging health professionals in their administration and implementing health education programs.

Diet Quality and Nutrition Behavior of Federal Nutrition Education Program Participants before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports from regional and national meetings of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education program (EFNEP) have provided anecdotal evidence that the program has persevered, pivoted, and continued to positively impact the lives of some of the nation's most vulnerable populations. However, there have been necessary changes to program delivery, inevitable changes in the lives of participants, and changes in the food environment that may have impacted program outcomes. This study compares national EFNEP data (demographics, behavior change data, and 24 h dietary recall data) of participants from two federal fiscal years, before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the pandemic. Linear mixed model analysis of variance and covariance were used to assess the effects of year on program outcomes. Results of this study provide quantitative evidence of the resiliency of EFNEP to facilitate positive behavior changes related to diet quality, physical activity, food safety, food resource management, and food security. Amidst changes in the food environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, these results emphasize the importance and value of federal nutrition education programs in any food environment.

Stress and anxiety in orthodontic residents during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on health care providers and health professional students; however, little is known about the factors related to stress and anxiety levels, specifically among orthodontic residents during this time.

METHODS

A 2-part questionnaire, which included modified stress and anxiety inventories, was disseminated electronically to U.S. orthodontic residents between June and July 2020. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Overall, 261 participants responded (56% female), representing a response rate of 26.8%. Significant gender differences were found in 18 stress items, with female respondents expressing more stress than their male counterparts. Only 1 stress item (ie, fear of being unable to catch up if behind) varied as a function of the difference on the basis of respondents' stage in the program. First-year residents reported more stress in relation to this than more senior residents. Responses to all anxiety items but 1 item varied by gender, with females reporting higher scores. Residents in the middle stages of their program responded with higher anxiety scores with significant differences on 3 anxiety items.

CONCLUSIONS

Although financial responsibilities and travel plans were the most stressful and anxiety-inducing items for orthodontic residents during the early aspect of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, multiple items contributed to their stress and anxiety. In addition, both gender and stage of progress in a residency program impacted the level of stress and anxiety reported by respondents.