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Vincent W. Willingness to Use Digital Health Screening and Tracking Tools for Public Health in Sexual Minority Populations in a National Probability Sample: Quantitative Intersectional Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e47448. [PMID: 38457790 PMCID: PMC10960216 DOI: 10.2196/47448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about sexual minority adults' willingness to use digital health tools, such as pandemic-related tools for screening and tracking, outside of HIV prevention and intervention efforts for sexual minority men, specifically. Additionally, given the current cultural climate in the United States, heterosexual and sexual minority adults may differ in their willingness to use digital health tools, and there may be within-group differences among sexual minority adults. OBJECTIVE This study compared sexual minority and heterosexual adults' willingness to use COVID-19-related digital health tools for public health screening and tracking and tested whether sexual minority adults differed from each other by age group, gender, and race or ethnicity. METHODS We analyzed data from a cross-sectional, national probability survey (n=2047) implemented from May 30 to June 8, 2020, in the United States during the height of the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using latent-variable modeling, heterosexual and sexual minority adults were tested for differences in their willingness to use digital health tools for public health screening and tracking. Among sexual minority adults, specifically, associations with age, gender, and race or ethnicity were assessed. RESULTS On average, sexual minority adults showed greater willingness to use digital health tools for screening and tracking than heterosexual adults (latent factor mean difference 0.46, 95% CI 0.15-0.77). Among sexual minority adults, there were no differences by age group, gender, or race or ethnicity. However, African American (b=0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.62), Hispanic or Latino (b=0.36, 95% CI 0.18-0.55), and other racial or ethnic minority (b=0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.77) heterosexual adults showed greater willingness to use digital health tools for screening and tracking than White heterosexual adults. CONCLUSIONS In the United States, sexual minority adults were more willing to use digital health tools for screening and tracking than heterosexual adults. Sexual minority adults did not differ from each other by age, gender, or race or ethnicity in terms of their willingness to use these digital health tools, so no sexual orientation-based or intersectional disparities were identified. Furthermore, White heterosexual adults were less willing to use these tools than racial or ethnic minority heterosexual adults. Findings support the use of digital health tools with sexual minority adults, which could be important for other public health-related concerns (eg, the recent example of mpox). Additional studies are needed regarding the decision-making process of White heterosexual adults regarding the use of digital health tools to address public health crises, including pandemics or outbreaks that disproportionately affect minoritized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Vincent
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Hubbard G, Daas CD, Johnston M, Dunsmore J, Maier M, Polson R, Dixon D. Behavioural Sciences Contribution to Suppressing Transmission of Covid-19 in the UK: A Systematic Literature Review. Int J Behav Med 2024; 31:1-18. [PMID: 37059924 PMCID: PMC10104693 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Governments have relied on their citizens to adhere to a variety of transmission-reducing behaviours (TRBs) to suppress the Covid-19 pandemic. Understanding the psychological and sociodemographic predictors of adherence to TRBs will be heavily influenced by the particular theories used by researchers. This review aims to identify the theories and theoretical constructs used to understand adherence to TRBs during the pandemic within the UK social and legislative context. METHODS A systematic review identified studies to understand TRBs of adults in the UK during the pandemic. Identified theoretical constructs were coded to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data are presented as a narrative summary. RESULTS Thirty-five studies (n = 211,209) investigated 123 TRBs, applied 13 theoretical frameworks and reported 50 sociodemographic characteristics and 129 psychological constructs. Most studies used social cognition theories to understand TRBs and employed cross-sectional designs. Risk of sampling bias was high. Relationships between constructs and TRBs varied, but in general, beliefs about the disease (e.g. severity and risk perception) and about TRBs (e.g. behavioural norms) influenced behavioural intentions and self-reported adherence. More studies than not found that older people and females were more adherent. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural scientists in the UK generated a significant and varied body of work to understand TRBs during the pandemic. However, more use of theories that do not rely on deliberative processes to effect behaviour change and study designs better able to support causal inferences should be used in future to inform public health policy and practice. PROSPERO REGISTRATION CRD42021282699.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Hubbard
- Department of Nursing, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK.
- Centre for Health Science, Older Perth Road, Inverness, IV2 3JH, UK.
| | - Chantal den Daas
- Health Psychology Group, University of Aberdeen Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Marie Johnston
- Health Psychology Group, University of Aberdeen Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Jennifer Dunsmore
- Health Psychology Group, University of Aberdeen Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Mona Maier
- Health Psychology Group, University of Aberdeen Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Rob Polson
- Department of Nursing, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
| | - Diane Dixon
- Department of Nursing, University of the Highlands and Islands, Inverness, UK
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, 9 Sighthill Court, EH11 4BN, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Leung CLK, Wei WI, Li KK, McNeil EB, Tang A, Wong SYS, Kwok KO. Revisiting Vaccine Hesitancy in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly for Pandemic Preparedness: A Lesson from COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1700. [PMID: 38006032 PMCID: PMC10675220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Residents in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) are at high risk of severe illnesses and mortality, while staff have high exposure to intimate care activities. Addressing vaccine hesitancy is crucial to safeguard vaccine uptake in this vulnerable setting, especially amid a pandemic. In response to this, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to measure the level of vaccine hesitancy and to examine its associated factors among residents and staff in RCHEs in Hong Kong. We recruited residents and staff from 31 RCHEs in July-November 2022. Of 204 residents, 9.8% had a higher level of vaccine hesitancy (scored ≥ 4 out of 7, mean = 2.44). Around 7% of the staff (n = 168) showed higher vaccine hesitancy (mean = 2.45). From multi-level regression analyses, higher social loneliness, higher anxiety, poorer cognitive ability, being vaccinated with fewer doses, and lower institutional vaccination rates predicted residents' vaccine hesitancy. Similarly, higher emotional loneliness, higher anxiety, being vaccinated with fewer doses, and working in larger RCHEs predicted staff's vaccine hesitancy. Although the reliance on self-report data and convenience sampling may hamper the generalizability of the results, this study highlighted the importance of addressing the loneliness of residents and staff in RCHEs to combat vaccine hesitancy. Innovative and technology-aided interventions are needed to build social support and ensure social interactions among the residents and staff, especially amid outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Lap Kwan Leung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (C.L.K.L.); (W.I.W.); (E.B.M.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Wan In Wei
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (C.L.K.L.); (W.I.W.); (E.B.M.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Kin-Kit Li
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Edward B. McNeil
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (C.L.K.L.); (W.I.W.); (E.B.M.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Arthur Tang
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, RMIT University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (C.L.K.L.); (W.I.W.); (E.B.M.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Kin On Kwok
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (C.L.K.L.); (W.I.W.); (E.B.M.); (S.Y.S.W.)
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Kawuki J, Nambooze J, Chan PSF, Chen S, Liang X, Mo PKH, Wang Z. Differential practice and associated factors of COVID-19 personal preventive measures among the slum and estate communities of Uganda: A community-based cross-sectional survey. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06039. [PMID: 37712388 PMCID: PMC10502765 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Compliance with personal preventive measures (PPMs) remains essential in the prevention and control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and future infectious disease outbreaks. This study aimed at examining and comparing the practice of COVID-19 PPMs and associated factors in selected slum and estate communities of Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 1025 slum and estate residents in Uganda. The outcome variable was compliance with COVID-19 PPMs, including face mask use, hand washing/hygiene, and social distancing. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the associated factors, using SPSS (version 26). Results Of the 1025 participants, 511 and 514 were slum and estate residents, respectively. Compliance with PPMs was as follows; face mask use (slum 45.0% vs. estate 49.6%; P = 0.27), hand washing/hygiene (slum 38.4% vs. estate 44.9%; P = 0.04), and social distancing (slum 19.4% vs. estate 36.0%; P < 0.001). Compared to estate residents, slum residents had more knowledge related to COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 would have a longer timeline and larger impact on their life, had more depression and anxiety symptoms, and faced more difficulties to access information. Illness perceptions, infection risk, and severity perceptions were associated with higher odds of PPMs compliance in both groups, except for perceiving a high chance of contracting COVID-19, which was associated with lower odds of social distancing in the slum community. Depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with higher odds of PPMs compliance in both groups. Frequent exposure to COVID-19 information through health care workers and family members and friends was associated with higher odds of all the PPMs in both communities. Moreover, getting COVID-19 information from local channels was significantly associated with higher odds of mask use and hand hygiene, but only in the estate community. Conclusions Our findings provided implications to improve PPMs compliance in future infectious disease outbreaks. To improve PPMs compliance rates, redesigning community education to focus on fostering positive perceptions and addressing the water and sanitation needs of slum communities are essential. Moreover, designing programs that provide free or subsidised face masks and soap to the most vulnerable and engaging religious leaders are also vital strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kawuki
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joweria Nambooze
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Kyambogo University, Kyambogo, Uganda
| | - Paul Shing-fong Chan
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xue Liang
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Phoenix K H Mo
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zixin Wang
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Alvarez-Mon MA, Pereira-Sanchez V, Hooker ER, Sanchez F, Alvarez-Mon M, Teo AR. Content and User Engagement of Health-Related Behavior Tweets Posted by Mass Media Outlets From Spain and the United States Early in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational Infodemiology Study. JMIR Infodemiology 2023; 3:e43685. [PMID: 37347948 PMCID: PMC10445660 DOI: 10.2196/43685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the early pandemic, there was substantial variation in public and government responses to COVID-19 in Europe and the United States. Mass media are a vital source of health information and news, frequently disseminating this information through social media, and may influence public and policy responses to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe the extent to which major media outlets in the United States and Spain tweeted about health-related behaviors (HRBs) relevant to COVID-19, compare the tweeting patterns between media outlets of both countries, and determine user engagement in response to these tweets. METHODS We investigated tweets posted by 30 major media outlets (n=17, 57% from Spain and n=13, 43% from the United States) between December 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020, which included keywords related to HRBs relevant to COVID-19. We classified tweets into 6 categories: mask-wearing, physical distancing, handwashing, quarantine or confinement, disinfecting objects, or multiple HRBs (any combination of the prior HRB categories). Additionally, we assessed the likes and retweets generated by each tweet. Poisson regression analyses compared the average predicted number of likes and retweets between the different HRB categories and between countries. RESULTS Of 50,415 tweets initially collected, 8552 contained content associated with an HRB relevant to COVID-19. Of these, 600 were randomly chosen for training, and 2351 tweets were randomly selected for manual content analysis. Of the 2351 COVID-19-related tweets included in the content analysis, 62.91% (1479/2351) mentioned at least one HRB. The proportion of COVID-19 tweets mentioning at least one HRB differed significantly between countries (P=.006). Quarantine or confinement was mentioned in nearly half of all the HRB tweets in both countries. In contrast, the least frequently mentioned HRBs were disinfecting objects in Spain 6.9% (56/809) and handwashing in the United States 9.1% (61/670). For tweets from the United States mentioning at least one HRB, disinfecting objects had the highest median likes and retweets, whereas mask-wearing- and handwashing-related tweets achieved the highest median number of likes in Spain. Tweets from Spain that mentioned social distancing or disinfecting objects had a significantly lower predicted count of likes compared with tweets mentioning a different HRB (P=.02 and P=.01, respectively). Tweets from the United States that mentioned quarantine or confinement or disinfecting objects had a significantly lower predicted number of likes compared with tweets mentioning a different HRB (P<.001), whereas mask- and handwashing-related tweets had a significantly greater predicted number of likes (P=.04 and P=.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The type of HRB content and engagement with media outlet tweets varied between Spain and the United States early in the pandemic. However, content related to quarantine or confinement and engagement with handwashing was relatively high in both countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University Hospital Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Pereira-Sanchez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Hooker
- VA Portland Health Care System, Health Services Research & Development Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, United States
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Facundo Sanchez
- Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, New York, NY, United States
- Devers Eye Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Melchor Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alan R Teo
- VA Portland Health Care System, Health Services Research & Development Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Lee JJ, Kim N, Park MK, Ji H, Kim GS. The association between depression and non-compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors in South Korean older adults stratified by sex. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2023; 38:e5949. [PMID: 37303124 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the association between depression and non-compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors among community-dwelling South Korean older adults. METHODS We utilized the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey-a community-based nationwide survey. A score of 10 points or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was defined as depression. Non-compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors was assessed on the following three behaviors: washing hands, wearing masks, and watching distance. We also included socio-demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and COVID-19-related characteristics as covariates. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, and all statistical analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS The 70,693 participants included 29,736 men and 40,957 women. Notably, 2.3% of men and 4.2% of women had depression. Non-compliance with washing hands was significantly higher in men than women (1.3% vs. 0.9%), whereas no significant differences were observed in wearing masks and watching distance. The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that depression was positively associated with non-compliance with washing hands and watching distance in both sexes. The association between depression and non-compliance with wearing masks was significant only in women. CONCLUSIONS There was an association between depression and non-compliance with COVID-19 preventive behaviors in South Korean older adults. This signifies that health providers need to reduce depression to improve compliance with preventive behaviors in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Jun Lee
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Namhee Kim
- Wonju College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyung Park
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School of Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunju Ji
- Division of Nursing, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang Suk Kim
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Liu LS, Jia X, Zhu A, Ran GJ, Johnston D, Siegert R, Gong Y, French N, Lu J. Measuring the missing: Knowledge, risk perceptions and self-protection practices of COVID-19 among the Asian population in New Zealand: An online survey. Z Gesundh Wiss 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37361274 PMCID: PMC10193356 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01926-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Aim Asians are the second largest and fastest growing non-European population in New Zealand but are under-researched in terms of their COVID-19 pandemic response. The paper aims to illustrates Asians' risk perceptions and knowledge of COVID-19, and self-protection practices to avoid infection and prevent community transmission. Subject and methods An online survey was used to collect data and received 402 valid responses. Data analyses included: 1) a descriptive analysis by using Chi-square tests and a Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests to explore associations between responses and the four demographic variables (i.e. age, gender, country of origin/ethnicity, and region); and 2) a correlation analysis between different survey objectives. Results The descriptive analysis of the survey found that while ethnicity (within the Asian category) was the most influential variable that resulted in varying responses to many questions, gender and age were other two important variables in influencing the answering patterns. The correlation analysis found a positive correlation between the perceived 'dangerousness' of COVID-19 and respondents' overall compliance behaviour to New Zealand authorities' recommendations to prevent spread of COVID-19. Conclusion The majority of the respondents provided correct answers to the questions about the vulnerable populations, symptoms, asymptomatic transmission and potential sequelae of COVID-19; however, their understanding of the availability of a cure for, and the incubation period of COVID-19 was not consistent with the official information. The research also found that the higher perceived dangerousness of COVID-19, the better compliance to self-protection practices among the surveyed population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangni Sally Liu
- School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Xiaoyun Jia
- Institute of Governance & School of Politics and Public Administration, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Andrew Zhu
- Trace Research Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Guanyu Jason Ran
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David Johnston
- Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Richard Siegert
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yuan Gong
- School of Humanities, Media and Creative Communication, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nigel French
- Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Hopkirk Research Institute, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Kim JH, Kwok KO, Huang Z, Poon PKM, Hung KKC, Wong SYS, Chan EYY. A longitudinal study of COVID-19 preventive behavior fatigue in Hong Kong: a city with previous pandemic experience. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:618. [PMID: 37004041 PMCID: PMC10064631 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15257-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to high vaccination levels, COVID-19 control requires uptake and continued adherence to personal hygiene and social distancing behaviors. It is unclear whether residents of a city with successive experience in worldwide pandemics such as SARS, would quickly adopt and maintain preventive behaviors. METHODS A population-based, longitudinal telephone survey was conducted between in first local wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020) and third local wave (December 2020) (n = 403). The study examined factors associated with personal hygiene and social distancing behavior fatigue, as measured by reduced adherence. RESULTS Over 9 months, face mask use increased (96.5-100%, p < 0.001). Although habitual hand hygiene remained unchanged (92.0%), blue collar workers and non-working individuals showed higher risk of hand hygiene fatigue. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in avoidance of social gatherings (81.1 to 70.7%), avoidance of public places (52.9-27.5%) and avoidance of international travel (81.9-77.4%) even with rising caseloads. Lowered perception of COVID-19 disease severity was associated with decreased avoidance of social gatherings and public places while lower education was associated with decline in avoidance of social gatherings. CONCLUSION Even in regions with past pandemic experience, maintaining social distancing behaviors during a protracted pandemic remains a major public health challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean H Kim
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kin On Kwok
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe Huang
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul Kwok-Ming Poon
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin Kei Ching Hung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emily Ying Yang Chan
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- GX Foundation, Hong Kong, China.
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Shashina EA, Sannikova EA, Shcherbakov DV, Zhernov YV, Makarova VV, Isiutina-Fedotkova TS, Zabroda NN, Belova EV, Ermakova NA, Khodykina TM, Skopin AY, Sukhov VA, Klimova AA, Turnic TN, Yakushina II, Manerova OA, Reshetnikov VA, Mitrokhin OV. Analysis of the Face Mask Use by Public Transport Passengers and Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:14285. [PMID: 36361160 PMCID: PMC9657969 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The use of face masks and gloves in public places directly shows the commitment of the population to the established regulations. Public transport is one of the most-at-risk places of contamination. The aim of the study was to analyze the face mask use by public transport passengers and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: Public transport passengers and workers were surveyed. Periodic intermittent selective observation was used to gauge the level of adherence to the established regulations among public transport passengers. Factor analysis was used to identify factors determining the face-mask-wearing comfort. (3) Results: The majority of passengers (87.5%) and all transport workers (100%) used face masks and gloves. Most of the users wore only face masks. Only 41.6% of passengers and 74.7% of transport workers wore face masks correctly. Motivational attitudes at the implementation of preventive measures were determined: established regulations in the public place (55.8%) and the protection of one's own health and the health of family members (44.2%). Only 22.5% of those wearing face masks believed that doing so will have any effect on the spread of an infectious disease, and 10.8% wore masks to maintain the health of people around themselves. A low level of social responsibility was demonstrated. For 53.4% of workers, face mask wearing was uncomfortable. The majority of workers had adverse reactions to mask wearing: feeling short of breath (52.8%), hyperemia of face skin (33.8%), and facial hyperhidrosis (67.4%). (4) Conclusions: The comfort of wearing a mask is determined by adverse reactions occurrence, the properties of the mask, working conditions, and the duration of wearing the face mask. It is necessary to develop recommendations to reduce wearing discomfort. These recommendations, along with methods of raising the social responsibility of the population, can contribute to a greater commitment of the population to non-specific prevention measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina A. Shashina
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Sannikova
- National Medical Research Center for Urology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis V. Shcherbakov
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yury V. Zhernov
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina V. Makarova
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana S. Isiutina-Fedotkova
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nadezhda N. Zabroda
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Belova
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nina A. Ermakova
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana M. Khodykina
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton Yu. Skopin
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
- F.F. Erisman Federal Scientific Center of Hygiene of Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 141014 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vitaly A. Sukhov
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna A. Klimova
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tamara Nikolic Turnic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- N.A. Semashko Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina I. Yakushina
- N.A. Semashko Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga A. Manerova
- N.A. Semashko Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Reshetnikov
- N.A. Semashko Department of Public Health and Healthcare, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Mitrokhin
- Department of General Hygiene, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
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10
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Zhang W, Li L, Mou J, Zhang M, Cheng X, Xia H. Mediating Effects of Attitudes, Risk Perceptions, and Negative Emotions on Coping Behaviors. J ORGAN END USER COM 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/joeuc.308818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Based on the perspectives of social risk amplification and the knowledge-attitudes-practice model, this study aimed to test how the level of knowledge about COVID-19 and information sources can predict people's behavioral changes and to examine the effect mechanisms through the mediating roles of attitude, risk perception, and negative emotions in a survey of 498 older Chinese adults. The results showed that (1) older people had a lower level of factual knowledge regarding the variant strains and vaccines; (2) in the information sources-behavior, information sources had a critical influence on elderly individuals' coping behaviors; and (3) in the knowledge-behavior, factual knowledge had a significant effect on elderly individuals' coping behaviors. Specifically, for prevention behaviors, both risk perception and negative emotions played full mediating roles. The findings have significant implications for the development of an effective COVID-19 prevention program to older adults coping with pandemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Central University of Finance and Economics, China
| | - Luyao Li
- Central University of Finance and Economics, China
| | - Jian Mou
- School of Business, Pusan National University, South Korea
| | - Mei Zhang
- Central University of Finance and Economics, China
| | | | - Hongwei Xia
- Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China
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11
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Shibani M, Alzabibi MA, Mohandes AF, Armashi H, Alsuliman T, Mouki A, Mansour M, Ismail H, Alhayk S, Rmman AA, Almohi Alsaid Mushaweh HA, Battikh E, Khalayli N, Sawaf B, Kudsi M. Commitment to protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in Syria: A nationwide cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275669. [PMID: 36240156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 continues to impose itself on all populations of the world. Given the slow pace of vaccination in the developing world and the absence of effective treatments, adherence to precautionary infection control measures remains the best way to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from spiraling out of control. In this study, we aim to evaluate the extent to which the Syrian population adheres to these measures and analyze the relationship between demographic variables and adherence. METHODS This cross-sectional study took place in Syria between January 17 and March 17, 2021. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was distributed in both electronic and printed versions. Our sample consisted of 7531 individuals. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS v.25. The chi-square test was used to address the correlation between adherence and demographic variables. RESULTS Of the 10083 reached out, only 8083 responded, and 7531 included in the final analysis with an effective response rate of 74.7%. Of them, 4026 (53.5%) were women, 3984 (52.9%) were single, and 1908 (25.3%) had earned university degrees. 5286 (70.25) were in the high level of adherence category to protective measures. Statistically significant differences were documented when investigating the correlation between commitment to preventive measures and age, sex, marital status, financial status, employment, and educational attainment. Furthermore, those who believed that COVID-19 poses a major risk to them, or society were more committed to preventive measures than those who did not. CONCLUSION The participants in this study generally showed a high level of adherence to the preventive measures compared to participants in other studies from around the world, with some concerns regarding the sources of information they depend on. Nationwide awareness campaigns should be conducted and focus on maintaining, if not expanding, this level of commitment, which would mitigate the pandemic's impact on Syrian society.
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12
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Tan J, Yoshida Y, Sheng-Kai Ma K, Mauvais-Jarvis F, Lee CC. Gender differences in health protective behaviours and its implications for COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan: a population-based study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1900. [PMID: 36224561 PMCID: PMC9554846 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection produces more severe symptoms and a higher mortality in men than in women. The role of biological sex in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is believed to explain this sex disparity. However, the contribution of gender factors that influence health protective behaviors and therefore health outcomes, remains poorly explored. Methods We assessed the contributions of gender in attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic, using a hypothetical influenza pandemic data from the 2019 Taiwan Social Change Survey. Participants were selected through a stratified, three-stage probability proportional-to-size sampling from across the nation, to fill in questionnaires that asked about their perception of the hypothetical pandemic, and intention to adopt health protective behaviors. Results A total of 1,990 participants (median age = 45·92 years, 49% were women) were included. Significant gender disparities (p < .001) were observed. The risk perception of pandemic (OR = 1·28, 95% CI [1·21 − 1·35], p < .001), older age (OR = 1·06, 95% CI [1·05 − 1·07], p < .001), female gender (OR = 1·18, 95% CI [1·09-1·27], p < .001), higher education (OR = 1·10, 95% CI [1·06 − 1·13], p < .001), and larger family size (OR = 1·09, 95% CI [1·06 − 1·15], p < .001) were positively associated with health protective behaviors. The risk perception of pandemic (OR = 1·25, 95% CI [1·15 − 1·36]), higher education (OR = 1·07, 95% CI [1·02 − 1·13], p < .05), being married (OR = 1·17, 95% CI [1·01–1·36, p < .05), and larger family size (OR = 1·33, 95% CI [1·25 − 1·42], p < .001), were positively associated with intention to receive a vaccine. However, female gender was negatively associated with intention to receive a vaccine (OR = 0·85, 95% CI [0·75 − 0·90], p < ·01) and to comply with contact-tracing (OR = 0·95, 95% CI [0·90 − 1·00], p < .05) compared to men. Living with children was also negatively associated with intention to receive vaccines (OR = 0·77, 95% CI [0·66 − 0·90], p < .001). Conclusion This study unveils gender differences in risk perception, health protective behaviors, vaccine hesitancy, and compliance with contact-tracing using a hypothetical viral pandemic. Gender-specific health education raising awareness of health protective behaviors may be beneficial to prevent future pandemics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-14288-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Tan
- School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Sociology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yilin Yoshida
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kevin Sheng-Kai Ma
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Southeast Louisiana VA Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Chien-Chang Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Byers Center for Biodesign, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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13
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Corea F, Folcarelli L, Napoli A, Miraglia del Giudice G, Angelillo IF. The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination in Changing the Adherence to Preventive Measures: Evidence from Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:777. [PMID: 35632533 PMCID: PMC9143241 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the survey were to explore any changes in the adherence to the three main COVID-19 preventive measures (social distancing, washing hands, wearing face-masks) among 795 individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose in Italy and to identify the predictors associated. The concern of contracting COVID-19 before the vaccination, after the primary COVID-19 vaccine series, and after the booster dose resulted with a mean value of 7.7, 4.6, and 4.2, respectively. Females, those who had a lower mean self-perceived health status, who perceived COVID-19 as a very serious health problem, who decided to receive the booster dose because they perceived to be at risk of getting COVID-19, and who expressed interest in acquiring more information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose were more likely to report a higher concern of contracting COVID-19 after the booster dose. Over two-thirds were willing to respect the three main COVID-19 preventive measures following the booster dose. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that those who had used all three main preventive measures before and after the second or single dose were less likely to perceive COVID-19 as a serious illness. Those who had used them irregularly were less likely to have used official government organizations and scientific journals as sources of information. This survey provided an understanding regarding the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures that may help to target policy interventions needed to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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14
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Wang H, Cheng C. Role of COVID-19 Anxiety and Community Risk Factors on Physical Distancing Practice. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:110. [PMID: 35447682 PMCID: PMC9024643 DOI: 10.3390/bs12040110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Existing studies have focused primarily on self-oriented anxiety (i.e., anxiety over one’s infection) in the pandemic context, and the role of community risk is largely ignored. This study addressed these gaps by examining (a) self-oriented anxiety and two forms of others-oriented anxiety (i.e., anxiety concerning others’ health and societal problems), (b) the associations between all these forms of anxiety and physical distancing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (c) the hypothesized moderating role of community risk factors. The participants were 703 U.S. community-dwelling adults who completed an online survey. Geo-identifier data were extracted to identify the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and four social vulnerability indexes for the county in which each participant resided. Both forms of others-oriented anxiety were positively associated with physical distancing adoption, and the association was stronger among the participants residing in lower-risk communities (i.e., fewer confirmed COVID-19 cases, higher socioeconomic status, and better housing conditions). The study’s novel findings reveal the protective role of anxiety, particularly anxiety concerning others’ well-being, in encouraging people to adopt physical distancing during a pandemic. However, the protective role of anxiety is contingent upon certain community risk factors. Anxiety is more beneficial to residents of low- rather than high-risk communities.
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15
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Wambua J, Hermans L, Coletti P, Verelst F, Willem L, Jarvis CI, Gimma A, Wong KLM, Lajot A, Demarest S, Edmunds WJ, Faes C, Beutels P, Hens N. The influence of risk perceptions on close contact frequency during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5192. [PMID: 35338202 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human behaviour is known to be crucial in the propagation of infectious diseases through respiratory or close-contact routes like the current SARS-CoV-2 virus. Intervention measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus mainly aim at limiting the number of close contacts, until vaccine roll-out is complete. Our main objective was to assess the relationships between SARS-CoV-2 perceptions and social contact behaviour in Belgium. Understanding these relationships is crucial to maximize interventions’ effectiveness, e.g. by tailoring public health communication campaigns. In this study, we surveyed a representative sample of adults in Belgium in two longitudinal surveys (survey 1 in April 2020 to August 2020, and survey 2 in November 2020 to April 2021). Generalized linear mixed effects models were used to analyse the two surveys. Participants with low and neutral perceptions on perceived severity made a significantly higher number of social contacts as compared to participants with high levels of perceived severity after controlling for other variables. Our results highlight the key role of perceived severity on social contact behaviour during a pandemic. Nevertheless, additional research is required to investigate the impact of public health communication on severity of COVID-19 in terms of changes in social contact behaviour.
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16
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Kwan RYC, Liu JYW, Yin YH, Lee PH, Ng SY, Cheung DSK, Kor PPK, Lam SC, Lo SKL, Yang L, Chan SK, Chiang VCL. Sarcopenia and its association with objectively measured life-space mobility and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in the oldest-old amid the COVID-19 pandemic when a physical distancing policy is in force. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:250. [PMID: 35337278 PMCID: PMC8956332 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-02861-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The oldest-old are highly vulnerable to sarcopenia. Physical distancing remains a common and effective infection-control policy to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. Sarcopenia is known to be associated with impaired immunity. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and life-space mobility (LSM) are potential strategies for minimizing the risk of sarcopenia. However, a physical distancing policy might jeopardize the practice of MVPA and LSM. The purposes of this study were to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and examine the association between MVPA and LSM with sarcopenia in the community-dwelling oldest-old during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study employed a cross-sectional and observational design. The study was conducted in 10 community centres for older people in Hong Kong during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (September to December 2020). Eligible participants were the oldest-old people aged ≥85 years, who were community-dwelling and had no overt symptoms of cognitive impairment or depression. Key variables included sarcopenia as measured by SARC-F, LSM as measured by a GPS built into smartphones, and MVPA as measured by a wrist-worn ActiGraph GT3X+. Variables were described by mean and frequency. A multiple linear regression was employed to test the hypotheses. The dependent variable was sarcopenia and the independent variables included LSM and MVPA. Results This study recruited 151 eligible participants. Their mean age was 89.8 years and the majority of them were female (n = 93/151, 61.6%). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 24.5% (n = 37/151) with a margin of error of 6.86%. MVPA was negatively associated with sarcopenia in older people (β = − 0.002, SE = 0.001, p = 0.029). However, LSM was not associated with sarcopenia. Conclusion The prevalence of sarcopenia in the community-dwelling oldest-old population is high. MVPA is negatively associated with sarcopenia. LSM is unrelated to sarcopenia. Sarcopenia should be recognized and the oldest-old with sarcopenia should be accorded priority treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-02861-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justina Yat Wa Liu
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
| | - Yue-Heng Yin
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Paul Hong Lee
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Daphne Sze Ki Cheung
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Pui Kin Kor
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Shirley Ka Lai Lo
- Centre for Gerontological Nursing, School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Vico Chung Lim Chiang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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17
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Tang JW, Caniza MA, Dinn M, Dwyer DE, Heraud JM, Jennings LC, Kok J, Kwok KO, Li Y, Loh TP, Marr LC, Nara EM, Perera N, Saito R, Santillan-Salas C, Sullivan S, Warner M, Watanabe A, Zaidi SK. An exploration of the political, social, economic and cultural factors affecting how different global regions initially reacted to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20210079. [PMID: 35261734 PMCID: PMC8831085 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Responses to the early (February–July 2020) COVID-19 pandemic varied widely, globally. Reasons for this are multiple but likely relate to the healthcare and financial resources then available, and the degree of trust in, and economic support provided by, national governments. Cultural factors also affected how different populations reacted to the various pandemic restrictions, like masking, social distancing and self-isolation or self-quarantine. The degree of compliance with these measures depended on how much individuals valued their needs and liberties over those of their society. Thus, several themes may be relevant when comparing pandemic responses across different regions. East and Southeast Asian populations tended to be more collectivist and self-sacrificing, responding quickly to early signs of the pandemic and readily complied with most restrictions to control its spread. Australasian, Eastern European, Scandinavian, some Middle Eastern, African and South American countries also responded promptly by imposing restrictions of varying severity, due to concerns for their wider society, including for some, the fragility of their healthcare systems. Western European and North American countries, with well-resourced healthcare systems, initially reacted more slowly, partly in an effort to maintain their economies but also to delay imposing pandemic restrictions that limited the personal freedoms of their citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian W. Tang
- Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Mike Dinn
- British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit, Emergency Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Dominic E. Dwyer
- NSW Health Pathology - Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, and University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Lance C. Jennings
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, and Canterbury Health Laboratories, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jen Kok
- NSW Health Pathology - Institute for Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, and University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kin On Kwok
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
- Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Tze Ping Loh
- Laboratory Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linsey C. Marr
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, VA, USA
| | - Eva Megumi Nara
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Nelun Perera
- Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Reiko Saito
- Division of International Health, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | | | - Sheena Sullivan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matt Warner
- British Antarctic Survey Medical Unit, Emergency Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Aripuanã Watanabe
- Department of Parasitology, Microbiology and Immunology, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Sabeen Khurshid Zaidi
- Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences affiliated with National University of Medical Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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18
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Maciaszek J, Lenart-Bugla M, Szcześniak D, Gawłowski P, Borowicz W, Misiak B, Rymaszewska J. Does Mental Health Affect the Decision to Vaccinate Against SARS-CoV-2? A Cross-Sectional Nationwide Study Before the Vaccine Campaign. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:810529. [PMID: 35185653 PMCID: PMC8854753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.810529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic generated a sense of threat in the society, leading to social isolation and mental health deterioration. A great deal of hope for the development of herd immunity was placed in preventive vaccinations. The survey, performed before vaccine campaign between September 26-October 27, 2020, during the second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Poland with the Computer Assisted Web Interviews method. The study was partly community based and partly open to the public. Participants were invited to complete the survey using Google forms via social media (Facebook, WhatsApp). The survey was also distributed 54 times at the request of interested persons via e-mail. Total 1,043 questionnaires were assessed for eligibility and 41 were excluded (13 because of the age under 18, and 28 due to refusal to participate: non-response after sending questionnaire via e-mail). Finally 1,001 questionnaires were included to the study and statistical analysis was performed on the basis of the 1,001 responses. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: a sociodemographic survey, a questionnaire assessing the knowledge of the SARS-CoV-2 and the General Health Questionnaire-28. Participants also determined their attitude toward being vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The questionnaire was completed by a total of 1,001 participants: 243 people declared that they will not get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Majority of people declaring the willingness to vaccinate were representatives of medical professions, suffering from chronic diseases, with higher values on the total GHQ-28 scale and the subscales: anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction and somatic dysfunction. Loss of income, difficult access to health care, recognizing the restrictions as excessive and knowledge about COVID-19 were found as significant positive determinants of the reluctance to vaccinate. Greater readiness to vaccinate can be associated with greater certainty about its effectiveness and a hypothetical collectivist attitude. Experiencing anxiety and psychopathological symptoms are risk factors for infection, but can also be conducive to reliance on information about vaccination presented in the media. Reluctance to vaccinate may result from greater awareness of the complexity of the disease, and thus less faith in the effectiveness of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Maciaszek
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Szcześniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Gawłowski
- Department of Emergency Medical Service, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Borowicz
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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19
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Clavel N, Badr J, Gautier L, Lavoie-Tremblay M, Paquette J. Risk Perceptions, Knowledge and Behaviors of General and High-Risk Adult Populations Towards COVID-19: A Systematic Scoping Review. Public Health Rev 2021; 42:1603979. [PMID: 34909234 PMCID: PMC8636827 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2021.1603979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a major crisis for governments and populations. The public’s risk perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors are key factors that play a vital role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Our scoping review aims to map the early evidence on risk perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors of general and high-risk adult populations towards COVID-19. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted of peer-reviewed articles in five databases on studies conducted during the early stages of COVID-19. Thirty-one studies meeting the inclusion criteria were appraised and analyzed. Results: The levels of risk perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors towards COVID-19 were moderate to high in both general and high-risk adult populations. Adults were knowledgeable about preventive behaviors. Our review identified hand-washing and avoiding crowded places as dominant preventive behaviors. Being a female, older, more educated, and living in urban areas was associated with better knowledge of COVID-19 and appropriate preventive behaviors. Conclusion: This review offers a first understanding of risk perceptions, knowledge and behaviors of adult populations during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Clavel
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Janine Badr
- École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lara Gautier
- École de Santé Publique, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jesseca Paquette
- Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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20
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Valencia PD, Carbajal-León C, Vivanco-Vidal A, Saroli-Araníbar D, Reyes-Bossio M, White M, Rojas-Jara C, Polanco-Carrasco R, Gallegos M, Cervigni M, Martino P, Palacios DA, Moreta-Herrera R, Samaniego-Pinho A, Lobos-Rivera ME, Ferrari IF, Flores-Mendoza C, Figares AB, Puerta-Cortés DX, Corrales-Reyes IE, Calderón R, Tapia BP, Gallegos WLA. Cross-Cultural Validation of a New Version in Spanish of Four Items of the Preventive COVID-19 Infection Behaviors Scale (PCIBS) in Twelve Latin American Countries. Front Psychol 2021; 12:763993. [PMID: 34867664 PMCID: PMC8634949 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.763993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The invariance of the Preventive COVID-19 Infection Behaviors Scale (PCIBS) was evaluated in 12 Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay). A total of 5183 people from the aforementioned countries participated, selected using the snowball sampling method. Measurement invariance was assessed by multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) and Multi-Group Factor Analysis Alignment (CFA-MIAL). In addition, item characteristics were assessed based on Item Response Theory. The results indicate that the original five-item version of the PCIBS is not adequate; whereas a four-item version of the PCIBS (PCIBS-4) showed a good fit in all countries. Thus, using the MG-CFA method, the PCIBS-4 achieved metric invariance, while the CFA-MIAL method indicated that the PCIBS-4 shows metric and scalar invariance. Likewise, the four items present increasing difficulties and high values in the discrimination parameters. The comparison of means of the PCIBS-4 reported irrelevant differences between countries; however, Mexico and Peru presented the highest frequency of preventive behaviors related to COVID-19. It is concluded that the PCIBS-4 is a unidimensional self-report measure which is reliable and invariant across the twelve participating Latin American countries. It is expected that the findings will be of interest to social and health scientists, as well as those professionals directly involved in public health decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey W. Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Pablo D. Valencia
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Peru
| | - Michel White
- Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y Educación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Claudio Rojas-Jara
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | | | - Miguel Gallegos
- Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo Martino
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | | | - Antonio Samaniego-Pinho
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Filosofía, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Marlon Elías Lobos-Rivera
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | | | - Carmen Flores-Mendoza
- Laboratory of Individual Differences Assessment, Post-Graduation Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ibraín Enrique Corrales-Reyes
- Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial, Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, Bayamo, Cuba
| | - Raymundo Calderón
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Valle de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Bismarck Pinto Tapia
- Carrera de Psicología, Universidad Católica Boliviana San Pablo, La Paz, Bolivia
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21
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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. Int J Environ Res 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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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22
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Sarabia-Cobo CM, Delgado Uria A, García Lecue M, Izaguirre Palazuelos E, Martínez Ruiz C, Fernández-Rodríguez Á. Predictive Model of Preventive Behaviors against COVID-19 in the Older Adult: The PREASOC-COVID-19 Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182111067. [PMID: 34769587 PMCID: PMC8583025 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors, as the dependent variable, with risk perception, coping style and sense of coherence, as independent variables, in older people living in the community. Methods: An observational design for predictive model development. This study was reported following the STROBE statement. The subjects were people over 65 years of age living in the community. Data collection included sociodemographic variables related to COVID-19, risk perception and types, coping styles in the face of contagion, sense of coherence, and preventive behaviors in the face of COVID-19. The data collection period was from November 2020 to January 2021. Results: A total of 305 people participated in this study (71.5% women, mean age 71.34 years; 6.9% suffered from COVID-19 and 44.3% knew someone close to them who suffered from the virus). The coping style variables problem-focused, emotion-focused, and sense of coherence subscales Significance and manageability explained 17% of the variable preventive behaviors against COVID-19. There were statistically significant differences by gender in all subscales, with women scoring higher in all of them; Conclusions: Men with low risk perception, extrinsic risk perception, and low sense of coherence presented worse COVID-19 preventive behaviors. It would be interesting to develop specific prevention and health education campaigns for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen María Sarabia-Cobo
- Nursing Research Group IDIVAL, Geriatric Nursing Research Group, Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Aroa Delgado Uria
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria, Servicio Cántabro de Salud, Cantabria, IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (A.D.U.); (M.G.L.); (E.I.P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Marta García Lecue
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria, Servicio Cántabro de Salud, Cantabria, IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (A.D.U.); (M.G.L.); (E.I.P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Eva Izaguirre Palazuelos
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria, Servicio Cántabro de Salud, Cantabria, IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (A.D.U.); (M.G.L.); (E.I.P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - César Martínez Ruiz
- Gerencia de Atención Primaria, Servicio Cántabro de Salud, Cantabria, IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (A.D.U.); (M.G.L.); (E.I.P.); (C.M.R.)
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Lee CT, Kanji R, Wang AH, Mamuji A, Rozdilsky J, Chu T. Cultural contexts during a pandemic: a qualitative description of cultural factors that shape protective behaviours in the Chinese-Canadian community. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1897. [PMID: 34666726 PMCID: PMC8526107 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11928-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been significant variations in the level of adoption of public health recommendations across international jurisdictions and between cultural groups. Such variations have contributed to the dissimilar levels of risks associated with this world-changing viral infection and have highlighted the potential role of culture in assigning meaning and importance to personal protective behaviours. The purpose of this study is to describe the cultural factors during the COVID-19 pandemic that shaped protective health behaviours in the Chinese-Canadian community, one of the largest Chinese diasporas outside of Asia. METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Content analysis was used to analyze the data from semi-structured virtual interviews conducted with 83 adult Chinese-Canadian participants residing in a metropolitan area in the Province of Ontario, Canada. FINDINGS The cultural factors of collectivism, information seeking behaviour, symbolism of masks, and previous experience with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) emerged as themes driving the early adoption of personal protective behaviours within the Chinese-Canadian community during the first wave of COVID-19. These protective behaviours that emerged prior to the first nation-wide lockdown in Canada included physical distancing, mask use, and self-quarantine beyond what was required at the time. CONCLUSION These findings have implications for the development of future public health interventions and campaigns targeting personal protective behaviours in this population and other ethnic minority populations with similar characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte T Lee
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B-2K3, Canada.
| | - Rahim Kanji
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B-2K3, Canada
| | - Angel H Wang
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5B-2K3, Canada
| | - Aaida Mamuji
- Department of Disaster & Emergency Management, School of Administrative Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jack Rozdilsky
- Department of Disaster & Emergency Management, School of Administrative Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Terri Chu
- Department of Communication Studies, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, York University, Toronto, Canada
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24
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Uehara M, Ishimaru T, Ando H, Tateishi S, Eguchi H, Tsuji M, Mori K, Matsuda S, Fujino Y. Worries About COVID-19 Infection and Psychological Distress at Work and While Commuting. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:e631-e635. [PMID: 34173786 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the relationship between worry about COVID-19 infection in the workplace and while commuting to work and psychological distress in Japan. METHODS An internet monitor study was conducted. Out of a total of 33,302 participants, 26,841 people were included. The subjects were asked single-item questions about whether they were worried about COVID-19 infection in general, at work and while commuting to work. K6 was used to assess psychological distress. RESULTS The OR was significantly higher in association with worry about infection in the workplace at 1.71 (95%CI 1.53 to 1.92) and worry about infection while commuting at 1.49 (95%CI 1.32 to 1.67). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests the need for psychological intervention to reduce worry about infection in response to public mental health challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamichi Uehara
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Uehara, Dr Ishimaru, and Dr Fujino); Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Ando); Department of Occupational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Tateishi); Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Eguchi); Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Tsuji); Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Mori); Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan (Dr Matsuda)
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25
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Kwok KO, Li KK, Tang A, Tsoi MTF, Chan EYY, Tang JWT, Wong A, Wei WI, Wong SYS. Psychobehavioral Responses and Likelihood of Receiving COVID-19 Vaccines during the Pandemic, Hong Kong. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:1802-1810. [PMID: 34152948 PMCID: PMC8237883 DOI: 10.3201/eid2707.210054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To access temporal changes in psychobehavioral responses to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we conducted a 5-round (R1–R5) longitudinal population-based online survey in Hong Kong during January–September 2020. Most respondents reported wearing masks (R1 99.0% to R5 99.8%) and performing hand hygiene (R1 95.8% to R5 97.7%). Perceived COVID-19 severity decreased significantly, from 97.4% (R1) to 77.2% (R5), but perceived self-susceptibility remained high (87.2%–92.8%). Female sex and anxiety were associated with greater adoption of social distancing. Intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines decreased significantly (R4 48.7% to R5 37.6%). Greater anxiety, confidence in vaccine, and collective responsibility and weaker complacency were associated with higher tendency to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Although its generalizability should be assumed with caution, this study helps to formulate health communication strategies and foretells the initial low uptake rate of COVID-19 vaccines, suggesting that social distancing should be maintained in the medium term.
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26
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Wang C, López-Núñez MI, Pan R, Wan X, Tan Y, Xu L, Choo F, Ho R, Ho C, Aparicio García ME. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Health in China and Spain: Cross-sectional Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e27818. [PMID: 33900933 PMCID: PMC8143872 DOI: 10.2196/27818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differences in physical and mental health impact across continents during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study compared the levels of impact of COVID-19 on mental health among people from Spain and China and correlated mental health parameters with variables relating to symptoms similar to COVID-19, COVID-19 knowledge, and precautionary measures. METHODS We collected information on demographic data, physical symptoms, contact history with persons with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 knowledge, and precautionary measures. Participants completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21). To analyze the differences in the mental health parameters, the mean scores between Chinese and Spanish respondents were compared using the independent samples t test. The differences in categorical variables between the two samples were analyzed by the chi-square test. Linear regression was used to calculate the univariate associations between the independent variables and mental health parameters for both groups separately, with adjustments made for age, gender, and education. RESULTS A total of 1528 participants (Spain: n=687; China: n=841) were recruited. The mean age of the Chinese respondents was 24.73 years (SD 7.60; range 18-65 years), and the mean age of the Spanish respondents was 43.06 years (SD 11.95; range 18-76 years). Spanish participants reported significantly more symptoms similar to COVID-19 infection (eg, fever, sore throat, and breathing difficulties), contact history with COVID-19, higher perceived risk of contracting COVID-19, frequent use of medical services, and less confidence in medical services compared with their Chinese counterparts (P<.001). Spanish participants reported significantly higher DASS-21 stress and depression scores, while Chinese participants reported significantly higher IES-R scores (P<.001). Chinese participants encountered more discrimination from other countries (P<.001). Significantly more Chinese participants reported using face masks than Spanish ones (P<.001). More exposure to health information was associated with adverse mental health in Spain (depression: P=.02; anxiety: P=.02; stress: P=.001). CONCLUSIONS Our study found that Spanish respondents reported higher levels of stress and depression as well as more symptoms and use of medical services. In preparation for the next pandemic, Spain needs to establish a prompt policy to implement rapid response and enhance medical services to safeguard physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiyan Wang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - María Inmaculada López-Núñez
- Department of Social Work and Differential Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Riyu Pan
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wan
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Yilin Tan
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Linkang Xu
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Education, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, China
| | - Faith Choo
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cyrus Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marta E Aparicio García
- Department of Social Work and Differential Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Tan J, Yoshida Y, Sheng-Kai Ma K, Mauvais-Jarvis F. Gender Differences in Health Protective Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: An Empirical Study. medRxiv 2021:2021.04.14.21255448. [PMID: 33907766 PMCID: PMC8077589 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.14.21255448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection produces more severe symptoms and a higher mortality in men than in women. The role of biological sex in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is believed to explain this sex disparity. However, the contribution of gender factors that influence health protective behaviors and therefore health outcomes, remains poorly explored. METHODS We assessed the contributions of gender in attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic, using a hypothetical influenza pandemic data from the 2014 Taiwan Social Change Survey. Participants were selected through a stratified, three-stage probability proportional-to-size sampling from across the nation, to fill in questionnaires that asked about their perception of the hypothetical pandemic, and intention to adopt health protective behaviors. RESULTS A total of 1,990 participants (median age 45.92 years, 49% women) were included. Significant gender disparities (p<0.001) were observed. The risk perception of pandemic (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.21-1.35, p<0.001), older age (1.06, 95%=1.05-1.07, p<0.001), female gender (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.09□1.27, p<0.001), higher education (OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.06-1.13, p<0.001), and larger family size (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.06-1.15, p<0.001) were positively associated with health protective behaviors. The risk perception of pandemic (OR=1.25, 95% CI=1.15-1.36), higher education (OR=1.07, 95% CI=1.02-1.13, p<0.05), being married (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.01-1.36, p<0.05), and larger family size (OR=1.33, 95% CI=1.25-1.42, p<0.001), were positively associated with intention to receive a vaccine. However, female gender was negatively associated with intention to receive a vaccine (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.75-0.90, p<0.01) and to comply with contact-tracing (OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.90-1.00, p<0.05) compared to men. Living with children was also negatively associated with intention to receive vaccines (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.66-0.90, p<0.001). CONCLUSION This study unveils gender differences in risk perception, health protective behaviors, vaccine hesitancy, and compliance with contact-tracing using a hypothetical viral pandemic. Gender-specific health education raising awareness of health protective behaviors may be beneficial to prevent future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Tan
- School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Sociology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yilin Yoshida
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kevin Sheng-Kai Ma
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Global Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Franck Mauvais-Jarvis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Center of Excellence in Sex-Based Biology & Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Southeast Louisiana VA Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
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28
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Kwok KO, Huang Y, Tsoi MTF, Tang A, Wong SYS, Wei WI, Hui DSC. Epidemiology, clinical spectrum, viral kinetics and impact of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific region. Respirology 2021; 26:322-333. [PMID: 33690946 PMCID: PMC8207122 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has hit the world by surprise, causing substantial mortality and morbidity since 2020. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the epidemiology, induced impact, viral kinetics and clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific Region, focusing on regions previously exposed to outbreaks of coronavirus. COVID-19 progressed differently by regions, with some (such as China and Taiwan) featured by one to two epidemic waves and some (such as Hong Kong and South Korea) featured by multiple waves. There has been no consensus on the estimates of important epidemiological time intervals or proportions, such that using them for making inferences should be done with caution. Viral loads of patients with COVID-19 peak in the first week of illness around days 2 to 4 and hence there is very high transmission potential causing community outbreaks. Various strategies such as government-guided and suppress-and-lift strategies, trigger-based/suppression approaches and alert systems have been employed to guide the adoption and easing of control measures. Asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission is a hallmark of COVID-19. Identification and isolation of symptomatic patients alone is not effective in controlling the ongoing outbreaks. However, early, prompt and coordinated enactment predisposed regions to successful disease containment. Mass COVID-19 vaccinations are likely to be the light at the end of the tunnel. There is a need to review what we have learnt in this pandemic and examine how to transfer and improve existing knowledge for ongoing and future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin On Kwok
- JC School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
- Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong KongShenzhenChina
| | - Ying Huang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - Margaret Ting Fong Tsoi
- JC School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - Arthur Tang
- Department of SoftwareSungkyunkwan UniversitySeoulRepublic of Korea
| | - Samuel Yeung Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - Wan In Wei
- JC School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
| | - David Shu Cheong Hui
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious DiseasesThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
- Department of Medicine and TherapeuticsThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong Special Administrative RegionChina
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