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Hung KKC, Chan EYY, Lo ESK, Huang Z, Wu JCY, Graham CA. User perceptions of COVID-19 telemedicine testing services, disease risk, and pandemic preparedness: findings from a private clinic in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Med J 2023; 29:404-411. [PMID: 37822258 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj219414] [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] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telemedicine has been regarded as a method for providing safe access to healthcare. Here, we explored the experiences of individuals using telemedicine in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand their risk perceptions and preparedness measures. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of telemedicine users of private clinic-based COVID-19 testing services from 6 April to 11 May 2020. All users were invited to complete an anonymous online survey regarding COVID-19 risk perception and preparedness measures. The results of the survey were compared with the findings of a previous territory-wide survey. RESULTS In total, 141 of 187 telemedicine users agreed to participate; the response rate was 75.4%. Of the participants, 95.1% (116/122) believed that telemedicine consultations were useful. Nearly half of the participants (49.0%) agreed or strongly agreed that telemedicine consultations were appropriate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most participants believed that telemedicine consultations could perform the functions of 'health protection, promotion and disease prevention' (73.6%) and 'diagnosis' (64.0%). Concerning the choice of telemedicine provider, almost all participants (99.2%) were willing to consult medical doctors; more than half of the participants (54.1%) were willing to consult registered nurses, but only 13.1% were willing to consult non-clinical staff who had been trained to provide telemedicine services. CONCLUSION The use of telemedicine for screening and patient education can be encouraged during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K C Hung
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - E Y Y Chan
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - E S K Lo
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Z Huang
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J C Y Wu
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK Medical Centre, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C A Graham
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Chan EYY, Lo ESK, Huang Z, Lam HCY, Yeung MPS, Kwok KO, Hung KKC, Tse SLA. Sociodemographic predictors of knowledge, mosquito bite patterns and protective behaviors concerning vector borne disease: The case of dengue fever in Chinese subtropical city, Hong Kong. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008993. [PMID: 33465094 PMCID: PMC7846016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Geographic pattern of dengue fever is changing due to the global environmental and climate changes in the 21st century. Evidence of community's knowledge, mosquito bite patterns and protective behavior practices in non-endemic regions is limited. This study examined the knowledge of dengue, mosquito bite patterns, protective behavior practices and their associated factors in Hong Kong, a non-endemic subtropical city. A population-based random telephone survey (n = 590) was conducted three weeks after the government announcement of a local dengue outbreak in August 2018. Sociodemographic status, awareness, knowledge, protective measures, bite patterns of mosquito were collected. Results indicated high level of community awareness of the local outbreak (95.2%), symptom identification (84.0%) and adoption of at least one mosquito protective measures (nearly 80%). About 40% of respondents reported that they were bitten by mosquitoes during the study period, a high mosquito season in Hong Kong. Mosquito bites were prevalent near grassy area (63.4%), at home (42.6%) and at public transportation waiting spots (39.6%). Younger people (< 25 years old), female, those who lived on lower floors (≤the 6th) and near grassy area were at higher risk of mosquito bites at home. Respondents perceived higher threat of dengue to society were more likely to practice mosquito prevention. While residential factors affected their indoor prevention, other socio-demographic factors affected the outdoor prevention. Practicing prevention behaviors were associated with self-reported mosquito bite at home. Furthermore, the general prevention uptake rate unchanged after the announcement of local dengue outbreak. Although the uptake rate of protective measures during August was high, 40% participants reported they were bitten. Also public locations are more common area for bites, which suggested stronger mosquito prevention and control on public environments and more personal protective behaviors should be advocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ying Yang Chan
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Eugene Siu Kai Lo
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhe Huang
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Holly Ching Yu Lam
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - May Pui-shan Yeung
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kin-on Kwok
- JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kevin Kei Ching Hung
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shelly Lap-ah Tse
- JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Hung KK, Walline JH, Chan EYY, Huang Z, Lo ESK, Yeoh EK, Graham CA. Health Service Utilization in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Cross-sectional Public Survey. Int J Health Policy Manag 2020; 11:508-513. [PMID: 33105965 PMCID: PMC9309937 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2020.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As health systems across the world respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is rising concern that patients without COVID-19 are not receiving timely emergency care, resulting in avoidable deaths. This study examined patterns of self-reported health service utilization, their socio-demographic determinants and association with avoidable deaths during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between March 22 and April 1, 2020, during the peak rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong. Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents over 18-years-old were recruited using a computerised random digital dialling (RDD) system. The RDD method used stratified random sampling to ensure a representative sample of the target population by age, gender, and residential district. A structured self-reported questionnaire was used. Results: Out of 1738 placed calls, 765 subjects responded to the questionnaire (44.0% response rate). The factors associated with avoiding medical consultation included being female (37.2% vs. 22.5%, P<.001), married (32.8% vs. 27%, P=.044), completing tertiary education (35.3% vs. 27.7% (secondary) vs. 14.8% (primary), P=.005), and those who reported a "large/very large" impact of COVID-19 on their mental health (36.1% vs 30.5% (neutral) vs. 19.7% (very small/small), P=.047) using logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Married females with both higher educational attainment and concern about COVID-19 were associated with avoiding healthcare services. Timely public communication to encourage and promote early health seeking treatment even during extreme events such as pandemics are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kc Hung
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 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, China.,JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joseph H Walline
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Emily Ying Yang Chan
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 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, China.,JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - 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.,JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eugene Siu Kai Lo
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eng Kiong Yeoh
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Colin A Graham
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 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, China.,JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Chan EYY, Kim JH, Lo ESK, Huang Z, Hung H, Hung KKC, Wong ELY, Lee EKP, Wong MCS, Wong SYS. What Happened to People with Non-Communicable Diseases during COVID-19: Implications of H-EDRM Policies. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17155588. [PMID: 32756382 PMCID: PMC7432008 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
People with existing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are particularly vulnerable to health risks brought upon by emergencies and disasters, yet limited research has been conducted on disease management and the implications of Health-EDRM policies that address health vulnerabilities of people with NCDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reports the baseline findings of an anonymous, random, population-based, 6-month cohort study that aimed to examine the experiences of people with NCDs and their relevant self-care patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 765 telephone interviews were completed from 22nd March to 1st April 2020 in Hong Kong, China. The dataset was representative of the population, with 18.4% of subjects reporting at least one NCD. Results showed that low household income and residence in government-subsidized housing were significant predictors for the subjects who experienced difficulty in managing during first 2 months of the pandemic (11% of the NCD patients). Of those on long-term NCD medication, 10% reported having less than one week’s supply of medication. Targeted services for vulnerable groups during a pandemic should be explored to support NCD self-care.
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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; (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37BN, UK
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jean Hee Kim
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Eugene Siu Kai Lo
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.S.K.L.); (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.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (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; (E.S.K.L.); (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.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Heidi Hung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - 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; (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- 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.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (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.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
| | - Martin Chi Sang Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (J.H.K.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (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.); (H.H.); (E.L.Y.W.); (E.K.P.L.); (M.C.S.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
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Shang ESW, Lo ESK, Huang Z, Hung KKC, Chan EYY. Factors Associated with Urban Risk-Taking Behaviour during 2018 Typhoon Mangkhut: A Cross Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17114150. [PMID: 32532050 PMCID: PMC7312186 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17114150] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although much of the health emergency and disaster risk management (Health-EDRM) literature evaluates methods to protect health assets and mitigate health risks from disasters, there is a lack of research into those who have taken high-risk behaviour during extreme events. The study's main objective is to examine the association between engaging in high-risk behaviour and factors including sociodemographic characteristics, disaster risk perception and household preparedness during a super typhoon. A computerized randomized digit dialling cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Hong Kong, an urban metropolis, two weeks after the landing of Typhoon Mangkhut. Telephone interviews were conducted in Cantonese with adult residents. The response rate was 23.8% and the sample was representative of the Hong Kong population. Multivariable logistic regressions of 521 respondents adjusted with age and gender found education, income, risk perception and disaster preparedness were insignificantly associated with risk-taking behaviour during typhoons. This suggests that other factors may be involved in driving this behaviour, such as a general tendency to underestimate risk or sensation seeking. Further Health-EDRM research into risk-taking and sensation seeking behaviour during extreme events is needed to identify policy measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Su Wei Shang
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.S.W.S.); (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eugene Siu Kai Lo
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.S.W.S.); (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
| | - 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; (E.S.W.S.); (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - 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; (E.S.W.S.); (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - 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; (E.S.W.S.); (E.S.K.L.); (Z.H.); (K.K.C.H.)
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Accident & Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37BN, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-2252-8702
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Chan EYY, Huang Z, Lo ESK, Hung KKC, Wong ELY, Wong SYS. Sociodemographic Predictors of Health Risk Perception, Attitude and Behavior Practices Associated with Health-Emergency Disaster Risk Management for Biological Hazards: The Case of COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong, SAR China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E3869. [PMID: 32485979 PMCID: PMC7312582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [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: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In addition to top-down Health-Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) efforts, bottom-up individual and household measures are crucial for prevention and emergency response of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). There is limited scientific evidence of the knowledge, perception, attitude and behavior patterns of the urban population. A computerized randomized digital dialing, cross-sectional, population landline-based telephone survey was conducted from 22 March to 1 April 2020 in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. Data were collected for socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and risk perception, and various self-reported Health-EDRM behavior patterns associated with COVID-19. The final study sample was 765. Although the respondents thought that individuals (68.6%) had similar responsibilities as government (67.5%) in infection control, less than 50% had sufficient health risk management knowledge to safeguard health and well-being. Among the examined Health-EDRM measures, significant differences were found between attitude and practice in regards to washing hands with soap, ordering takeaways, wearing masks, avoidance of visiting public places or using public transport, and travel avoidance to COVID-19-confirmed regions. Logistic regression indicated that the elderly were less likely to worry about infection with COVID-19. Compared to personal and household hygiene practices, lower compliance was found for public social distancing.
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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.); (E.S.K.L.); (K.K.C.H.)
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37BN, UK
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (E.L.Y.W.); (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.); (E.S.K.L.); (K.K.C.H.)
| | - Eugene Siu Kai Lo
- 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.); (E.S.K.L.); (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.); (E.S.K.L.); (K.K.C.H.)
- 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; (E.L.Y.W.); (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; (E.L.Y.W.); (S.Y.S.W.)
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Chan EYY, Huang Z, Hung KKC, Chan GKW, Lam HCY, Lo ESK, Yeung MPS. Health Emergency Disaster Risk Management of Public Transport Systems: A Population-Based Study after the 2017 Subway Fire in Hong Kong, China. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E228. [PMID: 30650569 PMCID: PMC6351960 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Literature on health emergency disaster risk management (Health-EDRM) for urban public transport safety is limited. This study explored: (i) the confidence in public transport safety, (ii) the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and risk perception of transport safety and (iii) the association between previous first-aid training and response knowledge. Method: This is a population-based cross-sectional telephone survey conducted in March 2017, one month after a major subway incident in Hong Kong. Respondents were randomly selected with the Random Digit Dialing method among Cantonese-speaking population ≥15 years. Sociodemographic information, type of transport used and the corresponding worries, response knowledge and previous first-aid training experience (as a proxy for individual skills in Health-EDRM training proxy) were collected. Results: Among the 1000 respondents, 87% used public transport daily. The self-reported confidence in subway safety was 85.6% even after a subway fire accident. Female, those with lower income and people unmarried were more likely to express worry about transport safety. About 46.1⁻63.2% respondents had the correct fire related health response knowledge. Previous first-aid training (32%) was found to be associated with fire response knowledge in a mixed pattern. Conclusions: Despite inadequacy in fire response knowledge, previous first-aid training appeared to be a beneficial factor for emergency response knowledge. Emergency responses education should be provided to the public to reduce health losses during emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Ying Yang Chan
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02138, USA.
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, 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), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kevin Kei Ching Hung
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Gloria Kwong Wai Chan
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Holly Ching Yu Lam
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Eugene Siu Kai Lo
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - May Pui Shan Yeung
- Collaborating Centre for Oxford University and CUHK for Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response (CCOUC), JC (Jockey Club) School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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