Changes in Dementia-Related Behavioral Symptoms Observed by Hospice Staff During COVID-19

Abstract COVID-19 infection control precautions (e.g., social distancing) and associated isolation and changes to routines can worsen dementia-related behavioral symptoms. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 101 hospice staff (95% female; mean age 49) to investigate what dementia-related behavioral symptoms in their care recipients had changed from before to after the COVID-19 outbreak. Of the 101 participants, 47 (46.5%) reported changes in symptoms, three (3%) had not been able to physically observe/assess their care recipients, two (2%) reported changes in routines, and 49 (48.5%) reported no changes. The most common changes in symptoms were increased agitation (N=19), depression (N=16), confusion (N=10), and anxiety (N=6). Some participants (N=14) also commented on potential causes, including not having visitors and inability to go outside for normal activities while not understanding why. Interventions to normalize social environments for hospice recipients with dementia are likely imperative to alleviate behavioral symptoms exacerbated by COVID-19-related precautions.

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Individual differences and changes in lifestyle behaviours predict decreased subjective well-being during COVID-19 restrictions in an Australian sample

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/pubmed/fdab040 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emily Brindal ◽

Jillian C Ryan ◽

Naomi Kakoschke ◽

Sinead Golley ◽

Ian T Zajac ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Online Survey ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Australian Sample

Abstract Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social distancing practices were introduced to curb infection rates in many countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of these restrictions on behaviours and well-being and whether individual differences predict changes in well-being. Methods Australian adults participated in a cross-sectional, online survey during May 2020. The survey captured demographic information; health behaviours; personality traits; life satisfaction and COVID-19-related attitudes, financial concerns, perceived risks and impacts. Results In total, 3745 (86.8% of 4313) participants completed all items. Participants were mostly female (85.7%) and 56.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 12.6) on average. Over 95.0% of the sample indicated they had been social distancing or isolating. Health behaviours and well-being had generally worsened, with social connections being the most negatively affected. Life satisfaction was significantly lower since restrictions. For changes in life satisfaction, extroversion was a risk factor and openness to experience was a protective factor. Conclusions Overall, well-being was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing particularly in this sample containing mainly older women. In future, it will be crucial to understand why and who may be differentially affected, to encourage behaviours that are protective of well-being.

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PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR AGAINST COVID-19 AMONG VIETNAMESE PEOPLE IN THE SOCIAL DISTANCING CAMPAIGN A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

10.31219/osf.io/5sxgp ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

AISDL

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Protective Behavior ◽

Protective Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Precautionary Measures ◽

Gender Knowledge

In the global fight against the rapid spread of COVID-19, a variety of unprecedented preventive measures have been implemented across the globe, as well as in Vietnam. How Vietnamese people respond to threats to their health and life remains unclear. For this reason, the current study aims to examine Vietnamese people’s protective behavior and its factors. Based on 1,798 online survey respondents’ data collected on the last three days of the nationwide social distancing campaign in mid-April, it is found that gender, knowledge of COVID-19 and preventive measures, and attitudes towards the COVID-19 prevention policies are the three main factors of participants’ protective behaviors. We also find that males are less likely than females to adopt precautionary measures. People who are knowledgeable about COVID-19 may have inappropriate practices towards it. Further research is needed to examine other determinants of protective behaviors to provide more useful information for authorities, public health policy-makers, and healthcare workers to deliver the best practices to control COVID-19 in our country.

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Population-Level Preparedness About Preventive Practices Against Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adults in Bangladesh

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2020.582701 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad Bellal Hossain ◽

Md. Zakiul Alam ◽

Md. Syful Islam ◽

Shafayat Sultan ◽

Md. Mahir Faysal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sex Education ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Principal Component ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Individual Household

This study assessed the preparedness regarding the preventive practices toward the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the adult population in Bangladesh. Data were collected through an online survey with a sample size of 1,056. We constructed four variables (individual, household, economic, and community and social distancing) related to preparedness based on the principal component analysis of eight items. We employed descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that the accuracy rate of the overall preparedness scale was 68.9%. The preparedness level related to economic, individual, household, and community and social distancing was 64.9, 77.1, 50.4, and 83.2%, respectively. However, the economic preparedness significantly varied by sex, education, occupation, attitude, and worries related to COVID-19. Individual preparedness was significantly associated with education, residence, and attitudes. The household preparedness significantly varied by education, residence, and worries, while the respondent's community and social distancing-related preparedness significantly varied by sex, region, residence, and attitude. This study implies the necessity of the coverage of financial schemes for the vulnerable group. Increased coverage of health education regarding personal hygiene targeting the less educated and rural population should be ensured.

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Role of community-based measures in adherence to self-protective behaviors during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Health Promotion Perspectives ◽

10.34172/hpp.2021.10 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 69-79

Author(s):

Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary ◽

Sehar un-Nisa Hassan ◽

Aqeela Zahra ◽

Fahad Bin Zafir Algahtani ◽

Shadi Suleiman

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Online Survey ◽

Personal Responsibility ◽

Protective Behaviors ◽

Community Based ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Second Wave

Background: The expected second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has started in various regions of the world. Public health experts warned that it could be as lethal as the first wave if people did not comply with self-protective measures. Currently, there is a gap in the literature on the relationship between peoples’ assessment of the effectiveness of community-based measures regarding adherence to self-protective behaviors for COVID-19 prevention and control. This study aimed to assess the role of the perceived effectiveness of community-based measures in adherence to self-protective behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The cross-sectional online survey conducted from March 24 to June 22, 2020. The study sample Included 400 participants (49% male and 51% female) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The outcome measure was compliance to four self-protective behaviors i.e., "social distancing;" "wearing facemask;" "washing hands more frequently;" and "disinfecting surfaces in homes." We computed Chi-square statistics and odds ratios (ORs) using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The findings demonstrated that participants aged 25–34 years old were 25% less likely to comply with hand hygiene (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.33–0.95) and social distancing (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.34–0.98). Misconceptions related to COVID-19 significantly decreased compliance with self-protective behaviors by up to 27%. Participants who rated government decisions as useful were approximately 1.7 times more likely to comply with self-protective behaviors. Conclusion: Community-based measures should focus on engaging segments of the population That are currently less compliant. Health education policies should also focus on enhancing the perceived sense of control and personal responsibility and reduce anxiety levels. A continuous commitment to the implementation of preventive interventions and the clarification of misconceptions are required to combat the expected second wave.

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The effect of the 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak on social relationships: A cross-sectional study in Jordan

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764020966631 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 002076402096663

Author(s):

Abdallah Y Naser ◽

Hadeel T Al-Hadithi ◽

Eman Zmaily Dahmash ◽

Hassan Alwafi ◽

Salwan Salah Alwan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Relationships ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Members ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Average Score ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Social ◽

Educational Campaigns

Background: Social relationships refer to the existing associations between family members, friends, neighbours, co-workers, and other associates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has been imposed by the curfew program in Jordan. Aim: To evaluate the effects of social distancing on the social relationships of the Jordanian population. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Jordan between the 6th and the 30th of May, 2020. Our questionnaire was constructed to explore the population’s perception of the quarantine period, how it is affecting their relationship with others, and the characteristics of their social relationships and communication with various population categories, including family members and work colleagues. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of better social relationships and communication. Results: A total of 4,301 participants were involved in this study. The average score of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on social relationships among the whole study population was 5.68 (SD: 2.33) out of 10 (equal to 56.8%), which indicates the marginal strength of the social relationships. Around 31.6% of the participants reported that their social relationships were affected to a high degree by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants who were aged 36–45 were positively affected in terms of their social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively affecting social relationships, which could ultimately lead to negative health implications. Decision-makers are advised to provide educational campaigns that improve the sociological health of the general population.

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Knowledge, socio-cognitive perceptions and the practice of hand hygiene and social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study of UK university students

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10461-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Christine Barrett ◽

Kei Long Cheung

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Hand Hygiene ◽

University Students ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Time Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Hygiene Behaviour

Abstract Background During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and hand hygiene have been the primary means of reducing transmission in the absence of effective treatments or vaccines, but understanding of their determinants is limited. This study aimed to investigate knowledge and socio-cognitive perceptions, and their associations with such protective behaviours, in UK university students. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of 293 students was undertaken on 13 May 2020. Survey questions addressed demographics, knowledge of the disease and effectiveness of the protective measures, risk perception, socio-cognitive perceptions (e.g. attitude, social support, and self-efficacy), habit, time factors and trust, as well as the hand hygiene and social distancing behaviours. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the strongest associations of potential determinants with behaviour. Results Participants reported high levels of social distancing with 88.9% answering “Mostly” or “Always” for every activity, but only 42.0% reporting the same for all hand hygiene activities. Knowledge of the effectiveness of each activity in preventing transmission was high, with 90.7% and 93.5% respectively identifying at least 7 of 8 hand hygiene or 9 of 10 social distancing activities correctly. Habit (β = 0.39, p = 0.001) and time factors (β = 0.28, p = 0.001) were the greatest contributors to unique variance in hand hygiene behaviour, followed by ethnicity (β = − 0.13, p = 0.014) and risk perception (β = 0.13, p = 0.016). For social distancing behaviour, the determinants were self-efficacy (β = 0.25, p < 0.001), perceived advantages (β = 0.15, p = 0.022), trust in policy (β = 0.14, p = 0.026) and gender (β = − 0.14, p = 0.016). Regression models explained 40% hand hygiene and 25% social distancing variance. Conclusions This study indicated that communications about effectiveness of hand hygiene and social distancing behaviours had been effective in terms of knowledge acquisition. However, in the light of likely second waves of COVID-19, attention to maintaining social distancing behaviour and improving hand hygiene behaviour may need to address more difficult areas of changing habits, overcoming time factors and building trust, as well as interventions to increase self-efficacy and address risk perception concerns.

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How did COVID-19 measures impact sexual behaviour and access to HIV/STI services in Panama? Results from a national cross-sectional online survey

Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽

10.1136/sextrans-2021-054985 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. sextrans-2021-054985

Author(s):

Amanda Gabster ◽

Jennifer Toller Erausquin ◽

Kristien Michielsen ◽

Philippe Mayaud ◽

Juan Miguel Pascale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Casual Sex ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Urban Rural ◽

Mixed Ethnicity

ObjectiveTo describe reported changes in sexual behaviours, including virtual sex (sexting and cybersex), and access to HIV/STI testing and care during COVID-19 measures in Panama.MethodsWe conducted an online cross-sectional survey from 8 August to 12 September 2020 among adults (≥18 years) residing in Panama. Participants were recruited through social media. Questions included demographics, access to HIV/STI testing and HIV care, and sexual behaviours 3 months before COVID-19 social distancing measures and during social distancing measures (COVID-19 measures). Logistic regression was used to identify associations between variables and behavioural changes.ResultsWe recruited 960 participants; 526 (54.8%) identified as cis-women, 366 (38.1%) cis-men and 68 (7.1%) non-binary or another gender. The median age was 28 years (IQR: 23–37 years), and 531 of 957 (55.5%) were of mixed ethnicity (mixed Indigenous/European/Afro-descendant ancestry). Before COVID-19 measures, virtual sex was reported by 38.5% (181 of 470) of cis-women, 58.4% (184 of 315) cis-men and 45.0% (27 of 60) non-binary participants. During COVID-19 measures, virtual sex increased among 17.2% of cis-women, 24.7% cis-men and 8.9% non-binary participants. During COVID-19 measures, 230 of 800 (28.8%) participants reported decreased casual sex compared with pre-COVID-19 measures. Compared with pre-COVID-19 measures, decreased casual sex was reported more frequently during COVID-19 measures by cis-men compared with cis-women (39.2% vs 22.9%, urban/rural adjusted OR (AOR)=2.17, 95% CI 1.57 to 3.01), and by Afro-descendant compared with participants of mixed ethnicity (40.0% vs 29.8%, AOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.94). Compared with no change in virtual sex (16.8%), increased virtual sex (38.5%, AOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.88) and decreased virtual sex (86.7%, AOR=16.53, 95% CI 7.74 to 35.27) were associated with decreased casual sex encounters. During COVID-19 measures, HIV/STI testing could not be obtained by 58.0% (58 of 100) of the participants who needed a test, and interrupted HIV care was reported by 53.3% (8 of 15) of participants living with HIV.ConclusionsCOVID-19 measures in Panama were associated with a decrease in casual sex among cis-men and Afro-descendant people, while access to HIV/STI testing and care was seriously disrupted.

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Family Caregiving for Persons With Emotional, Developmental, and Behavioral Disorders During COVID-19

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1742 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 451-452

Author(s):

Scott Beach ◽

Richard Schulz ◽

Heidi Donovan ◽

Ann-Marie Rosland ◽

Tara Klinedinst ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Behavioral Disorders ◽

Family Caregiving ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Recipient ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Care Recipients ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Cognitive Problems

Abstract COVID-19 has the potential to exacerbate stresses of family caregiving. While studies during COVID-19 have focused on caregivers of those with memory / cognitive issues like Alzheimer’s Disease, less attention has been paid to those caring for persons with emotional / developmental / behavioral disorders. This paper compares family caregivers of persons with emotional / developmental / behavioral disorders (EDB); physical conditions (PH); and memory / cognitive problems (MC) during the early phase of the pandemic. We focus on demographics, caregiving context, COVID-related caregiver stressors, and validated physical, psychosocial, and financial well-being outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional national online survey during April-May, 2020 (n = 556). The sample included 274 PH (50%), 141 MC (25%), and 141 EDB (25%) caregivers. EDB caregivers were younger, with younger care recipients who were more likely to be their child. EDB caregivers reported more COVID-related caregiver stressors than MC or PH caregivers, including increased caregiving duties (p<.01); more family disagreements about care provision (p=.05); and worsened mental health of the care recipient (p<.01). In multivariate regression models, EDB caregivers had significantly higher anxiety; depression; and fatigue (all p<.01); more sleep disturbance (p=.05); less social participation (p<.05); and poorer overall financial well-being (p<.05). MC caregivers also reported more negative outcomes, but effects were consistently strongest for EDB caregivers. This study shows that EDB caregivers are at significantly elevated risk for negative impacts due to COVID-19 and should receive increased support and attention during this public health crisis.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice among Malaysian in facing COVID-19 During the Implementation of Movement Control Order

10.21203/rs.3.rs-35626/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah ◽

mahazan muhammad ◽

Abdul Hadi Sulaiman ◽

Siti Rahah Harun

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Movement Control ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Control Order ◽

Real Picture

Abstract Background: The rapid acceleration in the number of hospitalizations and deaths of COVID-19 has attracted global attention and caused worldwide fear. In mid-March 2020, Malaysia has recorded the highest COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia. As an immediate response, the Malaysian government has imposed Movement Control Order (MCO) to break the chain of infection and slow down the pandemic widespread. By mid-May 2020, R naught in Malaysia is at 0.3 as compared to 3.55 in mid-March 2020. Understanding the public’s knowledge, awareness, and reaction toward COVID-19 during the outbreak in the general population is paramount to give a real picture of the public’s responses in curbing the COVID-19 widespread. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of social distancing among Malaysians during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This cross-sectional study presents results from 3211 respondents by answering questionnaires through an online survey from 24 - 26 March 2020, one week after MCO was imposed. Responses were summarized using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test (χ²) statistic ware used to test whether the data from two or more groups of categories are associated with social distance practice.Results: Almost half of the respondents have an excellent level of knowledge (47.6%) and a positive attitude (47.4%) towards the COVID-19. Interestingly, more than half of the respondents (67.5%) performed good social distancing practice, while 30% exercised strict social distancing practice. A chi-square test shows that there is a significant association between knowledge and social distancing practice and no significant association between attitudes and social distancing practice. Conclusions: There is no COVID-19 vaccine nor herd immunity obtained yet, therefore the social distancing practice is the effective mechanism adopted to reduce the COVID-19 widespread, and Malaysia has proven it.

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Determinants of Social Distancing Among South Africans From 12 Days Into the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross Sectional Study

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.632619 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Ronel Sewpaul ◽

Musawenkosi Mabaso ◽

Natisha Dukhi ◽

Inbarani Naidoo ◽

Noloyiso Vondo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Close Contact ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical Distance ◽

Multinomial Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Measure ◽

Social Distancing ◽

South Africans

Introduction: Social or physical distancing has been an effective measure for reducing the spread of COVID-19 infections. Investigating the determinants of adherence to social distancing can inform public health strategies to improve the behaviour. However, there is a lack of data in various populations. This study investigates the degree to which South Africans complied with social distancing during the country's COVID-19 lockdown and identifies the determinants associated with being in close contact with large numbers of people.Materials and Methods: Data was collected from a South African national online survey on a data free platform, supplemented with telephone interviews. The survey was conducted from 8 to 29 April 2020. The primary outcome was the number of people that participants came into close contact with (within a 2-metre distance) the last time they were outside their home during the COVID-19 lockdown. Multivariate multinomial regression investigated the socio-demographic, psychosocial and household environmental determinants associated with being in contact with 1–10, 11–50 and more than 50 people.Results: Of the 17,563 adult participants, 20.3% reported having not left home, 50.6% were in close physical distance with 1–10 people, 21.1% with 11–50 people, and 8.0% with >50 people. Larger household size and incorrect knowledge about the importance of social distancing were associated with being in contact with >50 people. Male gender, younger age and being in the White and Coloured population groups were significantly associated with being in contact with 1–10 people but not with larger numbers of people. Employment, at least secondary school education, lack of self-efficacy in being able to protect oneself from infection, and moderate or high risk perception of becoming infected, were all associated with increased odds of close contact with 1–10, 11–50, and >50 people relative to remaining at home.Conclusion: The findings identify subgroups of individuals that are less likely to comply with social distancing regulations. Public health communication, interventions and policy can be tailored to address these determinants of social distancing.

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