Cross-Sectional Survey of Women in Taiwan With First-Degree Relatives With Osteoporosis: Knowledge, Health Beliefs, and Preventive Behaviors

Abstract BackgroundAromatase inhibitor therapy induces bone loss and risk of fracture in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors (PBCS). Targetable patient-level factors to mitigate osteoporosis risk in this population are underreported. Here, we assessed the association between osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs, receipt of bone mineral density, and osteoporosis preventive behaviors among PBCS. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, early stage PBCS with diabetes mellitus (ages 55-86 years) completed the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz, Osteoporosis Health Beliefs Scale, and Osteoporosis Preventive Behaviors cross-sectional questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression assessed factors associated with engagement in strength-training exercise.ResultsMean age was 66.1 years with 20% self-reporting as non-Hispanic White, 40% non-Hispanic Black, 27% Hispanic, and 13% other. Osteoporosis knowledge (10.5±3.4), seriousness (14.9±3.8), and susceptibility (14.0±3.5) mean scores were low. Most (75%) PBCS were adherent to calcium and vitamin D supplements, but only 47% reported engagement in strength-training exercises. Married/partnered, higher osteoporosis knowledge and health motivation scores were associated with exercise. After adjustment of marital status and osteoporosis knowledge, only health motivation was associated with exercise (OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.35-22.93). ConclusionsPBCS are motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle despite limited osteoporosis knowledge, perceived risk, and susceptibility. However, <50% participated in strength-training exercise. Oncologic care should include osteoporosis and fracture prevention strategies, directed at encouraging cancer survivors to increase engagement in strength-training exercises and calcium intake.

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Prevalence and Factors for Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic among College Students in China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094974 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4974

Author(s):

Jing Guan ◽

Cuiping Wu ◽

Dandan Wei ◽

Qingqing Xu ◽

Juan Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Large Scale ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Potential Factors ◽

The Government ◽

The Impact

Background: Knowledge of the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of college students remains limited. Our aim is to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and explore the potential risk and protective factors of anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was adopted and a total of 24,678 college students were included from Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, during February, 2020. Anxiety was assessed by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool (GAD-7). Multiple logistic regression models were established for exploring potential factors of anxiety. Results: The overall prevalence of anxiety was 7.3%. After adjusting for potential confounders, sex, place of residence, worried level, fear level, cognitive levels, and behavior status were found to be associated with anxiety (p < 0.05). Students with positive preventive behaviors showed a protective effect against the anxiety symptoms compared to those with negative preventive behaviors. In contrast to the high-cognition category, participants at a low cognitive level were 14.9% more likely to present anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: This large-scale study assessed the prevalence of anxiety and its potential influencing factors among college students. It suggests that the government could strengthen health education related to COVID-19 and supervise the performance of preventive behaviors to handle anxiety.

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HEALTH BELIEFS ON MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1703651 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 03 (02) ◽

pp. 038-043

Author(s):

Jijomon P. P. ◽

Teena Sharon ◽

Ruby Xavier ◽

Malathi G. Nayak

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Health Beliefs ◽

Communicable Disease ◽

Study Finding ◽

Care Practice ◽

Care Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rapid Urbanization ◽

Health And Illness

AbstractPrevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing globally, more so in developing countries like India due to rapid urbanization. Health-related behavior is important in maintaining health and which is determined by individual beliefs and practice about health and illness.The objectives of the study were to assess the health beliefs among diabetic adults on management of diabetes mellitus and to find the association between the health beliefs and study variable.A descriptive cross sectional survey conducted among 125 diabetic adults, data collected by using structured questionnaire.The study finding reveals that out of 125 diabetic adults, the majorities 49.6% were in the age group of 46-55 years, 51.2% were believed that diabetes caused by eating more sugar and 81.6% disagree that it's God's curse, 30% of diabetic adults agree with the statement that diabetes is because of past sin, 28% of subjects believe that it's a communicable disease. There was significant association between health beliefs and selected demographic variables such as age, religion, duration of illness and education.Beliefs about health and illness that may affect self-care practice and health care seeking behavior in persons diagnosed with Diabetes mellitus

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Prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics and its related factors among Chinese residents: a cross-sectional study

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control ◽

10.1186/s13756-021-00954-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiaoxv Yin ◽

Ketao Mu ◽

Heping Yang ◽

Jing Wang ◽

Zhenyuan Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Beliefs ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Public Health Education ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Self Medication ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seek Health Care

Abstract Background Self-medication is one of the most common forms of inappropriate use of antibiotics. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) in China and evaluate the related factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Wuhan, Hubei, China from July 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019. Participants were recruited in public places to answer a structured questionnaire. The information of participants’ social demographic characteristics, antibiotic knowledge and health beliefs were collected. Binary Logistics regression analysis was used to examine the associated factors of SMA. Results Of the 3206 participants, 10.32% reported SMA in the past 6 months. Participants who with middle or high perceived barriers to seek health care services showed a higher likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Participants who with middle or high perceived threats of self-medication, and who with middle or high self-efficacy to overcome obstacles showed a lower likelihood of SMA (P < 0.05). Conclusions Compared with developed countries, the prevalence of SMA in China is still higher. Measures to conduct public health education and improve the accessibility of health services are crucial to decrease the overall self-medication rate in China.

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Internet Use, Risk Awareness, and Demographic Characteristics Associated With Engagement in Preventive Behaviors and Testing: Cross-Sectional Survey on COVID-19 in the United States

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/19782 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. e19782 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Siyue Li ◽

Bo Feng ◽

Wang Liao ◽

Wenjing Pan

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Marital Status ◽

Employment Status ◽

Internet Use ◽

The United States ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Risk Awareness ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

Background During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, engagement in preventive behaviors and getting tested for the virus play a crucial role in protecting people from contracting the new coronavirus. Objective This study aims to examine how internet use, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics are associated with engagement in preventative behaviors and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk from April 10, 2020, to April 14, 2020. Participants’ internet use (in terms of the extent of receiving information pertaining to COVID-19), risk awareness (whether any immediate family members, close friends or relatives, or people in local communities tested positive for COVID-19), demographics (sex, age, ethnicity, income, education level, marital status, and employment status), as well as their engagement in preventative behaviors and testing were assessed. Results Our data included 979 valid responses from the United States. Participants who received more COVID-19–related health information online reported more frequent effort to engage in all types of preventive behaviors: wearing a facemask in public (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001), washing hands (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.85, P<.001), covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.52-2.10, P<.001), keeping social distance with others (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.65, P<.001), staying home (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.62, P<.001), avoiding using public transportation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.88, P<.001), and cleaning frequently used surfaces (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001). Compared with participants who did not have positive cases in their social circles, those who had immediate family members (OR 1.48, 95% CI 8.28-26.44, P<.001) or close friends and relatives (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.58-4.03, P<.001) who tested positive were more likely to get tested. Participants’ sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, and employment status were also associated with preventive behaviors and testing. Conclusions Our findings revealed that the extent of receiving COVID-19–related information online, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics including sex, ethnicity, age, marital status, and employment status are key factors associated with US residents’ engagement in various preventive behaviors and testing for COVID-19.

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Changes in Mental Health and Preventive Behaviors before and after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Propensity Score Matching (PSM) Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9091044 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (9) ◽

pp. 1044

Author(s):

Yue Yuan ◽

Zhaomin Deng ◽

Musha Chen ◽

Di Yin ◽

Jiazhen Zheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Propensity Score ◽

Propensity Score Matching ◽

Health Beliefs ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Mass Vaccination ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Post Vaccination

Mass vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing worldwide to achieve herd immunity among the general population. However, little is known about how the COVID-19 vaccination would affect mental health and preventive behaviors toward the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to address this issue among 4244 individuals at several COVID-19 vaccination sites in Guangzhou, China. Using univariate analysis and multiple linear regression models, we found that major demographic characteristics, such as biological sex, age, education level, and family per capita income, are the dominant influencing factors associated with health beliefs, mental health, and preventive behaviors. After propensity score matching (PSM) treatment, we further assessed the changes in the scores of health belief, mental health, and preventive behaviors between the pre-vaccination group and the post-vaccination group. When compared to individuals in the pre-vaccination group, a moderate but statistically significant lower score was observed in the post-vaccination group (p = 0.010), implying possibly improved psychological conditions after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, there was also a moderate but statistically higher score of preventive behaviors in the post-vaccination group than in the pre-vaccination group (p < 0.001), suggesting a higher probability to take preventive measures after COVID-19 vaccination. These findings have implications for implementing non-pharmaceutical interventions combined with mass vaccination to control the rebound of COVID-19 outbreaks.

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Age Differences in COVID-19 Preventive Behavior

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000462 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 359-372

Author(s):

Lars Korn ◽

Regina Siegers ◽

Sarah Eitze ◽

Philipp Sprengholz ◽

Frederike Taubert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Age Differences ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Age Groups ◽

Federal State ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Variables ◽

Psychological Determinants ◽

Trust In Institutions

Abstract. Age is a critical risk factor for severe COVID-19. This is mirrored by older people showing preventive health behaviors more frequently. However, collective action across all age groups is necessary to reduce transmission. Therefore, this study assessed whether age differences are moderated by policy changes and whether policies further moderate the relationship between psychological determinants of behavior (risk perceptions and trust), age, and preventive behaviors. Risk perceptions, trust in institutions, self-reported frequency of preventive behaviors (mask-wearing, avoiding social gatherings), and demographics (e.g., age) were collected within the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO), a German serial cross-sectional survey. A total of 19,069 participants across 20 measurement points were included (online sample, quota-representative for Age × Gender and federal state in Germany; mid-April to the end of November 2020). Regression analyses showed that age differences in avoiding social gatherings and mask-wearing remained stable under different health policies but were further moderated by psychological variables. The introduction of stricter policies alone was not related to higher adoption rates of preventive behaviors, but it mitigated the effects of age and risk perceptions. Moreover, under mandatory policies, the correlation between trust in institutions and behaviors was amplified. The present research made a strong case for quality, targeted health, and risk communication. Without mandatory policies, the importance of preventive behaviors must be well understood to achieve high adherence – especially in young people who are threatened by the disease less directly.

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Internet Use, Risk Awareness, and Demographic Characteristics Associated With Engagement in Preventive Behaviors and Testing: Cross-Sectional Survey on COVID-19 in the United States (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.19782 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Siyue Li ◽

Bo Feng ◽

Wang Liao ◽

Wenjing Pan

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Marital Status ◽

Employment Status ◽

Internet Use ◽

The United States ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Risk Awareness ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, engagement in preventive behaviors and getting tested for the virus play a crucial role in protecting people from contracting the new coronavirus. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine how internet use, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics are associated with engagement in preventative behaviors and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk from April 10, 2020, to April 14, 2020. Participants’ internet use (in terms of the extent of receiving information pertaining to COVID-19), risk awareness (whether any immediate family members, close friends or relatives, or people in local communities tested positive for COVID-19), demographics (sex, age, ethnicity, income, education level, marital status, and employment status), as well as their engagement in preventative behaviors and testing were assessed. RESULTS Our data included 979 valid responses from the United States. Participants who received more COVID-19–related health information online reported more frequent effort to engage in all types of preventive behaviors: wearing a facemask in public (odds ratio [OR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001), washing hands (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35-1.85, P<.001), covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.52-2.10, P<.001), keeping social distance with others (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.65, P<.001), staying home (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.20-1.62, P<.001), avoiding using public transportation (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.32-1.88, P<.001), and cleaning frequently used surfaces (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.34-1.79, P<.001). Compared with participants who did not have positive cases in their social circles, those who had immediate family members (OR 1.48, 95% CI 8.28-26.44, P<.001) or close friends and relatives (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.58-4.03, P<.001) who tested positive were more likely to get tested. Participants’ sex, age, ethnicity, marital status, and employment status were also associated with preventive behaviors and testing. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that the extent of receiving COVID-19–related information online, risk awareness, and demographic characteristics including sex, ethnicity, age, marital status, and employment status are key factors associated with US residents’ engagement in various preventive behaviors and testing for COVID-19.

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Spatial Distance to Epicenter, Risk Perceptions, and Preventive Behaviors Against Health Risks in the Initial Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.27839 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Diyi Liu ◽

Sanmei Wen ◽

Jing Su

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Risk Perceptions ◽

Regression Models ◽

Spatial Distance ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Susceptibility ◽

Perceived Severity

BACKGROUND The rapid global spread of COVID-19 has become a monumental public health emergency. Gauging people’s psychological and behavioral reactions in an initial alerting stage is crucial for helping public health authorities to manage the epidemic. OBJECTIVE To investigate how spatial distance from the epicenter of Wuhan influenced people’s risk perceptions regarding COVID-19. Additionally, how risk perceptions, in concert with demographic variables, influenced the adoption of different preventive behaviors in the early stages of the outbreak. METHODS We conducted a national cross-sectional survey from January 21, 2020 to January 23, 2020. We assessed the association between spatial distance from the epicenter and participants’ risk perceptions using linear regression models. We used binomial logistic regression models to calculate the determinants of the adoption of six preventive behaviors against COVID-19. RESULTS Our data contain 1988 valid responses from 31 provinces in mainland China; 28.2% of respondants resided in Hubei province (n=560). Participant locations were roughly coded into five categories based on their geographical distance from the epicenter. We found that the closer people were to the initial epicenter in Wuhan, the higher susceptibility they felt (β=-.24, t=-11.12, P<.001), while their perceived severity displayed no significant variation based on location (β=-.02, t=-.93, P=.35). Compared with those in the peripheral provinces, people in Hubei and the forth-category provinces reported higher odds of wearing facemasks when going out (odds ratio [OR] 2.635 95%CI 1.33-4.17, P<.001; OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.78-5.72, P<.001, respectively). Participants with higher perceived susceptibility had a higher likelihood of wearing masks (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.01-1.31, P=.04), however, lower odds of avoiding social gatherings (OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.77-0.99, P=.03) and avoiding visiting Wuhan (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.61-0.77, P<.001). Participants’ perceived severity was positively associated with their engagement in washing hands and frequent ventilation (OR 1.12, 95%CI 1.00-1.24, P=.05), wearing masks in public (OR 1.39, 95%CI 1.25-1.55, P<.001), avoiding social gathering (OR 1.25, 95%CI 1.12-1.38, P<.001) and avoiding traveling to Wuhan (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.02-1.25, P=.02). Participants’ sex was also associated with their perceived severity and the engagement of precautionary behaviors. CONCLUSIONS These results characterize an “epicenter effect” early in the pandemic. Our findings expand the understanding of perceived susceptibility and severity, which acted as two distinct dimensions of risk perception, and led to different behavioral outcomes.

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