A national cross-sectional survey of public perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Efforts to mitigate the global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have largely relied on broad compliance with public health recommendations, yet navigating the high volume of evolving information and misinformation related to SARS-CoV-2 can be challenging. We assessed national public perceptions (e.g., severity, concerns, health), knowledge (e.g., transmission, information sources), and behaviors (e.g., physical distancing) related to COVID-19 in Canada to understand public perspectives and inform future public health initiatives. Methods: We administered a national online survey with the goal of obtaining responses from 2000 adults residing in Canada. Respondent sampling was stratified by age, sex, and region. We used descriptive statistics to summarize respondent characteristics and tested for significant overall regional differences using chi-squared tests and t-tests, as appropriate. Results: We collected 1,996 eligible questionnaires between April 26th and May 1st, 2020. One-fifth (20%) of respondents knew someone diagnosed with COVID-19, but few had tested positive themselves (0.6%). Negative impacts of pandemic conditions were evidenced in several areas, including concerns about healthcare (e.g. sufficient equipment, 52%), pandemic stress (45%), and worsening social (49%) and mental/emotional (39%) health. Most respondents (88%) felt they had good to excellent knowledge of virus transmission, and predominantly accessed (74%) and trusted (60%) Canadian news television, newspapers/magazines, or non-government news websites for COVID-19 information. We found high compliance with distancing measures (80% either self-isolating or always physical distancing). We identified regional differences in perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors related to COVID-19. Discussion: We found that knowledge about COVID-19 is largely acquired through domestic news sources, which may explain high self-reported compliance with prevention measures. The results highlight the broader impact of a pandemic on the general public′s overall health and wellbeing, outside of personal infection. The study findings should be used to inform public health communications during COVID-19 and future pandemics.

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Examining Australian’s beliefs, misconceptions and sources of information for COVID-19: a national online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043421

Author(s):

Rae Thomas ◽

Hannah Greenwood ◽

Zoe A Michaleff ◽

Eman Abukmail ◽

Tammy C Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

National Sample ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Commercial Television ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Gender ◽

Public Health Strategies

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.

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268An online survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.264 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Harfield ◽

Salenna Elliott ◽

Tambri Housen ◽

James Ward

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Young People ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Knowledge ◽

Aboriginal People ◽

Aboriginal Peoples ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Public Health Action ◽

Sexual Health Knowledge

Abstract Background Since 2010 rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs-chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis) have been increasing among young Australians. Most STIs are diagnosed in young people aged 16-29 and rates of diagnosis are higher among Aboriginal people than non-Aboriginal people. Little information exists to understand social and behavioural issues associated with increasing rate of STIs, especially in South Australia and among Aboriginal peoples. Methods We undertook an online cross-sectional survey of sexual health, knowledge and behaviour of young South Australians aged 16-29 years during a six-week period in 2019. Descriptive analysis, univariate and adjusted logistic regression models were used to compare Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants. Results In total 2,380 South Australians participated in the “Let’s Talk About It” (LTAI-2019); 52% were female, the median age was 20 years (IQR:17-24) and 10% of participants identified as Aboriginal. Regression analysis suggested among both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants being female (aOR 2.41, CI:1.07-3.51, & 3.03, 2.17-4.23 respectively) and not using a condom during last sexual encounter (2.33, 1.03-5.29 & 1.62, 1.15-2.27) were associated with ever being tested for an STI and having two or more sexual partners in the past 12 months (1.37, 0.67-7.45 & 3.13, 1.31-7.45) was associated with testing positive for an STI. Conclusions LTAI-2019 is the first study to describe factors associated with STIs among young South Australians. It is evident that young people are engaged in behaviours which increase their risk of acquiring STIs. Public health action which considers these behaviours particularly those that target young Aboriginal people is required. Key messages LTAI 2019 is the first study to describe current sexual health, knowledge, behaviours and access to health services for STIs and related issues amongst young South Australians. It provides evidence that is useful for informing both public health practice and policy, and the development of STIs preventative health programs.

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Novel Predictors of COVID-19 Protective Behaviors Among US Adults: Cross-sectional Survey

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/23488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. e23488

Author(s):

Ken Resnicow ◽

Elizabeth Bacon ◽

Penny Yang ◽

Sarah Hawley ◽

M Lee Van Horn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Communication ◽

Online Survey ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Central Component ◽

Protective Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Conspiracy Beliefs

Background A central component of the public health strategy to control the COVID-19 pandemic involves encouraging mask wearing and social distancing to protect individuals from acquiring and transmitting the virus. Objective This study aims to understand the psychological factors that drive adoption or rejection of these protective behaviors, which can inform public health interventions to control the pandemic. Methods We conducted an online survey of a representative sample of 1074 US adults and assessed three novel potential predictors of COVID-19 behaviors: trait reactance, COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, and COVID-19 apocalypse beliefs. Key outcomes (dependent variables) included an index of COVID-19 protective behaviors, the number of trips taken from the home, and COVID-19 knowledge. Results In bivariate analyses, all three predictors were significantly correlated in the hypothesized direction with the three COVID-19 outcomes. Specifically, each predictor was negatively (P<.01) correlated with the COVID-19 protective behaviors index and COVID-19 knowledge score, and positively correlated with trips taken from home per week (more of which was considered higher risk). COVID-19 protective behaviors and COVID-19 knowledge were significantly lower in the top median compared to the bottom median for all three predictors. In general, these findings remained significant after adjusting for all novel predictors plus age, gender, income, education, race, political party, and religiosity. Self-identified Republicans (vs other political affiliations) reported the highest values for each of the novel predictors. Conclusions This study can inform the development of health communication interventions to encourage the adoption of COVID-19 protective behaviors. Interestingly, we found that higher scores of all three novel predictors were associated with lower COVID-19 knowledge, suggesting that lack of an accurate understanding of the virus may be driving some of these attitudes; although, it is also possible that these attributes may interfere with one’s willingness or ability to seek and absorb accurate health information. These individuals may be particularly immune to accepting new information and yielding their beliefs. Health communication professionals may apply lessons learned from countering similar beliefs around climate change and vaccine hesitancy. Messages designed for individuals prone to reactance may be more effective if they minimize controlling language and emphasize the individual’s independence in adopting these behavioral recommendations. Messaging for those who possess conspiracy beliefs should similarly not assume that providing evidence contrary to these beliefs will alone alter behavior. Other communication techniques such as rolling with resistance, a strategy used in motivational interviewing, may be helpful. Messaging for those with apocalyptic beliefs may require using religious leaders as the message source and using scripture that would support the adoption of COVID-19 protection behaviors.

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Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions in Eastern Zimbabwe: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9101109 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1109

Author(s):

Lauren McAbee ◽

Oscar Tapera ◽

Mufaro Kanyangarara

Keyword(s):

Herd Immunity ◽

Vaccine Safety ◽

World Health ◽

Vaccine Hesitancy ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Attitudes And Behaviors ◽

And Behaviors

Vaccines are one of the most effective public health strategies to protect against infectious diseases, yet vaccine hesitancy has emerged as a global health threat. Understanding COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes and their association with vaccine intentions can help the targeting of strategies to increase vaccination uptake and achieve herd immunity. The goal of this study was to assess COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, and identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intentions among heads of households in Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2021 among 551 randomly selected households. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, and knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding COVID-19 and the vaccines. More than half (55.7%) of the respondents reported intending to vaccinate themselves or their households. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the likelihood of vaccine intentions was most strongly associated with confidence in vaccine safety. Additionally, the odds of intending to get vaccinated were significantly higher among heads of households who were male, had a higher level of education, and identified vaccination and face mask usage as prevention measures. Among perceived motivators to vaccinate, recommendations from the World Health Organization and availability of the vaccine free of charge increased the likelihood of vaccine intentions, while country of vaccine manufacturer posed a barrier to vaccine intentions. As the vaccine rollout in Zimbabwe continues, efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage and achieve herd immunity should target females and less educated populations and be tailored to address concerns about vaccine safety and country of manufacturer.

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A national cross-sectional survey of public perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic: Self-reported beliefs, knowledge, and behaviors

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0241259 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. e0241259

Author(s):

Jeanna Parsons Leigh ◽

Kirsten Fiest ◽

Rebecca Brundin-Mather ◽

Kara Plotnikoff ◽

Andrea Soo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Perceptions ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Behaviors

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Perceptions and Behavioral Responses of the General Public During the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2014.160 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 207-219 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Marloes Bults ◽

Desirée J.M.A. Beaujean ◽

Jan Hendrik Richardus ◽

Hélène A.C.M. Voeten

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Regional Differences ◽

Influenza A ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Behavioral Responses ◽

Public Perceptions ◽

H1n1 Pandemic ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Influenza A H1n1 ◽

And Behaviors

AbstractThe public plays an important role in controlling the spread of a virus by adopting preventive measures. This systematic literature review aimed to gain insight into public perceptions and behavioral responses to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, with a focus on trends over time and regional differences. We screened 5498 articles and identified 70 eligible studies from PubMed, Embase, and PsychINFO. Public misconceptions were apparent regarding modes of transmission and preventive measures. Perceptions and behaviors evolved during the pandemic. In most countries, perceived vulnerability increased, but perceived severity, anxiety, self-efficacy, and vaccination intention decreased. Improved hygienic practices and social distancing were practiced most commonly. However, vaccination acceptance remained low. Marked regional differences were noted. To prevent misconceptions, it is important that health authorities provide up-to-date information about the virus and possible preventive measures during future outbreaks. Health authorities should continuously monitor public perceptions and misconceptions. Because public perceptions and behaviors varied between countries during the pandemic, risk communication should be tailored to the specific circumstances of each country. Finally, the use of health behavior theories in studies of public perceptions and behaviors during outbreaks would greatly facilitate the development of effective public health interventions that counter the effect of an outbreak. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness.2015;9:207-219)

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AB0902-HPR COVID-19 PANDEMIC: KNOWLEDGE, BELIEVES AND FEARS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATIC DISEASES IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.4200 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1474.3-1474

Author(s):

T. El Joumani ◽

H. Rkain ◽

T. Fatima Zahrae ◽

H. Kenza ◽

A. Radouan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

General Population ◽

Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Online Survey ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases

Objectives:To investigate the knowledge, believes, and fears of patients with Chronic Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases (CIRD) in Morocco regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods:COVID-19 related knowledge was evaluated through following items: clinical presentations, age of infection, transmission routes, self-reported preventive behaviors, patient’s approach in case of suspicion of being infected by COVID-19 and vaccination. We also investigated the source of the patients’ information.Believes and fears of patients regarding COVID-19 was assessed using 2 items that explored participant’s perception of the degree of threat to public health and their individual infection susceptibility compared to the general population.Results:A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with rheumatic diseases using a questionnaire providing information on patients and disease characteristics.350 patients had participated in this online survey (mean age of 46,1 ± 14,4, 68% were women, 15.7% were illiterate, 45.7% were unemployed, rural residence in 11.7% of cases).The correct answer rates of the 6 questions of the knowledge section of the questionnaire were 53.4-100% with an average mean of 90.7%. The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 5,43/6 (SD:0,48). Most participants (96.6%) correctly identified the age group concerned about Covid-19 infection. Remarkably 92.3% of the participants recognized 3 clinical features when 97.7% and 72.3% of the sample recognized perfectly modes of transmission and disease prevention measures. 87.4% of patients knew the recommended course of action to do if they have fever or cough and have recently been in contact with an infected patient. 64% of the study population thought that there was no vaccine available yet.The sources of information on COVID-19 were in descending order: rheumatologist (56.6 %), personal research (on the internet or other) (43.4%), video broadcasts on national television channels (28%), other Awareness Video (24.2%).Regarding the patients believes and fears toward COVID-19, 81.7% of patients believed that the pandemic is a serious threat for the public health and 80.6% thought that their CIRD makes them more exposed to the risk of contamination than general population.Conclusion:The results of this survey show a high prevalence of patient concern about COVID-19. However, the majority of patients responded correctly on the mode of transmission and the means of protection for the COVID-19 infection. Those results could be explained by enormous awareness-raising efforts carried out by our differents departments of our government.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Public Perceptions, Individual Characteristics, and Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 in Six Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-60005/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ryosuke Fujii ◽

Kensuke Suzuki ◽

Junichiro Niimi

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Personal Characteristics ◽

Public Perceptions ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Living Environment ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Protective Behaviors ◽

Preventive Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background: Public perceptions and personal characteristics are heterogeneous between countries and subgroups, which may have different impacts on health-protective behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To assess whether self-reported perceptions of COVID-19 and personal characteristics are associated with protective behaviors among general adults and to compare patterns in six different countries.Methods: We conducted this study based on a cross-sectional online survey between 15 and 23 April 2020 across six countries (China, Italy, Japan, Korea, UK, and US). A total of 5,945 adults aged 18 years or older was eligible for our analysis. Logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between personal characteristics, public perception for COVID-19, and three recommended behaviors (wearing a mask, handwashing, and avoiding social gatherings).Results: In most countries, the participants who perceived the preventive behaviors as being extremely effective to curtail the pandemic were more likely to take each preventive behavior. The associations between personal characteristics, living environment, psychological status, and preventive behaviors varied across different countries. Individuals who changed their behavior because of recommendations from doctors/public health officials were more likely to take preventive behaviors in many countries.Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher perceived effectiveness may be a common factor to encourage preventive behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results may provide a better understanding of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of factors related to preventive behaviors and improve public health policies in various countries and groups.

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Influence of the COVID-19 epidemic on prevention and vaccination behaviors among Chinese children and adolescents: results from an online survey (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26372 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zhiyuan Hou ◽

Suhang Song ◽

Fanxing Du ◽

Lu Shi ◽

Donglan Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Online Survey ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Education Levels ◽

Lower Education ◽

Quota Sampling ◽

Chinese Children And Adolescents

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 epidemic and containment strategies may affect personal behaviors. OBJECTIVE To assess the change in children and adolescents’ prevention and vaccination behaviors amid China’s COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in mid-March 2020 using proportional quota sampling in Wuhan (the epicenter) and Shanghai (a non-epicenter). Data were collected from 1,655 parents with children aged 3-17 years. Children and adolescents’ prevention and vaccination behaviors before and during the epidemic were assessed. RESULTS Parent-reported prevention behaviors increased among the children and adolescents, with 82.2% always wearing masks when going out and having increased the frequency and duration of handwashing and only 46.9% of children and adolescents going out during the COVID-19 epidemic. Meanwhile, 56.1% of the families took unproven measures against COVID-19. Parent-reported vaccination behaviors showed mixed results, with 74.8% delaying scheduled vaccines and 80.9% planning to have their children get the influenza vaccine after the epidemic. By socioeconomic status, those children and adolescents from larger families and whose parents having lower education levels were less likely to improve prevention behaviors but more likely to take unproven measures. Girls were less likely to always wear a mask when going out and wash hands than boys. CONCLUSIONS Prevention behaviors and attitudes toward influenza vaccine have been improved during the COVID-19 epidemic. Public health prevention measures should be continuously promoted, particularly among girls and the lower educated and larger families. Meanwhile, misinformation about COVID-19 remains a serious challenge and needs to be addressed by public health stakeholders.

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Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 82-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bob Lew ◽

Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽

Yanzheng Liu ◽

Mansor Abu Talib ◽

Olga Mitina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Suicidal Behavior ◽

Online Survey ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

Strain Theory ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Strains ◽

Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conﬂicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

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