Predicting public take-up of digital contact tracing during the COVID-19 crisis: Results of a national survey

AbstractBackgroundIn the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), new digital solutions have been developed for infection control. In particular, contact tracing mobile applications provide a means for governments to manage both health and economic concerns. However, public reception of these applications is paramount to success, and global take-up rates have been low.ObjectiveIn this study, we sought to identify sociodemographic factors predicting voluntary downloads of a contact tracing mobile application.MethodsA sample of 505 adults from the general community completed an online survey. As the primary outcome measure, participants indicated whether they had downloaded a contact tracing application introduced at the national level (“TraceTogether”). As predictor variables, we assessed: (1) participant demographics; (2) behavioral changes on account of the pandemic; and (3) pandemic severity (the number of cases and lockdown status).ResultsWithin our dataset, the strongest predictor of digital contact tracing take-up was the extent to which individuals had already adjusted their lifestyles because of the pandemic (Z = 13.97, p < .001). Network analyses revealed that take-up was most related to: using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues during the pandemic. However, demographic and situational characteristics did not significantly predict application downloads.ConclusionsEfforts to introduce contact tracing applications could capitalize on pandemic-related behavioral adjustments that individuals have made. Given that critical mass is needed for contact tracing to be effective, we urge further research to understand how citizens respond to contact tracing applications.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04468581

Download Full-text

Predicting Public Uptake of Digital Contact Tracing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a Nationwide Survey in Singapore

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/24730 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. e24730

Author(s):

Young Ern Saw ◽

Edina Yi-Qin Tan ◽

Jessica Shijia Liu ◽

Jean CJ Liu

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

National Level ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Mobile App ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Data Set ◽

Network Analyses ◽

Pandemic Severity

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, new digital solutions have been developed for infection control. In particular, contact tracing mobile apps provide a means for governments to manage both health and economic concerns. However, public reception of these apps is paramount to their success, and global uptake rates have been low. Objective In this study, we sought to identify the characteristics of individuals or factors potentially associated with voluntary downloads of a contact tracing mobile app in Singapore. Methods A cohort of 505 adults from the general community completed an online survey. As the primary outcome measure, participants were asked to indicate whether they had downloaded the contact tracing app TraceTogether introduced at the national level. The following were assessed as predictor variables: (1) participant demographics, (2) behavioral modifications on account of the pandemic, and (3) pandemic severity (the number of cases and lockdown status). Results Within our data set, the strongest predictor of the uptake of TraceTogether was the extent to which individuals had already adjusted their lifestyles because of the pandemic (z=13.56; P<.001). Network analyses revealed that uptake was most related to the following: using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues during the pandemic. However, demographic and situational characteristics were not significantly associated with app downloads. Conclusions Efforts to introduce contact tracing apps could capitalize on pandemic-related behavioral adjustments among individuals. Given that a large number of individuals is required to download contact tracing apps for contact tracing to be effective, further studies are required to understand how citizens respond to contact tracing apps. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468581, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04468581

Download Full-text

Predicting Public Uptake of Digital Contact Tracing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a Nationwide Survey in Singapore (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.24730 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Young Ern Saw ◽

Edina Yi-Qin Tan ◽

Jessica Shijia Liu ◽

Jean CJ Liu

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

National Level ◽

Nationwide Survey ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Mobile App ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Data Set ◽

Network Analyses ◽

Pandemic Severity

BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, new digital solutions have been developed for infection control. In particular, contact tracing mobile apps provide a means for governments to manage both health and economic concerns. However, public reception of these apps is paramount to their success, and global uptake rates have been low. OBJECTIVE In this study, we sought to identify the characteristics of individuals or factors potentially associated with voluntary downloads of a contact tracing mobile app in Singapore. METHODS A cohort of 505 adults from the general community completed an online survey. As the primary outcome measure, participants were asked to indicate whether they had downloaded the contact tracing app TraceTogether introduced at the national level. The following were assessed as predictor variables: (1) participant demographics, (2) behavioral modifications on account of the pandemic, and (3) pandemic severity (the number of cases and lockdown status). RESULTS Within our data set, the strongest predictor of the uptake of TraceTogether was the extent to which individuals had already adjusted their lifestyles because of the pandemic (z=13.56; <i>P</i><.001). Network analyses revealed that uptake was most related to the following: using hand sanitizers, avoiding public transport, and preferring outdoor over indoor venues during the pandemic. However, demographic and situational characteristics were not significantly associated with app downloads. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to introduce contact tracing apps could capitalize on pandemic-related behavioral adjustments among individuals. Given that a large number of individuals is required to download contact tracing apps for contact tracing to be effective, further studies are required to understand how citizens respond to contact tracing apps. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468581, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04468581

Download Full-text

Reasons for Nonuse, Discontinuation of Use, and Acceptance of Additional Functionalities of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing App: Cross-sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.22113 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michel Walrave ◽

Cato Waeterloos ◽

Koen Ponnet

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Critical Mass ◽

Survey Study ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Privacy Concerns ◽

Sociodemographic Differences ◽

Potential Impact ◽

And Control

BACKGROUND In several countries, contact tracing apps (CTAs) have been introduced to warn users if they have had high-risk contacts that could expose them to SARS-CoV-2 and could, therefore, develop COVID-19 or further transmit the virus. For CTAs to be effective, a sufficient critical mass of users is needed. Until now, adoption of these apps in several countries has been limited, resulting in questions on which factors prevent app uptake or stimulate discontinuation of app use. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate individuals’ reasons for not using, or stopping use of, a CTA, in particular, the Coronalert app. Users’ and nonusers’ attitudes toward the app’s potential impact was assessed in Belgium. To further stimulate interest and potential use of a CTA, the study also investigated the population’s interest in new functionalities. METHODS An online survey was administered in Belgium to a sample of 1850 respondents aged 18 to 64 years. Data were collected between October 30 and November 2, 2020. Sociodemographic differences were assessed between users and nonusers. We analyzed both groups’ attitudes toward the potential impact of CTAs and their acceptance of new app functionalities. RESULTS Our data showed that 64.9% (1201/1850) of our respondents were nonusers of the CTA under study; this included individuals who did not install the app, those who downloaded but did not activate the app, and those who uninstalled the app. While we did not find any sociodemographic differences between users and nonusers, attitudes toward the app and its functionalities seemed to differ. The main reasons for not downloading and using the app were a perceived lack of advantages (308/991, 31.1%), worries about privacy (290/991, 29.3%), and, to a lesser extent, not having a smartphone (183/991, 18.5%). Users of the CTA agreed more with the potential of such apps to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic. Overall, nonusers found the possibility of extending the CTA with future functionalities to be less acceptable than users. However, among users, acceptability also tended to differ. Among users, functionalities relating to access and control, such as digital certificates or “green cards” for events, were less accepted (358/649, 55.2%) than functionalities focusing on informing citizens about the spread of the virus (453/649, 69.8%) or making an appointment to get tested (525/649, 80.9%). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that app users were more convinced of the CTA’s utility and more inclined to accept new app features than nonusers. Moreover, nonusers had more CTA-related privacy concerns. Therefore, to further stimulate app adoption and use, its potential advantages and privacy-preserving mechanisms need to be stressed. Building further knowledge on the forms of resistance among nonusers is important for responding to these barriers through the app’s further development and communication campaigns.

Download Full-text

Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126234 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6234

Author(s):

Christina Brogårdh ◽

Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽

Frida Eek ◽

Kjerstin Stigmar ◽

Ingrid Lindgren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Life ◽

Life Domains ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

Download Full-text

Exploring the Frequency of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Brazilian Sample during the COVID-19 Outbreak

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4847

Author(s):

Fabiana Silva Ribeiro ◽

Flávia H. Santos ◽

Luis Anunciação ◽

Lucas Barrozo ◽

Jesus Landeira-Fernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health Sector ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Well Being ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Brazilian Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency of international concern, and the main measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 were social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation. Although these policies are effective in containing the spread of the virus, they might represent a challenge to psychological well-being, increasing levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Aims: We explored the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms during COVID-19 restrictions and associations with sociodemographic factors in a Brazilian sample. Method: Data of a total of 936 Brazilian adults (68.2% women) aged 18 to 77 years old (M = 38.95, SD = 13.91) were collected through an online survey. Results: In general, we observed a frequency of 17.36% for severe anxiety and 66.13% for severe depression symptoms, in which younger participants (18–39 years old) and women showed higher scores in anxiety and depression scales compared to older age groups. Logistic regressions showed that women were more likely to present severe symptoms of anxiety (20.4%) compared to men (10.9%), as well as respondents in the educational sector (24.3%) compared to those in the health sector (10%). Conclusions: We highlight the importance of mental health professionals in developing strategies to help younger adults to mitigate the effects of social restriction.

Download Full-text

Assessment of a combined strategy of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and supplementation with vitamin A, zinc and Plumpy’Doz™ to prevent malaria and malnutrition in children under 5 years old in Burkina Faso: a randomized open-label trial (SMC-NUT)

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05320-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Paul Sondo ◽

Marc Christian Tahita ◽

Toussaint Rouamba ◽

Karim Derra ◽

Bérenger Kaboré ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin A ◽

Burkina Faso ◽

Malaria Incidence ◽

Primary Outcome Measure ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Micronutrient Deficiencies ◽

Open Label ◽

Link Type ◽

Potential Factors ◽

Combined Strategy

Abstract Background Malaria and malnutrition represent major public health concerns worldwide especially in Sub-Sahara Africa. Despite implementation of seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis (SMC), an intervention aimed at reducing malaria incidence among children aged 3–59 months, the burden of malaria and associated mortality among children below age 5 years remains high in Burkina Faso. Malnutrition, in particular micronutrient deficiency, appears to be one of the potential factors that can negatively affect the effectiveness of SMC. Treating micronutrient deficiencies is known to reduce the incidence of malaria in highly prevalent malaria zone such as rural settings. Therefore, we hypothesized that a combined strategy of SMC together with a daily oral nutrients supplement will enhance the immune response and decrease the incidence of malaria and malnutrition among children under SMC coverage. Methods Children (6–59 months) under SMC coverage receiving vitamin A supplementation will be randomly assigned to one of the three study arms (a) SMC + vitamin A alone, (b) SMC + vitamin A + zinc, or (c) SMC + vitamin A + Plumpy’Doz™ using 1:1:1 allocation ratio. After each SMC monthly distribution, children will be visited at home to confirm drug administration and followed-up for 1 year. Anthropometric indicators will be recorded at each visit and blood samples will be collected for microscopy slides, haemoglobin measurement, and spotted onto filter paper for further PCR analyses. The primary outcome measure is the incidence of malaria in each arm. Secondary outcome measures will include mid-upper arm circumference and weight gain from baseline measurements, coverage and compliance to SMC, occurrence of adverse events (AEs), and prevalence of molecular markers of antimalarial resistance comprising Pfcrt, Pfmdr1, Pfdhfr, and Pfdhps. Discussion This study will demonstrate an integrated strategy of malaria and malnutrition programmes in order to mutualize resources for best impact. By relying on existing strategies, the policy implementation of this joint intervention will be scalable at country and regional levels. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04238845. Registered on 23 January 2020 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04238845

Download Full-text

Training interns in nutrition and dietetics: a cross-sectional study of the barriers and motivators to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist preceptor

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-02700-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea M. Hutchins ◽

Donna M. Winham ◽

Jinette P. Fellows ◽

Michelle M. Heer

Keyword(s):

Experiential Learning ◽

Professional Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Selection Process ◽

National Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Registered Dietitian ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Entry Level

Abstract Background As is common across the health professions, training of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) requires experiential learning for interns/students to gain skills and demonstrate entry-level competency. Preceptors are essential to the experiential learning component of health care professional training, providing supervision and mentoring as students and interns gain the skills required for entry-level practice competency. Over the past 27 years, 47–73% of applicants to dietetic internships have received a placement. Practitioners willing to volunteer as preceptors are needed to generate more internship or experiential learning opportunities for the profession to continue to meet workforce demands. Methods The objective of this national-level online cross-sectional survey was to identify perceptions and attitudes associated with the preceptor role and incentives that might encourage precepting by current RDNs. A random sample of RDN and Nutrition and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (NDTR) professionals from the Commission on Dietetic Registration credentialed practitioner database were eligible to participate in the online survey. The main outcome measures included perceptions, attitudes, and preferred incentives to precept compared by preceptor experience categories (current, former, never precepted). Comparisons of perceptions, attitudes, and preferred incentives were made between preceptor experience categories using Chi-square and ANOVA. Results Of 2464 invitations, 308 participants had complete variables for analysis. Top incentives were the opportunity to earn continuing education units (65.9%) and having expenses paid to attend a national conference (49.5%). Significantly more (P < 0.001) “former” and “never” preceptors reported the ability to choose when to take an intern, training on how to teach and communicate with interns, and access to an “on-call” specialist as incentives compared to “current” preceptors. Significantly more (P < 0.01) “never” preceptors reported training on internship expectations and the ability to provide input on intern selection process as incentives compared to “current” or “former” preceptors. Conclusions Incentives to serve as a preceptor differ based on “current”, “former”, or “never” precepted status. Promoting and strategizing solutions to the current imbalance between the greater number of dietetic internship applicants compared to preceptors should be targeted based on preceptor status to retain current preceptors, encourage former preceptors to return and recruit professionals who have never served.

Download Full-text

Predictors to use mobile apps for monitoring COVID-19 symptoms and contact tracing: A survey among Dutch citizens. (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28416 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stephanie Maria Jansen-Kosterink ◽

Marian Hurmuz ◽

Marjolein den Ouden ◽

Lex van Velsen

Keyword(s):

Mobile Applications ◽

Mobile Application ◽

Online Survey ◽

Reproduction Number ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Contact Tracing ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Final Model ◽

Symptom Recognition ◽

Personal Connections

UNSTRUCTURED Background: eHealth applications have been recognized as a valuable tool to reduce COVID-19’s effective reproduction number. In this paper, we report on an online survey among Dutch citizens with the goal to identify antecedents of acceptance of a mobile application for COVID-19 symptom recognition and monitoring, and a mobile application for contact tracing. Methods: Next to the demographics, the online survey contained questions focussing on perceived health, fear of COVID-19 and intention to use. We used snowball sampling via posts on social media and personal connections. To identify antecedents of acceptance of the two mobile applications we conducted multiple linear regression analyses. Results: In total, 238 Dutch adults completed the survey. Almost 60% of the responders were female and the average age was 45.6 years (SD±17.4). For the symptom app, the final model included the predictors age, attitude towards technology and fear of COVID-19. The model had an R2 of 0.141. The final model for the tracing app included the same predictors and had an R2 of 0.156. The main reason to use both mobile applications was to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Concerns about privacy was mentioned as the main reason not to use the mobile applications. Conclusion: Age, attitude towards technology and fear of COVID-19 are important predictors of the acceptance of COVID-19 mobile applications for symptom recognition and monitoring and for contact tracing. These predictors should be taken into account during the development and implementation of these mobile applications to secure acceptance. Discussion: Age, attitude towards technology and fear of COVID-19 are important predictors of the acceptance of COVID-19 mobile applications for symptom recognition and monitoring and for contact tracing. These predictors should be taken into account during the development and implementation of these mobile applications to secure acceptance. Age, attitude towards technology and fear of COVID-19 are important predictors of the acceptance of COVID-19 mobile applications for symptom recognition and monitoring and for contact tracing. These predictors should be taken into account during the development and implementation of these mobile applications to secure acceptance.

Download Full-text

Coping strategies among medical professionals during COVID-19 outbreak

INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND NEUROSCIENCES ◽

10.32746/10.32746/ijmhns.2021.v4.i1.43 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (01) ◽

pp. 28-33

Author(s):

Vaishali Shanmugam

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Online Survey ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Well Being ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Medical Professionals ◽

Stressful Situation ◽

Sociodemographic Variables ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Brief Cope

BACKGROUND: COVID -19 pandemic is a very stressful situation for doctors, who face the risk of infection in daily life. Coping is the process by which a person deals with stressful situations or demands. Identifying the coping strategies of our medical professionals will help us to understand their coping styles and to deliver effective interventions to enhance their mental well-being. METHODS: An online survey form with socio-demographic profile and BRIEF COPE tool for assessing different coping strategies was sent to interns, residents, and teaching faculty. The coping strategies were divided into emotion-based, problem-based, and dysfunctional coping, and spearman's correlation was done to determine any correlation between sociodemographic variables and the coping strategies. RESULTS: A total of 84 valid and complete responses were included in the study. There is a variable distribution of mean scores for problem-focused, emotion-focused, and dysfunctional strategies. Age and marital status had a positive correlation with problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies meaning that older adults and married people used these strategies predominantly. Higher designation used problem-focused coping predominantly. Dysfunctional coping strategies had no correlation with any of the sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic factors affecting the coping mechanisms in medical professionals differ from those of the general population seen in previous studies. Within the group of medical professionals, those with higher age, higher designation and married had predominantly adaptive strategies. Interventions targetting maladaptive components of emotion-focused strategies and dysfunctional strategies should be aimed at a younger age group, unmarried people, interns, and residents among the medical professionals to better cope with this COVID scenario.

Download Full-text

Practice Current

Neurology Clinical Practice ◽

10.1212/cpj.0000000000000656 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 263-270

Author(s):

Ajal Dave ◽

Aravind Ganesh ◽

Malik Muhammad Adil ◽

Jack W. Tsao

Keyword(s):

Expert Opinion ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preventative Treatment ◽

Ongoing Debate ◽

Link Type ◽

Common Complaint ◽

Expectation Management ◽

Work Up

A common complaint after concussion is the development of new or worsening headaches which can make it difficult or even impossible for patients to work or function in their day-to-day lives. Uncertainties associated with the complaints and a wide variety of approaches exist regarding the appropriate work-up and management of these patients. Areas of ongoing debate include the need for neuroimaging; optimal, acute, and preventative treatment; and proper counseling and expectation management. Given the wide variety of potential approaches and the lack of consensus, we sought expert opinion from around the globe on how to evaluate and manage patients with headache following concussion. Similar questions were posed to the rest of our readership in an online survey (links.lww.com/CPJ/A96), the results of which are also presented.

Download Full-text