scholarly journals “Public Health Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece and Associated Factors: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey”

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110229
Author(s):  
Kyriakos Souliotis ◽  
Theodoros V. Giannouchos ◽  
Lily E. Peppou ◽  
Myrto T. Samara ◽  
John Nimatoudis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Health Related

The objective of this cross-sectional survey was to estimate the association between multiple socioeconomic, and health-related characteristics, COVID-19 related attitudes and adoption of public health preventive behaviors. A national cross-sectional survey among 1205 adults was conducted in April 2020 in Greece. Multivariable ordered logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between COVID-19 related attitudes and knowledge and adoption of preventive behaviors, controlling for socioeconomic and health-related characteristics. A total of 923 individuals fully completed the survey. Individuals who believed that the virus is out of control, is transmitted through the air, and is not similar to the common flu were more likely to adopt public health preventive behaviors more frequently, particularly wearing masks in public spaces, washing their hands, and spending fewer hours out of their homes. Uncertainty about the virus symptomatology was associated with less frequent mask-wearing and handwashing. Increased social support, frequent media use for COVID-19 updates, trust to authorities, older age, worse health status, female gender and being a healthcare professional were also associated with uptake of some preventive health behaviors. Attitudinal and socioeconomic determinants critically affect public engagement in preventive behaviors. Health policy initiatives should focus on community outreach approaches to raise awareness and to strengthen social support mechanisms by integrating multiple stakeholders.

scholarly journals Hand Hygiene and Mask-Wearing Practices during COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: Misinformation as a Predictor

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Senhu Wang ◽  
Lambert Zixin Li ◽  
Natasha van Antwerpen ◽  
Sutrisno Suparman ◽  
Mergy Gayatri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Public Health Information ◽  
Health Related

Poor public health information is a hurdle in infectious disease control. The study aims to examine whether healthcare workers adhere to hand hygiene and mask-wearing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore their exposure to misinformation about the pandemic as a predictor. A cross-sectional survey was sent to 518 healthcare workers across Indonesia, the fourth largest nation in the world, in September 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The respondents reported whether they adhered to the guidelines of hand hygiene and mask wearing and whether they believed in four pieces of misinformation about the origin, severity, contagion, and prevention of COVID-19. The association between misinformation and hand hygiene and mask wearing was tested with logistic regression models controlling for demographic and health-related covariates. Approximately 25% of healthcare workers did not always adhere to hand hygiene guidelines and approximately 5% did not adhere to mask-wearing guidelines. There are significant associations between all four pieces of misinformation and hand hygiene and mask wearing. It is important to improve public health information about COVID-19, which may hold key to healthcare workers’ hand hygiene and mask wearing and to protect their health and patients’ safety.

scholarly journals Correlates of Social Support and its Association With Physical Activity Among Young Adolescents

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monique Gill ◽  
Alec M. Chan-Golston ◽  
Lindsay N. Rice ◽  
Sarah E. Roth ◽  
Catherine M. Crespi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Young Adolescents ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Friend Support ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Hierarchical Logistic Regression ◽  
Psychosocial Influences

Background. A substantial proportion of adolescents, particularly girls and minority youth, fail to meet daily physical activity (PA) recommendations. Social support contributes to adolescent PA, but studies examining this relationship have yielded inconsistent results and rarely focus on diverse, urban populations. Aims. This study examines the correlates of support for PA from family and friends and its relationship with PA outcomes among young adolescents. Methods. Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey of 4,773 middle school students. Social support from family and friends was separately measured using the Sallis Support for Exercise Scales. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to assess correlates of high support and the relationship between support and self-reported PA. Results. Approximately one quarter of students reported being active for at least an hour each day. 31.7% of students reported high family support for PA, while 17.8% reported high friend support. Differences in perceptions of support by gender, ethnicity, and language emerged. Support from family and friends were both consistently strong predictors of all three PA outcomes measured. Discussion. Findings highlight the need for multilevel interventions targeting both psychosocial influences on behavior in addition to addressing the physical environment. Given low rates of friend support for PA, there appears to be an opportunity to increase PA levels through promotion of supportive behaviors among peers. Conclusion. Support for PA from family and friends is a key contributor to increased PA among adolescents. Further research is needed to further understand the mechanisms by which these factors influence PA.

scholarly journals Acceptability of a COVID-19 Vaccine Among Healthcare Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ameerah M. N. Qattan ◽  
Noor Alshareef ◽  
Omar Alsharqi ◽  
Naseem Al Rahahleh ◽  
Gowokani Chijere Chirwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Health Related

Objective: This study aims to determine the acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia and the factors affecting their intention to accept the vaccine.Methods: The study used data from an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted in Saudi Arabia between 8 December 2020 and 14 December 2020. This study employed bivariate and multivariable regression analyses. The bivariate was used to describe and tabulate the frequency of all the variables, including the sociodemographic characteristics, the risk perception and the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccination and a chi-squared test of independence was calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine and identify the factors associated with an intention to have the COVID-19 vaccination and the factors associated with its immediate acceptance.Results: Of the total of 736 healthcare workers who began the online questionnaire, 673 completed it (a 91.44% completion rate). Among the study participants, 50.52% were willing to have the COVID-19 vaccine, of which 49.71% intended to have the vaccine as soon as it becomes available in the country, while 50.29% would delay until the vaccine's safety is confirmed. Being a male healthcare worker, perceiving a high risk of infection, and believing that the COVID-19 vaccine should be compulsory for all citizens and residents in the country increased the probability of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the probability of accepting the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.Conclusion: This study calls for more health-related education among healthcare workers to alleviate any fears that might be associated with the COVID-19 vaccine.

scholarly journals Rural Resident Experience on National Basic Public Health Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey in 10 Western Provinces of China

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
Jinlin Liu ◽  
Ying Mao
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Rural Resident ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related

National basic public health services (BPHSs) are important for promoting the health of rural populations. A better understanding of rural BPHSs from the viewpoint of residents utilizing the services can help health-related departments and primary health care (PHC) centers further improve rural BPHSs. By conducting a large-scale cross-sectional survey in 10 western provinces of China, the study depicts rural resident experiences with rural BPHSs. Of the 9019 participants, 59.33% and 66.48% did not receive services related to health examinations or health education in the six months prior to the survey, respectively. A total of 56.90% were satisfied with the rural BPHSs, and the mean overall satisfaction score was 3.61 ± 0.908 (out of a maximum of 5). The most satisfying domain for rural residents with BPHSs was the attitude of PHC workers, whereas rural residents with chronic diseases were the least satisfied with the health management. Satisfaction with the attitude of PHC workers was identified as the strongest determinant of rural residents’ overall satisfaction with BPHSs. This study could enlighten rural BPHSs management in China.

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

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.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic Influence on Healthcare Professionals

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1280
Author(s):  
Anna Klimkiewicz ◽  
Adrianna Schmalenberg ◽  
Jakub Klimkiewicz ◽  
Agata Jasińska ◽  
Joanna Jasionowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sleep Disorders ◽  
Alcohol Intake ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

During the pandemic, many healthcare professionals (HCPs) are overburdened by work and stress. The aim of the study was to examine alcohol intake, sleep disorders, and depressive symptoms of HCPs during the pandemic in comparison with the pre-pandemic period. Another goal was to indicate risk factors for mental state deterioration and an increase in alcohol use. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted from 1 April to 15 May 2020. HCPs (n = 158) completed questionnaires that probed for symptoms during and prior to the pandemic, including the Beck depression inventory (BDI), Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS), Athens insomnia scale (AIS), and Alcohol Timeline Followback (TLFB) calendar of alcohol consumption. Gender, age, education, marital status, work situation, income, participants’ and relatives’ COVID-19 diagnosis as correlates were analyzed. Depressive symptoms and insomnia became more severe during the pandemic among HCPs, while social support increased. The increase in depressive symptoms was even higher among women (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.05–7.36; p = 0.04) and was also positively correlated with work reduction (p = 0.02); the presence of sleep disorders was correlated with female gender. Alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic, and was correlated with both more time spent at work and income increase. HCPs involved in the treatment of COVID-19 need support and attention due to the excessive stress load during pandemics, resulting in depression, insomnia, and increased alcohol intake.

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

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.

scholarly journals Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Custodial Grandparents’ Psychological Distress in COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 956-956
Author(s):  
Yanfeng Xu ◽  
Merav Jedwab ◽  
Qi Wu ◽  
Sue Levkoff ◽  
Ling Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Parenting Stress ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
The United States ◽  
Material Hardship ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Custodial Grandparents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models

Abstract The fear and anxiety of COVID-19 and its related policy measures have increased individuals’ psychological distress. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between material hardship, parenting stress, social support, and resilience and custodial grandparents’ psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and further investigate the moderating role of kinship license status. A cross-sectional survey was administered to collect data from custodial grandparents (N = 362) in the United States. T-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models were conducted using STATA 15.0. Results indicated that material hardship (OR = 1.77, p &lt; 0.001) was associated with higher odds of psychological distress, whereas custodial grandparents’ resilience (OR = 0.08, p &lt; 0.001) and social support (OR = 0.39, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with lower odds of experiencing psychological distress. Increased parenting stress in COVID-19 was not significantly associated with psychological distress. Kinship license status moderated the relationships between social support (OR = 0.23, p &lt; 0.05), resilience (OR = 5.06, p &lt; 0.05) and psychological distress. To address custodial grandparents’ psychological distress, more allocated emergency funds and tailored financial services should be provided to meet material needs, and interventions with a focus on resilience and social support are particularly needed. Although licensed custodial grandparents were more likely to experience psychological distress due to their pre-existing vulnerability than unlicensed counterparts, parallel services should be provided to all kinship caregivers.

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