Statewide Survey of Psychological Distress Among People of Tamil Nadu in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: COVID-19-driven pandemic has caused panic, fear, and stress among all strata of society. The study aimed to assess stress and the factors that influence it in a representative population in the state of Tamil Nadu (TN)—a state in the southern India where the levels of stress have not been measured yet. Methods: From April 13 to April 25, 2020, we conducted an online survey among the TN population using the snowball sampling technique, collecting basic demographic data. COVID-19-perceived stress was collected through COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). Binomial regression analysis was used to identify the extent of the relationship between CPDI and sociodemographic factors by estimating the odds of having significant stress. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 2,317 valid responses were received. Of the respondents, 830 (35.82%) were males, 1,084 (46.79%) were below 25 years of age, and 2,297 (99.14%) were native residents of TN. The mean(±SD) CPDI was 20.66±12.03. While 1,830 (77.2%) respondents had low or no stress, 478 (20.2%) had mild to moderate stress, and 63 (2.7%) had severe stress. The bivariate model included marital status, age, nativity, and income. The odds of having significant stress (mild–moderate or severe) for a 25–34 year age group as compared to >55 years group was 2.38 (P < 0.001). As compared to widowed, the married had higher odds ratio (3.41, P = 0.05). Compared to those with >10 lakh annual income, those with 2.5–5 lakhs annual income had odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI = 1.01 to 2.7, P = 0.05). Conclusions: During the lockdown due to COVID-19, every 1 in 5 TN population had some form of stress, as measured by CPDI. Our model identified certain factors driving the stress, which would help policy framers to initiate an appropriate response.

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Perceived Stress and Psychological (Dis)Stress among Indian Endodontists During COVID19 Pandemic Lock down

10.1101/2020.05.06.20092601 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

RN Kumar Anil ◽

SC Karumaran ◽

Deepthi Kattula ◽

Rooban Thavarajah ◽

AM Anusa

Keyword(s):

Perceived Stress ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Age Group ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Multinomial Regression ◽

Traumatic Distress ◽

Risk Rate

ASBTRACTBackgroundThe novel 2019 coronavirus(COVID-19) spreads by respiratory and aerosols. COVID19 driven pandemic causes panic, fear and stress among all strata of society. Like all other medical professions, dentists, particularly endodontists, who are highly exposed to aerosols would be exposed to stress. The aim of this study was to assess the (dis)stress among Indian endodontists and the factors that could influence the (dis)stress.MethodsFrom 8th April to 16th April 2020, we conducted an online survey in closed endodontic social media using snowball sampling technique, collecting basic demographic data, practice setting and relevant data. Psychological stress and perceived distress were collected through COVID-19 Peri-traumatic Distress Index (CPDI) and Perceived stress scale (PSS). Multinomial regression analysis was performed to estimate relative risk rate and P≤0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThis study had 586 Indian endodontists completing this survey across India. Of these, 311 (53.07%) were males, 325(55%) in the age group of 25-35 years, 64%in urban areas, 13.14% in solo-practice and a fourth of them were residents. Female endodontists had high perceived stress (RRR=2.46,P=0.01) as compared to males, as measured by PSS. Younger endodontists<25 years(RRR=9.75;P=0.002) and 25-35years (RRR=4.60;P=0.004) as compared with >45 years age-group had more distress. Exclusive consultants had RRR= 2.90, P=0.02, for mild-to-moderate distress as compared to normal. Factors driving this phenomenon are considered.ConclusionsDuring the lock down due to COVID-19, 1-in-2 Indian endodontists had distress, as measured by CPDI and 4-in-5 of them had perceived stress, as indicated by PSS. Our model identified certain factors driving the (dis)stress, which would help policy framers to initiate appropriate response.

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Examining the Mediating Roles of Microblog Use in the Relationships between Narcissism, Social Anxiety, and Social Capital

International Journal of Cyber Behavior Psychology and Learning ◽

10.4018/ijcbpl.2014040105 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 58-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ruo Mo ◽

Louis Leung ◽

Yingqi Hao ◽

Xuan Wu ◽

Rui Xi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Capital ◽

Social Anxiety ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mainland China ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Bonding Social Capital ◽

Suppression Effect ◽

Negative Effect

Microblog is a platform for publishing and sharing short (140 characters or less) messages with others within a user's social network – is an Internet medium that is growing exponentially and changing the way people communicate on the Internet. To explore the effect of microblogging on interpersonal relationships, this study examines the relationships between narcissism, social anxiety, and microblog use and investigates how these psychological attributes and microblog use may affect social capital. Data were gathered through an online survey of 329 young adults aged 21–30 in mainland China using snowball sampling technique. Regression results indicate the following: (1) narcissism and social anxiety are positively related to the intensity of microblog use; (2) the intensity of microblog use positively predicts both types of social capital (bridging and bonding); (3) although narcissism has a positive effect on both types of social capital, this effect is partly mediated by the intensity of microblog use; (4) social anxiety is slightly positively related to bridging social capital, and this effect is perfectly mediated by the intensity of microblog use; and (5) there is a suppression effect of the intensity of microblog use between social anxiety and bonding social capital. The effect of the intensity of microblog use suppresses the negative effect of social anxiety on bonding social capital. Details about the findings will be discussed.

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How COVID-19 is Affecting Apprentices

BioMedica ◽

10.51441/biomedica//biomedica/5-423 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 36 (2S) ◽

pp. 265-269

Author(s):

Shamaila Hassnain ◽

Naureen Omar

Keyword(s):

Survey Design ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

World Health ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The World

Background and Objective: Coronavirus induced disease (COVID-19) is affecting people all around the world. The rising number of deaths due to COVID-19 is not only harassing people but also causing strong emotions in adults as well as in children due to anxiety, fear and stress. The objective of this study was to assess the fears, anxiety and stress due to COVID-19 pandemic and related issues among the apprentices at various levels in different parts of world. Methods: It was a cross sectional survey design to assess the students/trainee’s immediate psychological response during COVID-19 outbreak by using an anonymous online questionnaire. A snowball sampling technique was conducted focusing general public all around the world from 3rd April 2020 till 7th April 2020. A total of N=354 participants filled the form completely. The structured questionnaire collected information on demographic data and psychological aspect of this outbreak, including extreme fear and uncertainty. Results: A total of N = 354 participants completed the questionnaire; majority were from the age group of 21–30 years. Approximately 66.4% were females and 33.6% males. Participants from Asia were 83.6% while 9.9%, 3.4%, 2.8% and 1% from America/Canada, Europe, Africa and Australia respectively. Out of n = 354 participants 59.3% were relying on health professionals for authentic source of information regarding COVID-19 while 16.4%, 15% and 5.4% considered social media, television and World Health Organization (WHO) website respectively as their authentic guide. Out of the (n = 354) participants 80.5% were afraid about health status during COVID-19 most predominantly females (66.3%) (P = 0.000). A total of 65.8% participants felt agitated or irritated in this outbreak. Conclusion: COVID-19 lockdowns are affecting both physical and mental health of students and apprentices enrolled at different levels of education. Females are more affected and concerned to their loved ones and themselves. Working norms are being maintained and responsibilities are being fulfilled despite this grave situation.

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Segmentation of organic food buyers: an emergent market perspective

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-04-2017-0215 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 120 (2) ◽

pp. 269-289 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Almir Peštek ◽

Emir Agic ◽

Merima Cinjarevic

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Latent Class ◽

Latent Class Model ◽

Organic Food ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Content Type ◽

Segmentation Approach ◽

Food Market ◽

Organic Food Industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to obtain empirical understanding of organic food buyers in the context of emergent organic food market (i.e. Bosnia and Herzegovina) by using a segmentation approach. Design/methodology/approach A self-administrated online survey was carried out among organic food buyers (n=202) using the snowball sampling technique. Measurement items were mainly adapted from the prior studies. Findings The authors analysed the heterogeneity of organic food buyers with latent class model. Four distinct latent classes (i.e. segments) of organic food buyers were identified. Those segments were named as enthusiastic social-seekers, enthusiastic moralists, hostile seldom shoppers, and hostile heavy shoppers. Originality/value Though the study was exploratory, the identified segments of organic food buyers can enhance our knowledge about differing characteristics of organic food buyers in the context of the country where the organic food industry is in the early stages of development. The findings of this study will give organic food producers and marketers a much better framework for making product, pricing, distribution and marketing communications decision. Moreover, the identification of organic food consumer profiles will provide an insight into how policymakers should tailor their public policy and strategies to expand the size of the organic food market.

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Machiavellianism dimensions, religiosity, social environment, and tax evasion

Jurnal Ekonomi dan Bisnis ◽

10.24914/jeb.v24i1.3738 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 1-26

Author(s):

Jean Stevany Matitaputty ◽

Priyo Hari Adi

Keyword(s):

Social Environment ◽

Tax Evasion ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Positive Effect

This research aims to investigate the effects of Machiavellianism dimensions that consist of the use of manipulative tactics, cynical views, and disregard of conventional morality on tax evasion. Further, we also analyze the effects of religiosity and social environment as the variables that control Machiavellianism behavior. The population in this research are individual taxpayers, and the sampling technique used is an online survey with the snowball sampling method. The criteria used in sampling are taxpayers who are self-employed or entrepreneurs. The data is then analyzed using the univariate and multivariate General Linear Model (GLM) methods. The results show that manipulative tactics and disregard of conventional morality have positive effects on tax evasion. Meanwhile, cynical views have a negative effect on tax evasion. Further, religiosity has negative effects on the use of manipulative tactics and disregard of conventional morality. Lastly, social environment has a positive effect on cynical views but no significant effects on the use of manipulative tactics and disregard of conventional morality.

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Implementation of Standard Operating Procedure in Ophthalmic Practice during Covid 19 Era across Pakistan

Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.36351/pjo.v38i1.1307 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Uzma Taqi ◽

Erum Shahid ◽

Uzma Fasih

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Standard Operating Procedure ◽

Standard Operating Procedures ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Ocular Surgery ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Clinic Management ◽

Standard Operating ◽

Precautionary Measures

Purpose: To analyze the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) in different ophthalmic settings of Pakistan during Covid 19. Study Design: Cross sectional online survey. Place and Duration of Study: Baqai Medical University & Karachi Medical and Dental College, from 11th to 25th January 2021. Methods: This online survey included doctors working as consultants, medical officers and trainees in ophthalmology setups. A self-designed questionnaire on Google forms was sent online to see the implementation of standard operating procedures during COVID 19. Results: A total of 400 participants were selected by snowball sampling technique. A response rate was 105 (26.5%). Females were 66 (62.86%). Among all participants, 36.19% responded that they always screened patients for COVID 19 at reception. Doctors who always wore masks were 96.19%. Out of those who responded, 16.19% and 11.43% always wore protective goggles and disposable gowns respectively. Only 55.24% practiced hand sanitization, 18.10% washed hands with soap and 30.48% cleaned slit lamps after seeing each patient. Doctors who always asked for PCR before ocular surgery under general anesthesia were 65 (61.90%) and for local anesthesia were 36 (34.29%). Direct Ophthalmoscopy, tonometry, and gonioscopy were performed when necessary by 56.19%, 80.00%, 80.00% of doctors respectively. Only 69.5% were satisfied with precautionary measures. Conclusion: Clinic management needs improvement in implementing SOPs among patients in an eye OPD. Fifty percent of the ophthalmologists received PPE by their administration. Only 69.5% doctors were satisfied with precautionary measures. Key Words: COVID 19, standard operating procedures, Pakistan, Ophthalmology

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Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception towards COVID-19 Vaccination in Saudi Arabia

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph181910081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (19) ◽

pp. 10081

Author(s):

Salman Mohammed Al-Zalfawi ◽

Syed Imam Rabbani ◽

Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin Asdaq ◽

Abdulhakeem S. Alamri ◽

Walaa F. Alsanie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Saudi Population ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Serious Adverse Events ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Arabic And English

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infection that mainly affects the respiratory system of patients. To date, more than 10 million people have been affected by this virus, and Saudi Arabia has also reported over 210 million cases. At present, there is no established treatment for COVID-19. Vaccination is one of the ways to defeat the pandemic. Recent reports have indicated rare but serious adverse events after vaccination, causing an anxious response from the general public worldwide. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and perception of the COVID-19 vaccine among the Saudi population. This study is a cross-sectional, web-based online survey conducted using a snowball sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire prepared in Arabic and English was used to collect feedback from the general population on their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants (n = 2022) from different regions of the country replied to the questions. The responses to the questions were recorded on a spreadsheet and analyzed using the SPSS software. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and non-parametric tests to draw conclusions about the results. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the knowledge, attitude, and perception scores and the demographic variables. p < 0.05 was used to indicate the significance of the data. The data from the study indicated that most of the participants were males (81%), between 18 and 59 years of age (85.9%), Saudi nationals (98.3%), and possessed graduation or above as a qualification (62.9%). The results suggest that a major portion of respondents have satisfactory knowledge (76%), a positive attitude (72.4%), and perception (71.3%) towards the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Their responses can be categorized as between ‘good’ and ‘fair’. However, 30–40% of respondents lacked information about COVID-19 vaccination availability for under 18-year-olds as well as for pregnant women, in addition to the lack of knowledge about the serious unreported adverse reactions and long-term protection offered by the vaccine against coronavirus. The correlation analysis between the variables (p > 0.05) indicated that the response to the KAP domains has no direct relationship. The survey results suggest that most of the Saudi population has sound knowledge and a positive attitude and perception. Since the COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in pregnancy and above 12-year-old children by health authorities, the lack of information shown by a significant percentage of participants requires strategies to update this information. Awareness programs targeting all sections of the population must be continued to provide all the updates, including vaccinations for pregnant women and children.

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Arranging the Pieces: A Survey of Library Practices Related to a Tabletop Game Collection

Evidence Based Library and Information Practice ◽

10.18438/b84c96 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 2

Author(s):

Teresa Slobuski ◽

Diane Robson ◽

PJ Bentley

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Role Playing ◽

Collection Development ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Role Playing Games ◽

Card Games ◽

Social Settings ◽

Bibliographic Records ◽

Collectible Card Games

Abstract Objective – The purpose of this study is to explore collection development, cataloguing, processing, and circulation practices for tabletop game collections in libraries. This study used the term “tabletop games” to refer to the array of game styles that are played in real-world, social settings, such as board games, dice and card games, collectible card games, and role-playing games. Methods – An online survey regarding tabletop games in libraries was developed with input from academic, public, and school librarians. Participants were recruited utilizing a snowball sampling technique involving electronic outlets and discussion lists used by librarians in school, public, and academic libraries. Results – One hundred nineteen libraries answered the survey. The results show that tabletop games have a presence in libraries, but practices vary in regard to collection development, cataloguing, processing, and circulation. Conclusion – Results indicate that libraries are somewhat fragmented in their procedures for tabletop collections. Libraries can benefit from better understanding how others acquire, process, and use these collections. Although they are different to other library collections, tabletop games do not suffer from extensive loss and bibliographic records are becoming more available. Best practices and guidance are still needed to fully integrate games into libraries and to help librarians feel comfortable piloting their own tabletop collections.

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A Sociological Portrait of the Animal Welfare Movement in Russia

REGIONOLOGY ◽

10.15507/2413-1407.110.028.202001.184-199 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 184-199

Author(s):

Sergey V. Polutin ◽

Elena A. Samoilova

Keyword(s):

Civil Society ◽

Animal Welfare ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Number Of Factors ◽

The Social ◽

Sociological Studies

Introduction. Promotion of volunteerism plays an important role in the formation of civil society in Russia. The animal welfare movement is one of the areas of such socially significant activities. Studies in this field are of relevance and practical significance, since the development of the animal welfare movement is a kind of social marker of the moral state of society. The study is aimed at identifying the organizational forms of the animal welfare movement in Russia as well as the motivation for people to participate in this activity, and at drawing up a sociological portrait of the Russian animal welfare activist. Materials and Methods. The article presents the results of two sociological studies: a survey of animal welfare activists (2017) done using the method of informal guided (semi-structured) interviews and an online survey of members of animal welfare groups on social networks (2019) conducted using ‘snowball sampling’ technique. Results. A portrait of a typical representative of the animal welfare movement in Russia has been done. The main achievements and problems of the animal welfare movement in Russia have been identified. The social composition of the animal welfare movement has been revealed as well as the activists’ motivation for participation in volunteering. An assessment of the level of development of the animal welfare in Russia as a whole and in the home regions of the animal welfare activists has been presented. Discussion and Conclusion. The animal welfare movement is represented at the regional and federal levels, the degree of its development being a certain marker of the state of public morality and the level of maturity of civil society. However, the effectiveness of animal welfare activities is constrained by a number of factors: legal, organizational, financial, and informational ones. Overcoming these barriers depends on a sustainable dialogue between the authorities and civil society, especially at the regional level. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of using its results by the authorities and volunteer movements for the implementation of civil initiatives and their legislative support at the federal and regional levels.

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Students’ Experiences, Reactions and Opinions on Bullying at Esperanza National High School, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat, Region XII, Philippines

Randwick International of Education and Linguistics Science Journal ◽

10.47175/rielsj.v2i2.257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 171-182

Author(s):

Rodalyn O. Lapada ◽

Elmar S. Lapada

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

School Environment ◽

Personal Development ◽

Online Survey ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Survey Questionnaire ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Descriptive Research ◽

The People ◽

Occasional Occurrence

This study was conducted to determine students’ experiences, reactions and opinions on bullying. It used a descriptive research design wherein students’ experiences, reactions and opinions were gathered through survey questionnaires. Purposive sampling technique was employed using snowball sampling technique. Online survey questionnaire was sent to the selected students via messenger. These students forwarded the online survey questionnaire to those students who they thought potential respondents of the study via messenger too. Finding revealed that Esperanza National High School has maintained a healthy school environment suited to the different types of learners since the bullying was less evident in the school. Occasional occurrence of bullying in the school prompted the students to rarely report the incidence to the concerned people. Students very seldom experienced the bullying from the people they frequently engaged and communicated. They normally responded to the minor incidence of bullying they experienced from the school or at home. They believed that bullying has a less extent of effect on their personal development. It is, indeed, recommended that Esperanza National High School should sustain building a positive school environment and should maintain the zero tolerance of any bullying incidence in the school.

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