scholarly journals Polarized nature of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: associations with population age structure and behaviours

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junko Okumura
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Population Age Structure ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Drinking Places

Abstract Background Although the scale of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was relatively small in Japan compared with the rest of the world, the polarisation of areas into high- and low-COVID-19-incidence areas was observed among the 47 prefectures. The aims of this study were not only identifying the factors associated with the polarised COVID-19 pandemic in Japan but also discussing effective preventive measures. Methods This was an ecological study using online survey data which was cross-sectionally conducted by the author. A total of 6000 respondents who resided in 10 low- and 10 high-COVID-19 incidence prefectures, with a wide gap in terms of COVID-19 incidence, in Japan were recruited. Data on COVID-19 cases and geodemographic information were obtained from official government sites. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare variables between the two areas and age groups. Results This study revealed that that age influenced people’s behaviours and perceptions, except one behaviour of ‘wearing facemasks’. The major factors significantly associated with the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people were ‘commuting by private automobile’ (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.444; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.394–0.501), ‘commuting by public transportation’ (AOR, 6.813; 95% CI, 5.567–8.336), ‘washing hands’ (AOR, 1.233; 95% CI, 1.005–1.511), ‘opening windows regularly’ (AOR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.104–1.412), ‘avoiding crowded places (AOR, 0.757; 95% CI, 0.641–0.893), ‘non-scheduled visits to drinking places’ (AOR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.054–1.392) and ‘perceived risk of contracting COVID-19’ (AOR, 1.380; 95% CI, 1.180–1.612). These factors were strongly associated with age groups. Conclusions Effective preventive measures for COVID-19 transmission can be developed by understanding the characteristics of populated areas, such as public transportation infrastructure and younger people’s movements and behaviours in relation to the population age structure to contain the current epidemic and protect the most vulnerable elderly people.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic: Nigerians’ knowledge, perception and adherence to preventive measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oyetunde Oyeyemi ◽  
Victoria Oladoyin ◽  
Oluyemi Okunlola ◽  
Akinola Mosobalaje ◽  
Ifeoluwa Oyeyemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Correct Knowledge

Abstract Aims: One of the ways to manage the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is monitoring of public knowledge, risk perceptions, adherence to preventive measures and preparedness behaviors. This is of utmost importance in resource limited countries. This study determined the knowledge and perception about COVID-19; adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures; as well as predictors of self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among Nigerian adults.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Nigerian adults ≥ 18 years using an online survey. Participants were recruited using the authors’ social networks. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of statistical significance.Results: Generally, a high proportion of respondents had correct knowledge about COVID-19. However, only about half (49.8% and 49.9%) had correct knowledge that obesity was a risk factor for COVID-19 and that antibiotics cannot be used to treat COVID-19. Most (84.1%) did not have a self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Most (81.0%) have been avoiding crowded places and 61.3% washed their hands very often. Predictors of self-perceived risk of COVID-19 were age 40-59 years (OR 2.05, CI 1.217-3.435), ≥ 60 years (OR 4.68, CI 1.888-11.583) and visiting crowded places (OR 2.27, CI 1.499-3.448).Conclusion: Our study recommends more rigorous public health education aimed at improving COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigerian. Also, physical and social distancing should be emphasized across all age groups with additional focus on the older population.

scholarly journals Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Miriam S. Johnson ◽  
Sara Ebling ◽  
Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽  
Øyvind Halsøy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Natural Immunity ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: The present study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyses and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy. Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance towards vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials’ dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

scholarly journals Response of Saudi Population to Strict Preventive Measures against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (24) ◽  
pp. 13424
Author(s):  
Amro Bin Abdulrahman ◽  
Khalid Bin Abdulrahman ◽  
Randa Nouh
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
General Level ◽  
Saudi Population ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The Saudi ministry of health (MOH) started the preventive measures very early on before having a single case of COVID-19. There were very few studies regarding the awareness and adherence to the preventive measures against COVID-19 among the Saudi population in the literature. Objectives: The study aims to examine the awareness and commitment to the strict Saudi government preventive measures against COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeted Saudi and non-Saudi populations aged 18+ in March–April 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to explore the participant’s sociodemographic data, washing hygiene habits, the general level of awareness regarding COVID-19, and the extent to which they adhere to the government’s strict instructions. Results: Out of the 2958 participants in the survey, 23% washed their hands for between 20 and 30 s, 59.6% washed their hands after shaking hands with other people, 67.9% washed their hands after use of other’s utilities, 65.9% had appropriately followed the MOH recommended guidelines for home quarantine and social distancing. People in different age groups differed significantly on their practiced hygienic practices score p < 0.001. Respondents’ educational level had converged considerably and positively on their clean proper prevention practices score, f(2838.3) = 15.70. Conclusion: The majority of the participants adhere to the strict government instructions regarding COVID-19 as they have to obey the law. Health sector employees measured significantly greater hygienic preventive measures and precautions in comparison to other sectors. More public health efforts should increase hygienic best practice scores to achieve the best outcome.

scholarly journals Risk Perception of COVID-19 Infection and Adherence to Preventive Measures among Adolescents and Young Adults

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Xin Yu Yang ◽  
Rui Ning Gong ◽  
Samuel Sassine ◽  
Maxime Morsa ◽  
Alexandra Sonia Tchogna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Partners ◽  
Health Measures

To explore factors influencing adolescents and young adults’ (AYAs) risk perception of COVID-19 and adherence to public health measures, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey of AYAs (14–22 years old) from Quebec (Canada) recruited through school and community partners in April 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 3037 participants (mean age = 17.7 years, 74.6% female). AYAs had higher mean (standard deviation (SD)) risk perception of COVID-19 for their relatives (8.2 (1.9)) than for themselves (5.6 (2.6)) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with higher risk perception included higher disease knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11), presence of chronic disease (aOR 2.31, 95%CI 1.82–2.93) and use of immunosuppressants (aOR 2.53, 95%CI 1.67–3.87). AYAs with a higher risk perception (aOR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10) those wishing to help flatten the disease curve (aOR 1.18, 95%CI 1.12–1.25) or to protect their family/friends (aOR 1.14, 95%CI 1.05–1.24) were more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. Self-perceived risk and desire to protect others were significantly associated with adherence to preventive measures among youth. These findings may help inform public health messaging to AYAs in the current and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19: an online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Abdelrahim Osman Mohamed ◽  
Eilaf Ali Mohamed Elhassan ◽  
Abdelrahim Osman Mohamed ◽  
Awab Aldow Mohammed ◽  
Hassan Alshaikh edris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
P Value ◽  
Attitude Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Abstract Background The Novel Corona virus SARS-CoV-2 emerged to affect the human population in 2019 causing COVID-19 pandemic. The only preventive measures available are social distancing, hand washing and face masks. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of the Sudanese people towards COVID-19. Methods An online cross-sectional study targeting adult Sudanese people was conducted in April 2020. The study used a self-administered questionnaire containing 18 knowledge questions, 5 questions for attitude and six questions for practices. Social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp were utilized to disseminate the questionnaire. The total number of eligible questionnaires available for analysis by the end of the period was 987. Results The mean (±SD) age of respondents was 30.13 (±9.84) years with males representing 55.4%. The majority were university and higher education levels (95.2%), residing in Khartoum (71.7%). The mean (±SD) knowledge score of the participants was 15.33 (± 2.24) and was found to be associated with education level and age groups (p-value = 0.022, P value =0.010) respectively. The mean (±SD) attitude score was 04.15 (± 0.97) and was significantly associated with older groups and better-educated participants (p-value =0.001, p-value = 0.048) respectively. The practices related to COVID-19 preventive measures mean (±SD) was 02.58 (± 1.73) with a significant difference between age groups and area of residence. Conclusions This study showed that the participants had good knowledge and satisfactory attitude that was not similarly expressed into practice. Efforts are needed in health education and law enforcement to improve the practices among all groups with special emphasis on younger and less educated males.

scholarly journals Risk, Trust, and Flawed Assumptions: Vaccine Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Miriam S. Johnson ◽  
Sara Ebling ◽  
Ole Myklebust Amundsen ◽  
Øyvind Halsøy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Natural Immunity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated

Background: The pace at which the present pandemic and future public health crises involving viral infections are eradicated heavily depends on the availability and routine implementation of vaccines. This process is further affected by a willingness to vaccinate, embedded in the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy. The World Health Organization has listed vaccine hesitancy among the greatest threats to global health, calling for research to identify the factors associated with this phenomenon.Methods: The present cross-sectional study seeks to investigate the psychological, contextual, and sociodemographic factors associated with vaccination hesitancy in a large sample of the adult population. 4,571 Norwegian adults were recruited through an online survey between January 23 to February 2, 2021. Subgroup analyzes and multiple logistic regression was utilized to identify the covariates of vaccine hesitancy.Results: Several subgroups hesitant toward vaccination were identified, including males, rural residents, and parents with children below 18 years of age. No differences were found between natives and non-natives, across education or age groups. Individuals preferring unmonitored media platforms (e.g., information from peers, social media, online forums, and blogs) more frequently reported hesitance toward vaccination than those relying on information obtainment from source-verified platforms. Perceived risk of vaccination, belief in the superiority of natural immunity, fear concerning significant others being infected by the virus, and trust in health officials' dissemination of vaccine-related information were identified as key variables related to vaccine hesitancy.Conclusion: Given the heterogeneous range of variables associated with vaccine hesitancy, additional strategies to eradicate vaccination fears are called for aside from campaigns targeting the spread of false information. Responding to affective reactions in addition to involving other community leaders besides government and health officials present promising approaches that may aid in combating vaccination hesitation.

Consumer awareness and acceptance of irradiated foods: the case of Italian consumers

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (6) ◽  
pp. 1398-1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonino Galati ◽  
Pietro Moavero ◽  
Maria Crescimanno
Keyword(s):  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Technologies ◽  
Irradiated Foods ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Need For Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumers’ willingness to accept irradiated food and the major factors related both to socio-demographic characteristics and to the perceived risk of consumers about the assumption of foods treated with novel technologies and irradiation, in particular, affecting their behavior. Consumers’ need for information has been investigated. Design/methodology/approach An online survey, involving 392 consumers living in Italy, was carried out to respond to the aim of the study. A Probit model was performed in order to identify major factors affecting the probability to accept food treated with ionizing radiation. Findings Findings show that the acceptability of irradiated foods is mainly affected by the consumers’ perceived risk to health consequent to their consumption. Equally influent are the socio-economic characteristics such as age, monthly income and geographical area in which consumers live. Research limitations/implications This study provides some interesting suggestions both for policy makers and managers, primarily related to the need to start an effective promotion campaign aimed to familiarize the consumers about the principles, aims and benefits of irradiation technology. Originality/value Very few empirical studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the acceptability of foods products treated with ionizing radiation in Italy, where exist a growing problem related to the food loss and waste, and the need for information among consumers about the irradiated foods.

scholarly journals Rural Areas in Poland in The Context of Changes in Population Age Structure in 1996, 2001 and 2006

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 91-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Szymańska ◽  
Jadwiga Biegańska ◽  
Anna Gil
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Age Structure ◽  
Aging Index ◽  
Population Numbers ◽  
Age Structures

Rural Areas in Poland in The Context of Changes in Population Age Structure in 1996, 2001 and 2006 The article presents changes in the rural age structures in Poland as observed in the years 1996, 2001 and 2006. The changes in population numbers are analysed with respect to age groups, the aging index and the old-age rate. Regarding its spatial scope, the article covers rural areas in Poland and the basic territorial units it uses are rural communes and the rural parts of mixed rural-urban communes that altogether amount to 2,171 units (as of 2006). The obtained results are discussed in a broader context of urban as well as countrywide age structures.

The population age structure and reproductive biology of Gyrodactylus salaris Malmberg (Monogenea)

Parasitology ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. Harris ◽  
P. A. Jansen ◽  
T. A. Bakke
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Morphological Variability ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Exponential Model ◽  
Population Age Structure ◽  
Mortality Schedule ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Specific Mortality ◽  
Best Fit

SUMMARYGyrodactylus salaris has recently become a major pathogen of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in Norway. The survivorship, population age structure and pattern of insemination of G. salaris were studied to determine the extent to which this species reproduces sexually. The age-specific mortality schedule of G. salaris could be described by an exponential model but day to day variations were large, with an increase in mortality after each birth. Modelling population growth using the best fit mortality schedule indicated that, at stable age structure, 35% of the population would consist of newborn and pre-1st birth flukes. Using testis, penis and embryo development, pre-1st birth and immediately post-1st birth flukes could be unambiguously identified, and established infections were found to contain 35% pre-1st birth flukes, as predicted. The proportion of pre-1st birth flukes in newly established infections was significantly smaller, probably because of differences in the rate of transmission between newborn and older flukes. Gyrodactylus salaris is relatively long-lived, and more than 40% of the population may survive to give birth for the third time. As gyrodactylids are protogynous, and the first daughter is probably produced asexually, this long-lived strategy ensures that a large part of the G. salaris population possesses a functional male system, and that the asexually derived flukes are a smaller component of the total population in this species. Flukes with whorls of inseminated spermatozoa within the seminal receptacle were found in all age groups possessing a functional male system, and were interpreted as having been cross-inseminated. G. salaris on susceptible Norwegian salmon appears to regularly reproduce sexually, possibly accounting for its morphological variability and wide range of potential salmonid hosts.

Factors influencing travelers’ behavioral intentions to use P2P accommodation based on trading activity: Airbnb vs Couchsurfing

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Tumpal H. Aruan ◽  
Felicia Felicia
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Sharing Economy ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Trading Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accommodation Sector ◽  
Major Factors

Purpose The growth of information and communication technology and the appearance of the sharing economy have affected the market. This trend will potentially create a competitive transformation, especially in the accommodation sector. While Airbnb has become the leader in the sharing economy, more competitors are coming into the market, some with different business propositions and positioning strategies, thereby offering different points of differences (PODs). The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the factors that influence the usage of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation services for trading activity (renting vs lending), particularly between Airbnb and Couchsurfing. More specifically, this study examines the causal relationships among some major factors that influence customers’ purchase intentions, such as perceived risk, perceived value, price sensitivity and word of mouth. Design/methodology/approach A total of 400 millennial respondents – 200 for each service – who have used the respective mobile applications participated in the online survey. Using structural equation modeling, the analysis revealed that the model acts differently across the groups. Findings The results revealed that Airbnb respondents paid more attention to perceived risks when booking the accommodation, thus indicating that they are more risk-averse, whereas Couchsurfing’s users sought the perceived value that they would receive at the destination. Practical implications The findings of this study are beneficial for Airbnb and Couchsurfing in particular and players in the industry in general. Originality/value This study reveals that factors that influence the intention to use the sharing economy platform work differently based on the form of trading activities.

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