scholarly journals Wearing a face mask against Covid-19 results in a reduction of social distancing

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243023
Author(s):  
Alice Cartaud ◽  
François Quesque ◽  
Yann Coello
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
The Other ◽  
Interpersonal Distance ◽  
Crucial Importance ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Risk Areas

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, barrier gestures such as regular hand-washing, social distancing, and wearing a face mask are highly recommended. Critically, interpersonal distance (IPD) depends on the affective dimension of social interaction, which might be affected by the current Covid-19 context. In the present internet-based experimental study, we analyzed the preferred IPD of 457 French participants when facing human-like characters that were either wearing a face mask or displaying a neutral, happy or angry facial expression. Results showed that IPD was significantly reduced when characters were wearing a face mask, as they were perceived as more trustworthy compared to the other conditions. Importantly, IPD was even more reduced in participants infected with Covid-19 or living in low-risk areas, while it was not affected by the predicted health of the characters. These findings shed further light on the psychological factors that motivate IPD adjustments, in particular when facing a collective threat. They are also of crucial importance for policy makers as they reveal that despite the indisputable value of wearing a face mask in the current pandemic context, their use should be accompanied by an emphasis on social distancing to prevent detrimental health consequences.

scholarly journals Beware of virus! Wearing a face mask against COVID-19 results in a reduction of social distancing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Cartaud ◽  
François Quesque ◽  
Yann Coello
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Interpersonal Distance ◽  
General Requirement ◽  
Risk Area ◽  
Virtual Character ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Emotional Dimensions

In the context of Covid-19 pandemic, barrier gestures such as regular hand washing, social distancing, and wearing face mask are highly recommended. Critically, interpersonal distances depend on the physical and emotional dimensions involved in social interaction, two factors that might be affected by the current Covid-19 context. In the present internet-based experimental study, we analyzed the preferred interpersonal distance of 461 participants, when facing a virtual character either wearing a face mask or displaying a neutral, happy or angry facial expression. The results showed that interpersonal distance is significantly reduced when the characters wear a face mask compared to other conditions. Importantly, it was also reduced in participants already infected with Covid-19, or living in a low-risk area. The present findings are of dramatic importance as they indicate that the general requirement to wear a mask in social contexts can have deleterious effects, interfering with social distancing recommendations.

Threat as a Determinant of Alcohol-Related Aggression

1986 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 287-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Gustafson
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Placebo Group ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Aggressive Response ◽  
The Other ◽  
Partner Aggression ◽  
Alcohol Group ◽  
Model Combining ◽  
Pure Alcohol

An experimental study was performed within a modified version of the Buss “aggression-machine” paradigm testing the hypothesis that threat will inhibit aggression in intoxicated subjects given that threat is not unavoidable. 40 males were randomly assigned to either an alcohol group, drinking .08 ml of pure alcohol per kg body weight, or a placebo group, drinking only tonic. Half of the subjects in each group were exposed to a threat and the other half to no threat. At 10 opportunities subjects could choose between a nonaggressive response or an aggressive response in the form of an electric shock given to a bogus partner. Aggression was estimated in terms of number of aggressive responses, the intensity and duration of these responses, and response latency. Results clearly confirmed the hypothesis and were discussed theoretically in a model combining pharmacological and psychological factors.

scholarly journals Exploring online search behavior for COVID-19 preventive measures: The Philippine case

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249810
Author(s):  
Adrian Galido ◽  
Jerina Jean Ecleo ◽  
Atina Husnayain ◽  
Emily Chia-Yu Su
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Disease Outbreak ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Google Trends ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Public ◽  
Hand Sanitizer ◽  
Search Terms

Public health agencies have suggested nonpharmaceutical interventions to curb the spread of the COVID-19 infections. The study intended to explore the information-seeking behavior and information needs on preventive measures for COVID-19 in the Philippine context. The search interests and related queries for COVID-19 terms and each of the preventive measures for the period from December 31, 2019 to April 6, 2020 were generated from Google Trends. The search terms employed for COVID-19 were coronavirus, ncov, covid-19, covid19 and “covid 19.” The search terms of the preventive measures considered for this study included “community quarantine”, “cough etiquette”, “face mask” or facemask, “hand sanitizer”, handwashing or “hand washing” and “social distancing.” Spearman’s correlation was employed between the new daily COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 terms and the different preventive measures. The relative search volume for the coronavirus disease showed an increase up to the pronouncement of the country’s first case of COVID-19. An uptrend was also evident after the country’s first local transmission was confirmed. A strong positive correlation (rs = .788, p < .001) was observed between the new daily cases and search interests for COVID-19. The search interests for the different measures and the new daily cases were also positively correlated. Similarly, the search interests for the different measures and the COVID-19 terms were all positively correlated. The search interests for “face mask” or facemask, “hand sanitizer” and handwashing or “hand washing” were more correlated with the search interest for COVID-19 than with the number of new daily COVID-19 cases. The search interests for “cough etiquette”, “social distancing” and “community quarantine” were more correlated with the number of new daily COVID-19 cases than with the search interest for COVID-19. The public sought for additional details such as type, directions for proper use, and where to purchase as well as do-it-yourself alternatives for personal protective items. Personal protective or community measures were expected to be accompanied with definitions and guidelines as well as be available in translated versions. Google Trends could be a viable option to monitor and address the information needs of the public during a disease outbreak. Capturing and analyzing the search interests of the public could support the design and timely delivery of appropriate information essential to drive preventive measures during a disease outbreak.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Prevalence of Self-care Practices among the Future Physicians: A Bangladesh Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatema Johora ◽  
Asma Akter Abbasy ◽  
Fatiha Tasmin Jeenia ◽  
Mithun Chandra Bhowmik ◽  
Mohsena Aktar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Study Results

Background: Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has garnered global attention due to its rapid transmission, which has infected more than twenty nine million people worldwide. World is facing enormous stress and anxiety as there is no effective medicine or vaccine to treat or prevent COVID-19 till date. Experts are recommending self-care like social distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand washing, using face mask to prevent corona virus infection. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to assess the prevalence of self-care practice among the undergraduate medical students (4th year) of 14 medical colleges of Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic. A structured questionnaire survey linked in the google form was used as study instrument and was distributed among study population through email, messenger, whatsapp and other social media during the month of October 2020. Total 916 students were participated in the study. Results: 79.8% of students reported self-care practice in study period. 44.98% of students went outside once in a week. 90.5%, 70.96% and 52.62% of respondents always used face mask, followed 20 seconds hand washing principle and maintained social distancing. Face masks (97.8%), sanitizers (76.7%) and gloves (71.9%) are most common items purchased as protective mesures. Most of the students (76.9%) follow their hobbies as a coping strategy to overcome phychological stress, while 6% of students took professional help. Conclusion: Suboptimal practice of self-care was found among the undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic and Prevalence of Self-Care Practices among the Future Physicians: A Bangladesh Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Fatema Johora ◽  
Asma Akter Abbasy ◽  
Fatiha Tasmin Jeenia ◽  
Mithun Chandro Bhowmik ◽  
Mohsena Aktar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: Since December 2019, the Novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has garnered global attention due to its rapid transmission, which has infected more than twenty nine million people worldwide. World is facing enormous stress and anxiety as there is no effective medicine or vaccine to treat or prevent COVID-19 till date. Experts are recommending self-care like social distancing, respiratory etiquette, hand washing, using face mask to prevent corona virus infection. The aim of the study to describe the pattern of self care practice among the student of Bangladesh during COVID-19. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to assess the prevalence of self-care practice among the undergraduate medical students (4th year) of 14 medical colleges of Bangladesh during COVID-19 pandemic. A structured questionnaire survey linked in the google form was used as study instrument and was distributed among study population through email, messenger, whatsapp and other social media during the month of October 2020. Total 916 students were participated in the study. Results: 79.8% of students reported self-care practice in study period. 44.98% of students went outside once in a week. 90.5%, 70.96% and 52.62% of respondents always used face mask, followed 20 seconds hand washing principle and maintained social distancing. Face masks (97.8%), sanitizers (76.7%) and gloves (71.9%) are most common items purchased as protective mesures. Most of the students (76.9%) follow their hobbies as a coping strategy to overcome phychological stress, while 6% of students took professional help. Conclusion: Suboptimal practice of self-care was found among the undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh. Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.20 (2); July 2021; Page 22-27

scholarly journals The Relationship Between COVID-19 Infection and Risk Perception, Knowledge, Attitude As Well As Four Non-pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) During the Late Period Of The COVID-19 Epidemic In China – An Online Cross-sectional Survey of 8158 Adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Xu ◽  
Yong Gan ◽  
Daikun Zheng ◽  
Bo Wu ◽  
Xian Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
The Other ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Reduced Risk ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

AbstractBackgroundSo far, there has been no published population study on the relationship between COVID-19 infection and public’s risk perception, information source, knowledge, attitude and four non-pharmaceutical interventions(NPI: hand washing, proper coughing habits, social distancing and mask wearing) during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.MethodsAn online survey of 8158 Chinese adults between 22 February to 5 March 2020 was conducted. Bivariate associations between categorical variables were examined using Fisher exact test. We also explored the determinants of four NPIs as well as their association with COVID-19 infection using logistic regression.ResultsOf 8158 adults included, 57 (0.73%) were infected with COVID-19. The overwhelming majority of respondents showed a positive attitude (99.2%), positive risk perception (99.9%) and high knowledge levels that were among the strongest predictors of four highly adopted NPIs (hand washing:96.8%; proper coughing: 93.1%; social distancing:87.1%; mask wearing:97.9%). There was an increased risk of COVID-19 infection for those who not washing hands (2.28% vs 0.65%; RR=3.53: 95%CI: 1.53-8.15; P<0.009); not practicing proper coughing (1.79% vs 0.73%; RR=2.44: 95%CI: 1.15-5.15;P=0.026); not practicing social distancing (1.52% vs 0.58%; RR=2.63:95%CI:1.48 – 4.67; P=0.002); and not wearing a mask (7.41% vs 0.6%; RR=12.38:95%CI:5.81-26.36; P<0.001). For those who did practice all other three NPIs, wearing mask was associated with significantly reduced risk of infection compared to those who did not wear a mask (0.6% vs 16.7%; p=0.035). Similarly, for those who did not practice all or part of the other three NPIs, wearing mask was also associated with significantly reduced risk of infection. In a penalised logistic regression model including all four NPIs, wearing a mask was the only significant predictor of COVID-19 infection among four NPIs (OR=7.20; 95%CI:2.24-23.11; p<0.001).ConclusionsWe found high levels of risk perception, positive attitude, desirable knowledge as well as a high level of adopting four NPIs. The relevant knowledge, risk perception and attitude were strong predictors of adapting the four NPIs. Mask wearing, among four personal NPIs, was the most effective protective measure against COVID-19 infection with added preventive effect among those who practised all or part of the other three NPIs.

scholarly journals About the Acceptance of Wearing Face Masks in Times of a Pandemic

i-Perception ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 204166952110211
Author(s):  
Claus-Christian Carbon
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Social Group ◽  
Social Norm ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Study Participants

Wearing face masks in times of COVID-19 is one of the essential keystones for effectively decreasing the rate of new infections and thus for mitigating the negative consequences for individuals as well as for society. Acceptance of wearing masks is still low in many countries, making it extremely difficult to keep the pandemic at bay. In an experimental study, participants ( N = 88) had to assess how strange they felt when wearing a face mask while being exposed to displays of groups of varying numbers of mask wearers. Three different types of face masks were shown: simple homemade masks, FFP2 masks, and loop scarfs. The higher the frequency of people wearing masks in the displayed social group, the less strange the participants felt about themselves, an essential precondition for accepting wearing masks. This effect of a descriptive social norm was particularly effective when people saw others wearing less intrusive masks, here, simple homemade masks.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Mechanism and Its Risk Factors in England’s Cattle Farms

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3451
Author(s):  
Tabassom Sedighi ◽  
Liz Varga
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Bovine Tuberculosis ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Dynamic Bayesian Network ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Domain Experts ◽  
Actual Experience ◽  
Complex Evaluation ◽  
Risk Areas ◽  
Cattle Farms

Controlling bovine tuberculosis (bTB) disease in cattle farms in England is seen as a challenge for farmers, animal health, environment and policy-makers. The difficulty in diagnosis and controlling bTB comes from a variety of factors: the lack of an accurate diagnostic test which is higher in specificity than the currently available skin test; isolation periods for purchased cattle; and the density of active badgers, especially in high-risk areas. In this paper, to enable the complex evaluation of bTB disease, a dynamic Bayesian network (DBN) is designed with the help of domain experts and available historical data. A significant advantage of this approach is that it represents bTB as a dynamic process that evolves periodically, capturing the actual experience of testing and infection over time. Moreover, the model demonstrates the influence of particular risk factors upon the risk of bTB breakdown in cattle farms.

scholarly journals Social Distance during the COVID-19 Pandemic Reflects Perceived Rather Than Actual Risk

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5504
Author(s):  
Tina Iachini ◽  
Francesca Frassinetti ◽  
Francesco Ruotolo ◽  
Filomena Leonela Sbordone ◽  
Antonella Ferrara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Distance ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Interpersonal Distance ◽  
Actual Risk ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Environmental Events ◽  
Related Level

Interpersonal space (IPS) is the area surrounding our own bodies in which we interact comfortably with other individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping larger IPS than usual, along with wearing a face mask, is one of the most effective measures to slow down the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we explore the contribution of actual and perceived risk of contagion and anxiety levels in regulating our preferred social distance from other people during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. In this study, 1293 individuals from six Italian regions with different levels of actual risk of infection participated in an online survey assessing their perceived risk to be infected, level of anxiety and IPS. Two tasks were adopted as measures of interpersonal distance: the Interpersonal Visual Analogue Scale and a questionnaire evaluating interpersonal distance with and without face mask. The results showed that the IPS regulation was affected by how people subjectively perceived COVID-19 risk and the related level of anxiety, not by actual objective risk. This clarifies that the role of threat in prompting avoidant behaviors expressed in increased IPS does not merely reflect environmental events but rather how they are subjectively experienced and represented.

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