Public knowledge, beliefs, psychological responses, and behavioural changes during the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Middle East

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, believes, psychological and behavioural impact of COVID-19 on the general population in the Middle East, exploring how it impacted public lives. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was sent to a convenience sample in the Middle East through social media (Facebook and WhatsApp) between 16th of June and 30th of June 2020. The questionnaire was designed to collect the demographic, participant’s source of information regarding COVID-19, knowledge and believes about COVID-19, the psychological consequences of COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on participant’s behaviour. The final version of the questionnaire was further tested for content validity by experts in the field. Results: A total of 2,061 participants completed the survey, with the majority being females (n=1394, 67.6%), from urban areas (n=1896, 92%) and the majority were from countries of The Levant (n=1199, 58.1%), followed by the Arabian Peninsula (n=392, 19.1%), Iraq (n=300, 14.6%) and Egypt (n=138, 6.7%). Few participants (3.0%) reported to have been infected and many (n=1847, 89.6%) were committed to quarantine at home. Social media platforms were the most common sources of information (41.2%). Many (63%) believed that COVID-19 is a biological weapon and were afraid of visiting crowded places (85%). The majority avoided public facilities (86.9%) such as prayer places and believed that the news about COVID-19 made them anxious (49.5%).

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How big is your bubble? Characteristics of self-isolating household units (‘bubbles’) during the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 period in New Zealand: a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042464 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. e042464

Author(s):

Nethmi Kearns ◽

Nick Shortt ◽

Ciléin Kearns ◽

Allie Eathorne ◽

Mark Holliday ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

New Zealand ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Vulnerable People ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

The Mean ◽

Bubble Sizes

ObjectiveTo characterise the self-isolating household units (bubbles) during the COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown in New Zealand.Design, setting and participantsIn this cross-sectional study, an online survey was distributed to a convenience sample via Facebook advertising and the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand’s social media platforms and mailing list. Respondents were able to share a link to the survey via their own social media platforms and by email. Results were collected over 6 days during Alert Level 4 from respondents living in New Zealand, aged 16 years and over.Main outcomes measuresThe primary outcome was the mean size of a self-isolating household unit or bubble. Secondary outcomes included the mean number of households in each bubble, the proportion of bubbles containing essential workers and/or vulnerable people, and the mean number of times the home was left each week.Results14 876 surveys were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) bubble size was 3.58 (4.63) people, with mean (SD) number of households 1.26 (0.77). The proportion of bubbles containing one or more essential workers, or one or more vulnerable persons was 45.3% and 42.1%, respectively. The mean number of times individual bubble members left their home in the previous week was 12.9 (12.4). Bubbles that contained at least one vulnerable individual had fewer outings over the previous week compared with bubbles that did not contain a vulnerable person. The bubble sizes were similar by respondent ethnicity.ConclusionIn this New Zealand convenience sample, bubble sizes were small, mostly limited to one household, and a high proportion contained essential workers and/or vulnerable people. Understanding these characteristics from a country which achieved a low COVID-19 infection rate may help inform public health interventions during this and future pandemics.

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Survey of young people in one region of the UK on accessing COVID-19 information (SOCIAL)

BMJ Paediatrics Open ◽

10.1136/bmjpo-2020-000942 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. e000942

Author(s):

Oliver G P Lawton ◽

Sarah A Lawton ◽

Lisa Dikomitis ◽

Joanne Protheroe ◽

Joanne Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Young People ◽

Significant Role ◽

Online Survey ◽

Descriptive Statistics ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Education Gaps ◽

The Uk

COVID-19 has significantly impacted young people’s lives yet little is known about the COVID-19 related sources of information they access. We performed a cross-sectional survey of pupils (11–16 years) in North Staffordshire, UK. 408 (23%) pupils responded to an online survey emailed to them by their school. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data. Social media, accessed by 68%, played a significant role in the provision of information, despite it not being considered trustworthy. 89% felt that COVID-19 had negatively affected their education. Gaps in the provision of information on COVID-19 have been identified.

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The Influence of Friends on Teen Vaping: A Mixed-Methods Approach

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18136784 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 6784

Author(s):

Allison L. Groom ◽

Thanh-Huyen T. Vu ◽

Robyn L. Landry ◽

Anshula Kesh ◽

Joy L. Hart ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Peer Influence ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Online Survey ◽

Strong Association ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Demographic Variables ◽

Common Source ◽

Sources Of Information

Vaping is popular among adolescents. Previous research has explored sources of information and influence on youth vaping, including marketing, ads, family, peers, social media, and the internet. This research endeavors to expand understanding of peer influence. Our hypothesis is that friends’ influence on teen vapers’ first electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use varies by demographic variables and awareness of ENDS advertising. In August–October 2017, youth (n = 3174) aged 13–18 completed an online survey to quantify ENDS behaviors and attitudes and were invited to participate in follow-up online research in November-December 2017 to probe qualitative context around perceptions and motivations (n = 76). This analysis focused on the ENDS users, defined as having ever tried any ENDS product, from the survey (n = 1549) and the follow-up research (n = 39). Among survey respondents, friends were the most common source of vapers’ first ENDS product (60%). Most survey respondents tried their first ENDS product while “hanging out with friends” (54%). Among follow-up research participants, the theme of socializing was also prominent. ENDS advertising and marketing through social media had a strong association with friend networks; in fact, the odds of friends as source of the first vaping experience were 2 times higher for those who had seen ENDS ads on social media compared with other types of media. The influence of friends is particularly evident among non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics/Latinos, those living in urban areas, those living in high-income households, those with higher self-esteem, and those who experiment with vaping. These findings support the premise that peer influence is a primary social influencer and reinforcer for vaping. Being included in a popular activity appears to be a strong driving force.

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Effects of relationship types on customers’ parasocial interactions

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology ◽

10.1108/jhtt-09-2016-0053 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 133-147 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Seonjeong Ally Lee ◽

Minwoo Lee

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Online Survey ◽

Marketing Research ◽

Customer Relationships ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Relationship Types ◽

Different Types ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Parasocial Interactions

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate different types of customer relationships on customers’ interaction with the brand, based on prior social media and relationship marketing research. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was conducted to investigate the role of different types of relationships on customers’ brand-relevant responses in the context of hotel social media platforms. Findings Results identified customers’ relationships with services and brands, and how other customers influenced their parasocial interactions (PSIs). Customers’ PSIs then positively influenced their self-brand connection and their brand usage intention. Originality/value This study was the first attempt to propose a conceptual framework to explain different types of customer relationships on customers’ interactions with the brand in the context of hotel social media platforms.

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Online paediatric chronic pain management: assessing the needs of UK adolescents and parents, using a cross-sectional survey

British Journal of Pain ◽

10.1177/2049463720940341 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 204946372094034

Author(s):

Anna Hurley-Wallace ◽

Daniel E Schoth ◽

Suzanne Lilley ◽

Glyn Williams ◽

Christina Liossi

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Chronic Pain ◽

Pain Management ◽

Online Survey ◽

Interdisciplinary Treatment ◽

Future Research ◽

Chronic Pain Management ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Media Platforms

Background: Adolescent chronic pain is prevalent, and interdisciplinary treatment is recommended. Although it is well known that technology is a key part of adolescents’ daily lives, there have not been any online, interdisciplinary interventions developed for adolescents with chronic pain in a UK healthcare context. Little is known about how adolescents currently use online resources to manage chronic pain, or what guidance they seek. Methods: Ninety-five participants from the community answered this mixed-methods, online survey (adolescent n = 54, parent n = 41), which assessed the needs of UK-based adolescents for a new online chronic pain management resource. Results: Findings indicated that, at the time of the survey, adolescents frequently used social media platforms, such as Instagram, for chronic pain management. Desired techniques for a new interdisciplinary resource for adolescents included ‘advice on explaining chronic pain to others’ (86.7% of adolescents) and sleep hygiene (82.2% of adolescents), though access to a range of pain management techniques was desired. Qualitative results indicated endorsement of a new programme by adolescents and parents. Conclusions: Adolescents and parents had a positive outlook towards the development of a UK-specific online resource to help manage chronic pain. Such an intervention should aim to be made accessible via the National Health Service. Adolescent use of social media platforms to seek support for chronic pain requires further exploration in future research.

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Conspiracy beliefs and vaccination intent for COVID-19 in an infodemic

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0261559 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. e0261559

Author(s):

Ali Ghaddar ◽

Sanaa Khandaqji ◽

Zeinab Awad ◽

Rawad Kansoun

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fake News ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Viral Spread ◽

The Social ◽

Conspiracy Beliefs ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Guidelines And Recommendations

Background The massive, free and unrestricted exchange of information on the social media during the Covid-19 pandemic has set fertile grounds for fear, uncertainty and the rise of fake news related to the virus. This “viral” spread of fake news created an “infodemic” that threatened the compliance with public health guidelines and recommendations. Objective This study aims to describe the trust in social media platforms and the exposure to fake news about COVID-19 in Lebanon and to explore their association with vaccination intent. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted in Lebanon during July–August, 2020, a random sample of 1052 participants selected from a mobile-phone database responded to an anonymous structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent (response rate = 40%). The questionnaire was conducted by telephone and measured socio-demographics, sources and trust in sources of information and exposure to fake news, social media activity, perceived threat and vaccination intent. Results Results indicated that the majority of participants (82%) believed that COVID-19 is a threat and 52% had intention to vaccinate. Exposure to fake/ unverified news was high (19.7% were often and 63.8% were sometimes exposed, mainly to fake news shared through Watsapp and Facebook). Trust in certain information sources (WHO, MoPH and TV) increased while trust in others (Watsapp, Facebook) reduced vaccination intent against Covid-19. Believing in the man-made theory and the business control theory significantly reduced the likelihood of vaccination intent (Beta = 0.43; p = 0.01 and Beta = -0.29; p = 0.05) respectively. Conclusion In the context of the infodemic, understanding the role of exposure to fake news and of conspiracy believes in shaping healthy behavior is important for increasing vaccination intent and planning adequate response to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Saudi Diabetic Patients’ Beliefs and Experiences with Health Related Information from Social Media

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i45b32814 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 340-352

Author(s):

Mohammed Matar Alotaibi ◽

Abdul Bari Mohd

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Social Network ◽

Health Information ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Use Of Social Media

Introduction: Social media and acceptance of the information related to health is becoming acceptable to an extent for the public. The use of social media is rapidly growing and it is being used both by healthcare professionals and patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of social networking applications for experience and behaviour towards health information among diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross sectional study, conducted in spring of 2020 (April to May). The distribution of the survey questionnaire was done online through various social media platforms with a convenience sample of people with diabetes (n=569), Eligibility criteria were aged 18 and above, Saudis with diagnosis of diabetes and willing to give consent were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were less than 18 years old and non-Saudis and non-diabetic. Results: Analysis of online survey data indicated that WhatsApp (89.1%) was the most commonly used social network followed by Snapchat (66.3%), Instagram (40.6%), Twitter (35%), Telegram (19.5%), Tiktok (12.5%) and Facebook (10%). About 25 (4.4%) participants strongly agreed that health information from social media impact life positively. More than half 290(51%) participants agreed to apply information only from the trusted websites. Near about half 275(48.3%) disagreed that social media could invent treatment for diabetes more than believing in health institution and medicinal industries. Nearly one-fourth 141(24.8%) of participants agreed that all health information from social media is right. Almost 264 (46.4%) said that they sometimes face health information in social media. Nearly 265(46.6%) patients mentioned that they never applied themselves any information claiming treating diabetes. Conclusion: This study shows the effect of social media on diabetic patients and various responses of diabetic patients in regard of their beliefs and experience towards health information from social media. Most of the respondents agreed that they apply information obtained from social network and the same could lead to some deleterious effects on health.

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Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks: Gender Disparities and Vulnerabilities Related to Online Behaviors

10.20944/preprints202103.0498.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Elena Savoia ◽

Nigel Walsh Harriman ◽

Max Su ◽

Tyler Cote ◽

Neil Shortland

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Negative Binomial Regression ◽

Female Gender ◽

The Internet ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Online Risk ◽

Use Of Social Media

In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media – both positive and negative – on the internet. Despite the increasing number of initiatives taking place worldwide intended to assess and mitigate the online risks encountered by children and adolescents, there is still a need for a better understanding of how adolescents use the internet and what consequences they may face. We conducted a cross sectional online survey of a convenience sample of 733 8th and 9th grade students in Utah. The survey contained eight questions regarding students’ exposure to three types of online risk scenarios: content risk, contact risk, and commercial risk. Independent variables included students’ online behaviors, use of social media and private messaging apps, and adult supervision of online activities. Logistic and negative binomial regression models indicated that female gender, social media use, and chatting with strangers were associated with exposure to multiple unsafe online scenarios. Our results provide critical information to practitioners involved in the development of educational initiatives by building a profile of potentially risky online behaviors and allow them to tailor their initiatives to meet the needs of more vulnerable populations.

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Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks: Gender Disparities and Vulnerabilities Related to Online Behaviors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115786 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5786

Author(s):

Elena Savoia ◽

Nigel Walsh Harriman ◽

Max Su ◽

Tyler Cote ◽

Neil Shortland

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Negative Binomial Regression ◽

The Internet ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

9Th Grade ◽

Online Risk ◽

Use Of Social Media

In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media–both positive and negative–on the internet. Despite the increasing number of initiatives taking place worldwide intended to assess and mitigate the online risks encountered by children and adolescents, there is still a need for a better understanding of how adolescents use the internet and their susceptibility to exposure to risks in the online space. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of a convenience sample of 733 8th and 9th grade students in Utah. The survey contained eight questions regarding students’ exposure to three types of online risk scenarios: content risk, contact risk, and criminal risk. Independent variables included students’ online behaviors, use of social media and private messaging apps, and adult supervision of online activities. Logistic and negative binomial regression models indicated that gender, social media use, and chatting with strangers were associated with exposure to multiple risky online scenarios. Our results provide critical information to educators involved in the development of initiatives focusing on the reduction of youth online risk by identifying correlates of risky online events, allowing them to tailor their initiatives to meet the needs of potentially vulnerable populations.

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Social media impact in the Match: A survey of current trends in the United States

Archives of Plastic Surgery ◽

10.5999/aps.2020.00836 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 107-113

Author(s):

Thomas N. Steele ◽

Laura Galarza-Paez ◽

Gabriela Aguilo-Seara ◽

Lisa R. David

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Social Media ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Application Process ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Manual Search ◽

Social Media Platforms ◽

Residency Application

Background Applicants to integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) residency in the United States spend exorbitant amounts of time and money throughout the interview process. Outside of first-hand experience through a visiting rotation, applicants utilize various resources in learning about a program. Today’s applicants are “Millennials,” the demographic cohort raised during the information age and proficient with digital technology. The authors evaluated whether programs have a presence on social media, and whether applicants are following these accounts.Methods An online survey was sent to applicants to a single integrated plastic surgery program evaluating basic demographics, social media utilization, and sources of information accessed throughout the residency application process. A manual search of popular social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) was performed in October 2019. Accounts affiliated with integrated PRS programs were identified and analyzed.Results Eighty-four of 222 applicants (37.8%) completed the survey. Ninety-six percent of applicants were within the Millennial demographic. Ninety-six percent of applicants had some form of social media presence, with Facebook (90%) and Instagram (87%) being the most popular platforms. Seventy-three percent of applicants reported following a PRS residency social media account. As of October 2019, 59 integrated residency programs (73%) have active Instagram accounts.Conclusions Applicants still rely on the program website when researching potential residencies, but social media is being rapidly adopted by programs. Program social media accounts should be used as a dynamic form of communication to better inform applicants of program strengths and weaknesses.

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