scholarly journals Applying Behavioral Science in Combating COVID-19 at the Workplace: A Narrative Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dzifa Francis Ahadzi ◽  
Hattie-Mary Owusu ◽  
John Ekow Otoo ◽  
Emily Esenam Akumah
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Hand Disinfection ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Responsible Behavior ◽  
Respiratory Hygiene

In the absence of a vaccine, the adoption of responsible behavior is critical to the fight against COVID-19. Practicing preventive etiquettes such as hand washing, hand disinfection, wearing a face mask, practicing physical distancing, disinfection of surfaces and objects can help curb the transmission of the virus at the workplace. This paper focuses on interventions and behaviors required to curb the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces. We undertook a detailed multi-disciplinary literature search on the following topics: hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, physical distancing, quarantine and isolation, disinfection of objects and surfaces, behavior change, and health crisis communication. We identified interventions that are effective for preventing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) at workplaces. These findings present very useful non-clinical interventions for preventing COVID-19 in the work environment.

scholarly journals Using Behavioral Science to help fight the Coronavirus

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter D. Lunn ◽  
Cameron A. Belton ◽  
Ciarán Lavin ◽  
Féidhlim P. McGowan ◽  
Shane Timmons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Behavioral Science ◽  
Social Supports ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Individual Actions

This rapid, narrative review summarizes useful evidence from behavioral science for fighting the COVID-19 outbreak. We undertook an extensive, multi-disciplinary literature search covering five issues: handwashing, face touching, self-isolation, public-spirited behavior, and responses to crisis communication. The search identified more than 100 relevant papers. We find effective behavioral interventions to increase handwashing, but not to reduce face touching. Social supports and behavioral plans can reduce the negative psychological effects of isolation, potentially reducing the disincentive to isolate. Public-spirited behavior is more likely with frequent communication of what is “best for all”, strong group identity, and social disapproval of noncompliance. Effective crisis communication involves speed, honesty, credibility, empathy, and promoting useful individual actions. Risks are probably best communicated through numbers, with ranges to describe uncertainty – simply stating a maximum may bias public perception. The findings aim to be useful not only for government and public health authorities, but for organizations and communities.

scholarly journals How Hemodialysis Patients Perceive the SARS-CoV-2 Health Crisis: Lessons from Austria

Kidney360 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (10) ◽  
pp. 1075-1080
Author(s):  
Tamara Davidovic ◽  
Hannelore Sprenger-Mähr ◽  
Armin Abbassi-Nik ◽  
Emanuel Zitt ◽  
Karl Lhotta
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hand Disinfection ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Dialysis Treatment ◽  
Patient Transport ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Financial Consequences ◽  
Almost All

BackgroundThe ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic forced many countries to implement strict and unprecedented precautions to stop the spread of the virus. On top of these measures, hemodialysis units have adopted their own rules to protect wards and patients from infection with SARS-CoV-2. Despite the rapidly growing knowledge on epidemiology, virology, and clinical disease, little is known about how these measures are perceived by patients themselves on hemodialysis.MethodsThe study was performed in the three hemodialysis units in Vorarlberg, Austria’s westernmost state. A questionnaire was developed consisting of 22 questions on patients’ perceptions of the COVID-19 crisis and their feelings about the general precautions and specific steps implemented on dialysis wards. All adult patients were asked to fill out the questionnaire anonymously.ResultsOf 202 patients on hemodialysis, 148 completed the questionnaire (66.9% men, mean age 68.3±13.3 years). The vast majority (83.1%) were worried by the COVID-19 crisis, but only 28.4% reported a negative effect on emotional well-being. Daily life was most affected by the general ban on visitors (58.6%) and home confinement (35.9%). Of the patients, 64.2% feared contracting COVID-19, 30.7% were afraid of financial consequences, and 14.6% were afraid of loneliness and isolation. The safety measures on dialysis wards were classified as adequate by 97.3% of the respondents. Of the patients, 78.2% felt safe during dialysis treatment. All dialysis-specific precautions (individual patient transport, health check, hand disinfection, wearing a face mask, and physical distancing) were rated important or very important by almost all patients. To date, none of the patients have acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection.ConclusionsAlthough the SARS-CoV-2 crisis brought worry to and affected the lives of most patients on hemodialysis, its effect on their emotional well-being was moderate. Patients felt safe on dialysis wards, and acceptance of specific precautions was high.

scholarly journals Updated overview on the interplay between obesity and COVID-19

Diagnosis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diletta Onorato ◽  
Giovanni Carpenè ◽  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Mairi Pucci
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Keywords Obesity ◽  
Negative Prognostic Factor ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe worldwide spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generated a global health crisis and more than a million deaths so far. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 are increasingly reported, along with its potential relationship with overweight and/or obesity. Therefore, we aim here to review the current scientific literature on the impact of overweight and/or obesity among hospitalized patients who have developed severe or critical forms of COVID-19. Following PRISMA guidelines, our literature search identified over 300 scientific articles using the keywords “obesity” and “COVID-19”, 22 of which were finally selected for reporting useful information on the association between overweight/obesity and disease severity. In particular, in 11 out of the 14 studies (79%) which evaluated the association between obesity and disease severity providing also a risk estimate (i.e., the odd ratio; OR), the OR value was constantly >2. Although the studies were found to be heterogeneous in terms of design, population, sample size and endpoints, in most cases a significant association was found between obesity and the risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 illness, intensive care unit admission and/or death. We can hence conclude that an increased body mass index shall be considered a negative prognostic factor in patients with COVID-19, and more aggressive prevention or treatment shall hence be reserved to overweight and/or obese patients.

scholarly journals Do they really wash their hands? Prevalence estimates for personal hygiene behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic based on indirect questions

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Mieth ◽  
Maike M. Mayer ◽  
Adrian Hoffmann ◽  
Axel Buchner ◽  
Raoul Bell
Keyword(s):  
Social Desirability ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Personal Hygiene ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Hygiene Practices ◽  
Hygiene Measures ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
Crosswise Model

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of people have to change their behaviours to slow down the spreading of the virus. Protective measures include self-isolation, social (physical) distancing and compliance with personal hygiene rules, particularly regular and thorough hand washing. Prevalence estimates for the compliance with the COVID-19 measures are often based on direct self-reports. However, during a health crisis there is strong public pressure to comply with health and safety regulations so that people’s responding in direct self-reports may be seriously compromised by social desirability. Methods In an online survey, an indirect questioning technique was used to test whether the prevalence of hygiene practices may be lower than in conventional surveys when confidentiality of responding is guaranteed. The Extended Crosswise Model is an indirect questioning technique that guarantees the confidentiality of responding. To the degree that direct self-reports are biased by social desirability, prevalence estimates of hygiene practices such as thorough hand washing based on the Extended Crosswise Model should be lower than those based on direct self-reports. Results We analysed data of 1434 participants. In the direct questioning group 94.5% of the participants claimed to practice proper hand hygiene; in the indirect questioning group a significantly lower estimate of only 78.1% was observed. Conclusions These results indicate that estimates of the degree of commitment to measures designed to counter the spread of the disease may be significantly inflated by social desirability in direct self-reports. Indirect questioning techniques with higher levels of confidentiality seem helpful in obtaining more realistic estimates of the degree to which people follow the recommended personal hygiene measures. More realistic estimates of compliance can help to inform and to adjust public information campaigns on COVID-19 hygiene recommendations.

Effectiveness of Infection Preventive Behaviors on COVID-19-Like Illness Symptoms During the Winter Third Wave of the Epidemic in Japan: A 2-Month Follow-up Nationwide Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 101053952110644
Author(s):  
Shoichi Shimizu ◽  
Tomohiro Ishimaru ◽  
Masako Nagata ◽  
Ayako Hino ◽  
Seiichiro Tateishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Preventive Behaviors ◽  
The Third ◽  
Room Ventilation

Although multilayered strategies including preventive behaviors should be adopted to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission, evidence on the effectiveness of preventive behaviors against COVID-19 remains limited. This Internet-based prospective cohort study collected baseline data in November 2020 and follow-up data in February 2021, during the third wave of the epidemic in Japan. Among the 19 941 included participants, the percentages reporting that they always used a face mask, practiced hand washing/disinfection, gargling, and ensuring proper room ventilation were 85.4%, 36.0%, 51.1%, and 44.6%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that less frequently practicing hand washing/disinfection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.32), gargling (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.30), and ensuring proper room ventilation (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.26-1.52) were significantly associated with self-reported COVID-19-like illness (CLI). These results suggest that personal preventive behaviors may be effective in reducing CLI, even when universal masking is practiced.

scholarly journals Protection of our Future Generation: Use of Face Masks in Children amidst COVID-19 Era

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (240) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mallika Gyawali
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

During the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) crisis, the universal use of face masks in addition to hand washing and practicing safe distancing is recommended worldwide. Children, like adults, also get infected through direct contact or airborne droplets. Face masks efficiently prevent respiratory droplet transmissions. However, asking children to wear face masks can be challenging and may have potential advantages and disadvantages. In this viewpoint, we discuss the effectiveness of face mask usage in children and its associated challenges, myths, advantages, and disadvantages.

scholarly journals The Disillusioned Comfort with COVID-19 and the Potential of Convalescent Plasma and Cell Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 096368972094071
Author(s):  
Mia C. Borlongan ◽  
Maximillian C. Borlongan ◽  
Paul R. Sanberg
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Hand Washing ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Immunomodulatory Properties ◽  
Recommended Guidelines ◽  
Potential Use

Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is highly infectious, which can lead to acute and chronic debilitating symptoms, as well as mortality. The advent of safe and effective vaccines or antiviral drugs remains distant in the future. Practical public health measures, such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a face mask, are the current recommended guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for limiting the spread of the virus. Weakened immune system and aberrant inflammation represent a major pathological symptom of COVID-19 patients. Based on the unique immunomodulatory properties of both convalescent plasma and stem cells, we discuss here their potential use for treating COVID-19.

A Framework for the Interaction of Active Audiences and Influencers on Twitter: The Case of Zika Virus

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (04) ◽  
pp. 2050032
Author(s):  
Shadi Shakeri
Keyword(s):  
Agenda Setting ◽  
Crisis Communication ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Network Community ◽  
Twitter Users ◽  
Over Time

In this paper, we investigate communication among Twitter users in the context of the 2016 Zika crisis, to understand how influencers and audiences contribute to agenda setting in health crisis communication. We analyse the content of 146,953 Zika-related tweets posted between April and September 2016 and examine how discussion topics vary by network community and user involvement over time. We argue that audiences adopt a broad view of health crisis-related issues and advocate for long-term solutions drawn from theories of active audiences and agenda-setting. Based on our observations on the Zika crisis case, we propose a framework for the dynamics in health crisis communication, which suggests a shift of discourse from a short-term perspective on specific issues to a long-term perspective on broader issues. The research contributes to the KM literature by suggesting a new method for converting individual tacit knowledge to collective explicit knowledge. Applying the framework to the coronavirus pandemic conversations can offer significant insights into the crisis.

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.

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