scholarly journals Factors impacting social distancing measures for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna Regmi ◽  
Cho Mar Lwin

Abstract Background: Social distancing measures (SDMs) protect the health of the public from coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection. However, the impact of SDMs has been inconsistent and unclear. This study aims to review the factors impacting SDMs (e.g. isolation, quarantine) for reducing the transmission of COVID-19.Methods: A systematic review was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied & Complementary Medicine, COVID-19 Research and WHO database on COVID-19 for primary studies assessing the enablers and barriers associated with SDMs, and reported in accordance with PRISMA statement. We used JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for the cross-sectional survey and Qualitative Research to assess the methodological qualities and synthesised performing thematic analysis. Two reviewers independently screened the papers and extracted data.Results: A total of 1235 citations were identified, of which 16 were found to be relevant. The studies reported in two broad categories, under seven separate themes: positive impact of SDMs, effective public health interventions, positive change in people’s behaviour, worries and concerns about COVID-19, roles of mass media, physical and psychological impacts, and ethnicity/age associated with COVID-19.Conclusion: The identified evidence signals that SDMs are generally effective for preventing or reducing transmission. There is a scope and need to find the best methods and approaches at the primary healthcare level in terms of developing objective measures and interventions to establish the link between different factors and SDMs and reducing transmission of COVID-19 trend effectively, efficiently and equitably.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Fridman ◽  
Nicole Lucas ◽  
Debra Henke ◽  
Christina K Zigler

BACKGROUND The success of behavioral interventions and policies designed to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on how well individuals are informed about both the consequences of infection and the steps that should be taken to reduce the impact of the disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate associations between public knowledge about COVID-19, adherence to social distancing, and public trust in government information sources (eg, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), private sources (eg, FOX and CNN), and social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) to inform future policies related to critical information distribution. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=1243) between April 10 and 14, 2020. Data collection was stratified by US region and other demographics to ensure representativeness of the sample. RESULTS Government information sources were the most trusted among the public. However, we observed trends in the data that suggested variations in trust by age and gender. White and older populations generally expressed higher trust in government sources, while non-White and younger populations expressed higher trust in private sources (eg, CNN) and social networks (eg, Twitter). Trust in government sources was positively associated with accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and adherence to social distancing. However, trust in private sources (eg, FOX and CNN) was negatively associated with knowledge about COVID-19. Similarly, trust in social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) was negatively associated with both knowledge and adherence to social distancing. CONCLUSIONS During pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, policy makers should carefully consider the quality of information disseminated through private sources and social networks. Furthermore, when disseminating urgent health information, a variety of information sources should be used to ensure that diverse populations have timely access to critical knowledge.


Author(s):  
Jane Turner ◽  
Dan Turner ◽  
Richard J. Riopelle ◽  
Kent Bassett-Spiers ◽  
Corinne Kagan

Objective:Injury to the brain and spinal cord is one of the most catastrophic and costly occurrences in the Ontario health system. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of past Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF) studentships and fellowships in terms of capacity building in the neurotrauma field in Ontario.Method:An online, cross sectional survey amongst past recipients of studentships and fellowships that terminated prior to July 2005. Explicit data were collected on various aspects of career development including current activity, awards and publications.Results:Thirty-six out of 42 (86%) eligible past trainees responded; 12 (33%) were Masters students, 12 (33%) were PhD students and 12 (33%) were Post-Doctoral students. A majority of the recipients (61%) are currently involved in neurotrauma-related activities (clinical, research and teaching) in more than 20% of their time, with no substantial differences between the degree groups. Half the recipients are currently involved in neurotrauma-related research in more than 20% of their time. The awardees published 1.5 peer-review manuscripts/person-year and received multiple awards. A high majority of our recipients (86%) feel that the ONF award had a substantial impact on their career.Conclusions:A high proportion of past award recipients remain involved in neurotrauma activities, especially in research. These results may lead to a cautious conclusion of the positive impact of the ONF studentships and fellowships on neurotrauma capacity building. These results should be considered in strategic planning of funding agencies similar to ONF.


Author(s):  
Jia Hui Shericia Poh ◽  
Ho Jin Chung

Fitspiration content on social media has been popularized over the last few years, with the intention to influence users to lead healthy and fit lifestyles. The present study aimed to identify the impact of fitspiration content on social media among young adult followers in Singapore. Method: Participants were 124 university students in Singapore who completed a cross-sectional survey. The survey included 16 multiple choice questions, 4 short-answer questions and 8 open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics was adopted for quantitative data and content analysis was utilized for qualitative data. The perceived impact of fitspiration content was explained through three themes: 1) Positive impact of fitspiration content on social media, 2) Negative impact of fitspiration content on social media, and 3) Perceived impact of social media on self.  Three other themes were also developed for understanding the conditions influenced by fitspiration content on social media: 1) Evaluation and satisfaction with one’s fitness journey, 2) Motivational levels of participants, and 3) Diet restrictions. Results showed that positive impact were experienced by the majority of the participants, whereas some participants experienced negative impacts. It was concluded that fitspiration content on social media does inspire users to become a better version of themselves both physically and mentally. However, it is also dependent on the perceptions of the users and the extent to which they allowed such content to influence them.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-154
Author(s):  
Musa Abdullahi Sakanko ◽  
Joseph David

This study employs the cross sectional survey research design and the descriptive and ordinary least square regressions to examine the impact of Electronic-Payment Systems on the financial performance of Microfinance Banks and Institutions in Niger state, Nigeria. The results of the analysis indicate the presence of e-payment systems  in the bank, which enjoys impressive acceptability, due to its ease of use and convenience. In addition, ATM facility, Internet payment options, e-payment cards, and mobile banking platforms shows a significant positive impact on the financial performance of COE-Minna microfinance bank. In essence, the improvement and review of e-payment platforms’ security, so as to attract more users, coupled with the reduction of charges associated with the use of the platforms as well as sensitization of potential users were recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 78-87
Author(s):  
Khaleel I. Alyahya ◽  

The study aimed to assess the impact of awareness of citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia toward the home isolation and social distancing during lockdown that might decrease the outbreak of COVID-19, to measure the importance of social behavior to maintain the constant decline of COVID-19 cases and to determine if there is a difference in the level of awareness and behavior between citizens and residents in Saudi Arabia toward the governmental measures during the pandemic. We have adopted a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the impact of Saudi lockdown on blockade COVID-19 by using an anonymous online questionnaire. The targeted population of the study was Saudi citizens and non-Saudi residents of different ages. The collected data were entered into Microsoft Excel (version 2011) and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. The Chi-square test with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to examine significant associations between the socio-demographic characteristic of participants, their awareness, and their behavior towards the COVOD-19 pandemic. AP value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The total number of the current study participants was 1168. The majority (70.50%) were married males with children (73.50%). Three-quarters of the participants were equally distributed between the age groups of 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years old. Almost all (90.90%) of the participants have received higher education, 73.60% living in the central region, and in large and crowded cities (75.30%). More than half (58.50%) of the Saudi respondents know about the coronavirus from media sources, while for the non-Saudis, 54.50% are well informed regarding the virus. The results of the current study revealed that the majority of the population in the country believe in home isolation and social distancing for the COVID-19 blockade. Additionally, they also consider non-compliance to these measures as one the main factor for the disease outbreak. Most of the participants were committed to home isolation, social distancing, and personal protective measures including wearing masks, gloves, and avoiding face contact.


Author(s):  
M. Ammar Luthfi Kurniawan ◽  
Litania Leona Hidayat ◽  
Jihan Natra Shafira ◽  
Iche Andriyani Liberty

Social distancing includes strategies to ban public gatherings and advise individuals to stay at their home or maintain distance to one another by at least 1-2 meters. This study aims to intend to assess all the available evidence of social distancing in decreasing COVID-19 transmission in the general population. We conducted an electronic search of published literature using MEDLINE/Pubmed, Science direct, PMC, Wiley, and Google Scholar and we use Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist to assess methodological qualities. A total of 7 articles were decided to be included in this study. Social distancing has curb down the number and saved approximately 10 thousand Brazilian lives. A study by VoPham et al on the association of social distancing and COVID-19 incidence found higher social distancing was associated with a 29% reduction of COVID-19 incidence (adjusted IRR 0.71;95% CI (0,57-0,87) and 35% reduction of COVID-19 mortality (adjusted IRR 0,65; 95% CI 0,55-0,76). Social distancing is one of the major policies implemented for long-term behavioral adjustment in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Passive social distancing is not enough to drag down the number, there needs to be large scale testing, isolation, and contact tracing. However, we believe we have illuminated the impact of social distancing on the COVID-19 pandemic and add to the available literature the basis of social distancing in reducing transmission of COVID-19.


10.2196/22060 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e22060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Fridman ◽  
Nicole Lucas ◽  
Debra Henke ◽  
Christina K Zigler

Background The success of behavioral interventions and policies designed to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on how well individuals are informed about both the consequences of infection and the steps that should be taken to reduce the impact of the disease. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate associations between public knowledge about COVID-19, adherence to social distancing, and public trust in government information sources (eg, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), private sources (eg, FOX and CNN), and social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) to inform future policies related to critical information distribution. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=1243) between April 10 and 14, 2020. Data collection was stratified by US region and other demographics to ensure representativeness of the sample. Results Government information sources were the most trusted among the public. However, we observed trends in the data that suggested variations in trust by age and gender. White and older populations generally expressed higher trust in government sources, while non-White and younger populations expressed higher trust in private sources (eg, CNN) and social networks (eg, Twitter). Trust in government sources was positively associated with accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and adherence to social distancing. However, trust in private sources (eg, FOX and CNN) was negatively associated with knowledge about COVID-19. Similarly, trust in social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) was negatively associated with both knowledge and adherence to social distancing. Conclusions During pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, policy makers should carefully consider the quality of information disseminated through private sources and social networks. Furthermore, when disseminating urgent health information, a variety of information sources should be used to ensure that diverse populations have timely access to critical knowledge.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Christine Murray ◽  
Alexandra Lay ◽  
Brittany Wyche ◽  
Catherine Johnson

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the perspectives held by professionals affiliated with an FJC through a cross-sectional survey. The family justice center (FJC) model is expanding rapidly in the USA and internationally. Despite the rapid growth of the FJC movement, there is a need for more research to document the impact of FJCs on victims and survivors, professionals working in FJCs and the broader community. Design/methodology/approach The current paper focuses on perspectives of professionals who serve victims of family and interpersonal violence and it includes the results of a four-year, cross-sectional survey of professionals working in a community that established an FJC. Data analyzes examined differences in perspectives of professionals based on timing (i.e. from before an FJC was established to the time when the center was in operation for three years) and based on whether professionals worked primarily onsite at the FJC location. Findings The findings demonstrated that although some statistically significant differences were identified that suggest a positive impact of an FJC for professionals, more research is needed to further explore how professionals’ perspectives and experiences are impacted through the establishment of an FJC. Originality/value This study is the first-known cross-sectional examination of the perspectives of professionals working within an FJC model over a multi-year period.


Author(s):  
Emma Nicholson ◽  
Thérése McDonnell ◽  
Ciara Conlon ◽  
Michael Barrett ◽  
Fergal Cummins ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hospital avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported with a significant decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations with potential increased morbidity and mortality outcomes. The present study sought to understand parents’ experiences of healthcare during the initial public health stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 (N = 1044). The survey collected demographic information to profile parents and children, capture relevant health information such as pre-existing conditions and/or chronic illness or disability, and health service usage during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. Results23% of parents stated that they were much more hesitant to access health services upon implementation of the initial public health restrictions. Parents with a higher perception of risk of their children contracting COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =33.8618, p< 0.000), and stronger levels of concern regarding the effects of COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =23.9189, p< 0.000) were more likely to be hesitant. Stress also appeared to be a factor in hesitancy with higher than normal stress levels significantly associated with hesitancy (RRR= 2.31, CI: 1.54 - 3.47), while those with severe/extremely severe stress were over three times more likely to be hesitant (RRR:3.37, CI:1.81 - 6.27). Approximately one third of the sample required healthcare for their children during the public health restrictions to delay the spread of COVID-19, however, one in five of these parents avoided accessing such healthcare when needed. Of those that required healthcare, parents who avoided were more likely to report that the services were needed more by others (χ2 (1) 20.3470, p<0.000). Those who felt that the government advice was to stay away from health services were 1.7 times more likely to be much more hesitant (RRR:1.71, CI; 1.10 – 2.67).ConclusionThe misinterpretation of government public health advice, stress and the perception of risk each contributed to parental avoidance of or hesitancy to utilize healthcare services during the public health measures imposed to combat COVID-19.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-57
Author(s):  
Ronny Kountor

The aim of this study is to examine the structural model used in explaining the impact of fun activities in changing a person’s behavior toward that activity. This is a cross-sectional survey of 116 respondents that made used of two-step structural equation modeling with maximum likelihood estimation. There is a significant positive impact of attitude toward fun and fun activities, there is significant impact of fun activities and behaviors. However, there is no direct effect of attitude on fun and behavior. Fun activities affect role perception. However, role perception does not affect behavior. The finding of this study may have a significant contribution to those who intent to attract people in participating for an activity which previously they are not interested in, or in creating more attention for an activity.


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