Knowledge and perception of COVID-19 in Mexico through online surveys: a descriptive and cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalina García-Vielma ◽  
Teresa Carolina Villarreal-Benavides ◽  
Mario Ernesto Villarreal-Benavides
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mexican Population ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
The Media

BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has a great impact on the Mexican population. People have different perceptions and reactions to an event of such magnitude. This can be investigated by applying online surveys distributed by social networks that guarantee high response rates and results in short time OBJECTIVE Inquire about knowledge and perception of the COVID 19 pandemic in Mexico METHODS Descriptive and cross-sectional study. The data was collected through an online survey with personal data and general knowledge of virus and disease, economic and social aspects, and news images and related with emotions perceived by the population. Was distributed by social networks Facebook© and WhatsApp© from April 5th-9th, 2020, during phase 2 of pandemic in Mexico. The participation was voluntary, anonymous and confidential. A percentage of all results were determined. RESULTS 2798 responses were analyzed. 99.9% answered the survey. The main data were: age 21-40 years (51%), gender: female (81%), almost 100% recognized the transmission and symptoms of COVID-19. 99% implement washes hands. 74.9% enjoy "good" health status, however, 50% suffer chronic diseases. The predominant state of mind was concern. Conclusion: Social media and online surveys could be an important tool to investigate knowledge and perceptions among the population. Our results could help society in general; health authorities and the media, to know the perceptions and needs of the Mexican population during the pandemic and take preventive measures, especially due to the high percentage of people with chronic diseases that could complicate the prognosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS The use of online surveys allows quick results to be obtained from the knowledge of a population on a particular topic. In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic is a problem perceived with concern. Part of this could be real, due to the country's resources, and the presence of chronic diseases in a large percentage of the Mexican population. On the other hand, there is a large amount of fake news in various media, which increases this. Actions by government and society to reduce these levels of worry and anxiety could save many lives. We consider that the results of this descriptive study could be useful for health authorities, medical personnel, the media and the general population, to know the perception of Mexican inhabitants about COVID-19 and save data on measurements and patterns that can be applied in the future for other disease outbreaks.

scholarly journals COVID19 vaccination choice among Iraqi students at Al-Zahraa University for women

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1015
Author(s):  
Hassan Hadi Al Kazzaz
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Students ◽  
Rate Data ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
The Media

Background: COVID19 vaccine rejection is a global issue that most developing countries face. A study of COVID-19 vaccine preference among Al-Zahraa University female students will pave the way to resolving the issue of vaccine rejection among students. Students' preferences and refusals of the COVID19 vaccine were evaluated to determine the reasons for their decisions.  Methods: This study involved 198 students from Al-Zahraa University for women. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, to find out which Health and Medical Technology students preferred the COVID19 vaccine. Tests based on statistics made use of frequency and rate data.  Results: Most students (95%) were over the age of 19. The COVID-19 vaccine was rejected by 138 people (70.4%).  A total of 43 students (28.5%) believed that the COVID19 vaccine may not be completely safe. 49.3% of students were not aware of the differences between the various types of vaccines.  Pfizer was the most preferred by 64 (34.8%), AstraZeneca by 17 (9.2%), and Chinse-Sinovac by only 11 (6%). 20 students (16.4%) believed that with the vaccine they could return to life as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 vaccine acceptance among Al-Zahara University students may be low in part because of myths, and partly because of the fear of side-effects associated with the vaccine.  Conclusion:  Information about COVID-19 vaccines should be transparently communicated to the media by health authorities to help the public make informed decisions.

Self-medication and the “infodemic” during mandatory preventive isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. v1

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Machado Alba
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Supply And Demand ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Self Medication ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Systematic Data Collection

Aim: Quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic altered the supply and demand of health services. This, together with the “infodemic” and generalized panic, could alter the patterns of self-medication in the population. The objective was tocharacterize the patterns of self-medication in four municipalities of Colombia during mandatory preventive isolation in 2020. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study done in the municipality of Pereira and its metropolitan area during mandatory national preventive isolation between June and September 2020. A sample of 397 adults who responded to an online survey, based on the Instrument for Systematic Data Collection for Self-medication (Instrumento de Recolección Sistemática de Datos para la Automedicación - IRIS-AM), was obtained. The use of social networks (including WhatsApp) as the source of information about medications was explored. Results: The 397 people surveyed had a median age of 31.0 years, and 58.2% were women. The prevalence of self-medication during lockdown was 34.3% (n=136). Medications targeting the nervous system (n=117; 86.0% of those participants with self-medication) and the musculoskeletal system (n=68; 50.0%) were the most commonly used. Ten (7.4%) of the self-medicated patients reported doing so to prevent COVID-19, and 15 (11.0%) named social networks as the source of information. Conclusions: More than one-third of the participants reported self-medication during COVID-19 lockdown, mainly with analgesic-type nervous system medications. People who reported self-medication to prevent COVID-19 often got their information from social networks, the internet, and WhatsApp.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study On The Acceptance Of COVID-19 Vaccine

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adetayo Olaniyi Adeniran ◽  
Oluwadamisi Tayo-Ladega ◽  
Taye Mohammed Abdullahi
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccine Acceptance ◽  
The Media ◽  
The Developed Countries

Abstract Background Studies on the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and the perception of COVID-19 were most prevalent in the developed countries while scarcity of such studies in developing countries and Nigeria in particular. Because the level of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and the perception of COVID-19 differs among citizens of different countries, this study examines the acceptance of Nigerians to the usage of the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted, with the use of an e-questionnaire which was administered to respondents (Nigerians) in a form of an online survey with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Logistic regression analysis was employed to achieve the study. Conclusions The Nigerian public COVID-19 vaccines acceptance was fairly low in Nigeria. The educated male respondents are most likely to accept the usage of the vaccine. Similarly, respondents who believed that vaccines are generally safe and those who were willing to pay for vaccines, after becoming widespread, were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccines. However, those above 35 years old and respondents who are employed were not likely to accept the vaccines except been mandated by the employers. Moreover, respondents that believed in the rumors surrounding the dynamics of COVID-19 as well as those that do not have assurance in any source of information regarding COVID-19 vaccines, may not accept the usage of the vaccine. This study found that the most reliable sources of information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines were reports from the media and reports from healthcare providers.

scholarly journals Knowledge of non-healthcare individuals towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reema M. Alhussein ◽  
Mansoor M. Albarrak ◽  
Abdulaziz A. Alrabiah ◽  
Nawfal A. Aljerian ◽  
Hashim M. Bin Salleeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Riyadh City ◽  
Resuscitation Training ◽  
The Media

Abstract Background Most sudden cardiac arrests occur at home, with low rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation being performed. We aimed to assess knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among individuals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, who are not involved in health care. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2020 in 4 different areas in Riyadh City: North, South, East, and West. The participants were surveyed using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 was used for inferential statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 856 participants completed the questionnaire, 51.8% were unaware of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Only 4.4% of the participants had attended a formal cardiopulmonary resuscitation training course, 5.1% were campaign attendees, and 38.7% acquired their experience through the media. Having a higher level of education was positively associated with having knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The main concern among attendees of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training courses and campaigns was legal issues, whereas inadequate knowledge was the major barrier for those who had learned about cardiopulmonary resuscitation through the media. Conclusion The level of knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among non-health care individuals in Riyadh City was found to be insufficient. Therefore, coordinated efforts among different authorities should be considered to implement a structured strategy aiming to increase awareness and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among non-health care individuals.

scholarly journals Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6234
Author(s):  
Christina Brogårdh ◽  
Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽  
Frida Eek ◽  
Kjerstin Stigmar ◽  
Ingrid Lindgren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Life Domains ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

scholarly journals Sexual health norms and communication patterns within the close social networks of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru: a 2017 cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amrita Ayer ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
Amaya Perez-Brumer ◽  
Susan Chavez-Gomez ◽  
Rosario Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Trans Women ◽  
Sex With Men

Abstract Background Social networks, norms, and discussions about sexual health may inform sexual practices, influencing risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. To better understand social networks of Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (trans women), we examined key social network members (SNMs), participant perceptions of these network members’ opinions toward sexual health behaviors, and associations between network member characteristics and condomless anal intercourse (CAI). Methods In a 2017 cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 565 MSM and trans women with HIV-negative or unknown serostatus was asked to identify three close SNMs; describe discussions about HIV and STI prevention with each; and report perceived opinions of condom use, HIV/STI testing, and partner notification of STIs. Generalized estimating equations evaluated relationships between SNM characteristics, opinions, and discussions and participant-reported CAI. Results Among participants who identified as MSM, 42.3% of key SNMs were perceived to identify as gay. MSM “never” discussed HIV and STI prevention concerns with 42.4% of heterosexual SNMs, but discussed them “at least once weekly” with 16.9 and 16.6% of gay- and bisexual- identifying SNMs, respectively. Among participants who identified as trans women, 28.2% of key SNMs were perceived as heterosexual; 25.9%, as bisexual; 24.7%, as transgender; and 21.2%, as gay. Trans women discussed HIV/STI prevention least with cis-gender heterosexual network members (40.2% “never”) and most with transgender network members (27.1% “at least once weekly”). Participants perceived most of their close social network to be completely in favor of condom use (71.2% MSM SNMs, 61.5% trans women SNMs) and HIV/STI testing (73.1% MSM SNMs, 75.6% trans women SNMs), but described less support for partner STI notification (33.4% MSM SNMs, 37.4% trans women SNMs). Most participants reported CAI with at least one of their past three sexual partners (77.5% MSM, 62.8% trans women). SNM characteristics were not significantly associated with participant-reported frequency of CAI. Conclusions Findings compare social support, perceived social norms, and discussion patterns of Peruvian MSM and trans women, offering insight into social contexts and sexual behaviors. Trial registration The parent study from which this analysis was derived was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03010020) on January 4, 2017.

Evaluating the Association Between Artificial Sweetener Intake and Indicators of Stress and Anxiety

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110221
Author(s):  
Benjamin Miller ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Reduction ◽  
Artificial Sweetener ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Frequency ◽  
Very High

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between non-nutritive sweetener (NNS) consumption and stress and anxiety, among a sample of college students. Two-hundred and twenty-seven students from a large mid-western university participated in this cross-sectional study. Students completed an online survey that evaluated NNS using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Stress and anxiety were evaluated using previously validated instruments. Most students reported very low/low/average concern for stress (63.9%), and had low/moderate anxiety (82.3%). Participants experiencing high and very high levels of stress had significantly higher NNS consumption compared to those with a very low and low risk, and concern for stress ( p < .046; d = 0.28). There was no difference however for NNS intake and anxiety. Reduction of artificial sweetener intake may be associated with stress levels among college students. However, more research is needed to examine any causal relationship between artificial sweetener intake and stress.

scholarly journals Dissociation, Cognitive Reflection and Health Literacy Have a Modest Effect on Belief in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5065
Author(s):  
Vojtech Pisl ◽  
Jan Volavka ◽  
Edita Chvojkova ◽  
Katerina Cechova ◽  
Gabriela Kavalirova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Cognitive Reflection ◽  
Variance Explained ◽  
Modest Effect

Understanding the predictors of belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories and willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how psychological and cognitive characteristics influence general conspiracy mentality and COVID-related conspiracy theories. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using multivariate linear regression and mediation analysis. Sixteen percent of respondents believed that COVID-19 is a hoax, and 17% believed that COVID-19 was intentionally created by humans. Seven percent of the variance of the hoax theory and 10% of the variance of the creation theory was explained by (in descending order of relevance) low cognitive reflection, low digital health literacy, high experience with dissociation and, to some extent, high bullshit receptivity. Belief in COVID-related conspiracy theories depended less on psychological and cognitive variables compared to conspiracy mentality (16% of the variance explained). The effect of digital health literacy on belief in COVID-related theories was moderated by cognitive reflection. Belief in conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 was influenced by experience with dissociation, cognitive reflection, digital health literacy and bullshit receptivity.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic Factors and Health Status Disparities Associated with Difficulty in ADLs and IADLs among Long-Lived Populations in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 004695802110072
Author(s):  
Júlia Cristina Leite Nóbrega ◽  
Juliana Barbosa Medeiros ◽  
Tácila Thamires de Melo Santos ◽  
Saionara Açucena Vieira Alves ◽  
Javanna Lacerda Gomes da Silva Freitas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Socioeconomic Factors ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Objective: To evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors, health status, and Functional Capacity (FC) in the oldest senior citizens in a metropolis and a poor rural region of Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional study of 417 seniors aged ≥80 years, data collected through Brazil’s Health, Well-being and Aging survey. FC assessed by self-reporting of difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using “R” statistical software. Results: Socioeconomic and demographic inequalities in Brazil can influence FC in seniors aged 80 years and older. Comparatively, urban long-lived people had a higher prevalence of difficulties for ADLs and rural ones showed more difficulties for IADLs. Among urban oldest seniors, female gender and lower-income were correlated with difficulties for IADLs. Among rural oldest seniors, female gender, stroke, joint disease, and inadequate weight independently were correlated with difficulties for ADLs, while the number of chronic diseases was associated with difficulties for IADLs. Conclusion: Financial constraints may favor the development of functional limitations among older seniors in large urban centers. In poor rural areas, inadequate nutritional status and chronic diseases may increase their susceptibility to functional decline.

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