scholarly journals Associations of Delay in Doctor Consultation With COVID-19 Related Fear, Attention to Information, and Fact-Checking

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes Yuen-Kwan Lai ◽  
Shirley Man-Man Sit ◽  
Socrates Yong-Da Wu ◽  
Man-Ping Wang ◽  
Bonny Yee-Man Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Fact Checking

Background: Delaying doctor consultation is harmful. Fear of COVID-19 leads to delays in seeking medical care at a time when pandemic information overflows. However, little is known about the role of COVID-19 related fear, attention to information, and fact-checking in such delay.Objective: Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we examined the associations of delay in doctor consultation amidst the pandemic with sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 related fear, attention to information, and fact-checking.Methods: We conducted a population-based online cross-sectional survey in May 2020 on Hong Kong Chinese adults. Respondents reported whether the pandemic caused any delay in doctor consultation (yes/no), level of COVID-19 related fear, attention to information and fact-checking (all on a scale of 0 to 10 and recoded into tertiles of low, moderate, high). Regression analyses were used to examine the associations of delay and fear with sociodemographic characteristics, attention and fact-checking, adjusting for covariates. Data were weighted by sex, age and education level of the population.Results: Of 4,551 respondents (46.5% male, 59.7% aged over 45 years), 10.1% reported delay in doctor consultation. The mean score was 6.4 for fear, 8.0 for attention and 7.4 for fact-checking. Delay was more common in males and increased with age and fear. High vs. low level of fear was associated with delay [adjusted odd ratios (AOR) 2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08, 3.47]. Moderate level of fact-checking was negatively associated with delay (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 0.98, 1.67). Females reported greater fear and fear decreased with age. Fear increased with attention to information and decreased with fact-checking. Fear substantially mediated the association of delay with attention (96%) and fact-checking (30%).Conclusions: We have first shown that delay in doctor consultation increased with fear of COVID-19 and decreased with fact-checking amidst the pandemic. Fear also increased with attention to COVID-19 related information and decreased with fact-checking. Understanding these associations can help policymakers develop targeted communication and support to the public to reduce delayed doctor consultations and the associated COVID-19-related or unrelated morbidity and mortality in the community.

scholarly journals Acceptability of A/H1N1 vaccination during pandemic phase of influenza A/H1N1 in Hong Kong: population based cross sectional survey

BMJ ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 339 (oct27 1) ◽  
pp. b4164-b4164 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T F Lau ◽  
N. C Y Yeung ◽  
K C Choi ◽  
M. Y M Cheng ◽  
H Y Tsui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Influenza A H1n1

scholarly journals Perceptions of Chinese Towards Dementia in Hong Kong—Diagnosis, Symptoms and Impacts

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tai Pong Lam ◽  
Kai Sing Sun ◽  
Hoi Yan Chan ◽  
Chak Sing Lau ◽  
Kwok Fai Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Dementia Patient ◽  
Early Screening ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Diagnosis Of Dementia

The increasing prevalence of dementia has become a public health issue worldwide including China. This study aims to explore the perception of Chinese in Hong Kong towards the diagnosis, symptoms and impacts of dementia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatients (without diagnosed dementia) attending a regional public hospital using a standard questionnaire. The results from 290 respondents showed that most preferred to be told about the diagnosis of dementia as soon as possible if they got it, in order to deal with the news and to access treatment and support early. Nearly two thirds of the respondents perceived practical issues (61.3%), physical health (61.0%), and emotional distress (58.4%) as their most fearful impacts, while legal issues (7.4%) were their least concerns. Family history/genes (79.1%) and brain injury (75.9%) were the most commonly perceived causes of dementia. For symptoms, respondents were more likely to identify cognitive impairments than undesirable behaviours. The accepting and proactive attitudes of the public indicate that there is a timely need of more public education about the disease, early screening and better continuity of care to fulfil the anticipated increase of the dementia patient population.

scholarly journals Exposures and responses to point-of-sale tobacco displays and support for banning displays in Hong Kong: a population-based cross-sectional survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yee Tak Derek Cheung ◽  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Sai Yin Ho ◽  
Antonio Kwong ◽  
Vienna Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Point Of Sale

scholarly journals Factors associated with being an older rather than younger unpaid carer of adults with a chronic health condition: Results from a population-based cross-sectional survey in South Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 174239532110540
Author(s):  
Sungwon Chang ◽  
Tim Luckett ◽  
Jane Phillips ◽  
Meera Agar ◽  
Lawrence Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Health Condition ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Annual Household Income ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Health ◽  
Neurological Condition

Objective To examine sociodemographic characteristics and caring experiences associated with being an older rather than younger carer of an adult with a chronic health condition. Methods The population-based cross-sectional South Australian Health Omnibus survey was administered in 2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic characteristics and caring experiences associated with being an older (≥65 years) versus younger (<65 years) carer of one or more adult(s) with a chronic health condition. Results Of 988 survey respondents who self-identified as carers, 198(20%) were 65 years or over. Characteristics associated with being an older carer included having a partner, having poor physical health, being born outside Australia, have no formal qualification, living in a household of 1–2 people, have an annual household income ≤$60,000, and owning one's home. Carer experiences associated with older carer status included providing ≥40 h of care per week, perceived control over caring, and caring for someone with a neurological condition, whereas caring for someone with a mental illness, reporting poor mental health of their own, and providing personal care were inversely associated. Discussion Interventions directed at older carers should consider the increased likelihood that they may be investing large amounts of time in caring for someone with a neurological condition, and be culturally and linguistically diverse.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular Risk, Obesity, and Sociodemographic Indicators in a Brazilian Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayla Cristina do Vale Moreira ◽  
Ibrahimu Mdala ◽  
Akhtar Hussain ◽  
Bishwajit Bhowmik ◽  
Tasnima Siddiquee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Score ◽  
Central Obesity ◽  
Framingham Risk Score ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Brazilian Population ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Framingham Risk

Background and Aims: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally and in Brazil. Evidence suggests that the risk of CVDs differs by race/ethnicity. Scarce information exists about the association between CVD risk, obesity indicators and sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian population.Objectives: We aimed to assess the CVD risk following the Framingham risk score in relation to the population's sociodemographic profile. Further, we examined the association between anthropometric markers and risk of CVDs.Methods: A total of 701 subjects aged ≥20 years from North-eastern Brazil were recruited randomly to participate in a population-based, cross-sectional survey. Age-adjusted data for CVD risk, sociodemographic characteristics, and anthropometric indices were assessed, and their relationships examined.Results: High CVD risk (Framingham risk score ≥10%) was observed in 18.9% of the population. Males (31.9 vs. 12.5%) and older subjects (age ≥45 years: 68.9% vs. age &lt;45 years: 4.2%) had significantly higher risk of CVDs, whereas those employed in manual labor showed lower risk (7.6 vs. 21.7%). Central obesity measures like waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were more strongly associated with predicted CVD risk than body mass index.Conclusions: Our population had a high risk of CVDs using the Framingham risk score. Cost-effective strategies for screening, prevention and treatment of CVDs may likely reduce disease burden and health expenditure in Brazil. Central obesity measures were strongly associated with predicted CVD risk and might be useful in the clinical assessment of patients. Follow-up studies are warranted to validate our findings.

scholarly journals A public survey of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine use during the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0253890
Author(s):  
Chun Sing Lam ◽  
Ho Kee Koon ◽  
Vincent Chi-Ho Chung ◽  
Yin Ting Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Dietary Supplements ◽  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Survey ◽  
Complementary And Integrative Medicine ◽  
Management Approaches

Background During COVID-19, the public actively sought non-pharmacological and self-management approaches to prevent infection. Little is known on the use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) by the public as preventive measures. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of TCIM use during the pandemic, and identified factors associated with its use among the general population in Hong Kong. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2020. The survey solicited information on the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, risk perception of the pandemic, and use of TCIM before and during the pandemic. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of TCIM use. Results In total, 632 responses (completion rate = 88.1%) were analyzed. TCIM was used by 44.0% of respondents during the pandemic. The most popular forms of TCIM were vitamins or other dietary supplements (n = 160, 25.3%) and Chinese herbal medicine (n = 122, 19.3%) during the pandemic. The most frequently reported indication was strengthening the immune system, especially for vitamins or other dietary supplements (n = 142/160, 88.8%). Respondents who reported using TCIM were more likely to be female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29–2.59), had higher education attainment (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.39–3.59), and older-aged (age >55 years: aOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.04–3.02). Respondents who resided in districts with moderate to high number of confirmed COVID-19 cases (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.07–2.42) and had a higher level of risk perception (aOR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) were also more likely to use TCIM. Conclusion TCIM was used commonly in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. While vaccination and social distancing remain the mainstay of controlling the pandemic, professional bodies should proactively consider public preferences and provide information regarding the effectiveness and safety of TCIM for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

scholarly journals Predictors of Intention to Vaccinate against COVID-19 in the General Public in Hong Kong: Findings from a Population-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 696
Author(s):  
Elsie Yan ◽  
Daniel W. L. Lai ◽  
Vincent W. P. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Vaccine Safety ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
To Receive

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. Understanding factors associated with intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines is the key to a successful vaccination programme. This cross-sectional study explored the rate of vaccination intention and identified its predictors using the health belief model (HBM) in the general population in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Data were collected between December 2020 and January 2021 via telephone surveys. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 1255 adults (>18 years, 53% female) completed the telephone survey. Overall, 42% indicated an intention to vaccinate, 31.5% showed vaccine hesitancy, and 26.5% reported refusal to receive any COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals who were men, older in age, working, with past experiences of other pandemics, less concerned with the vaccine safety, with poorer knowledge about COVID-19, and having greater levels of perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, cues to action, and acceptance of governmental preventive measures related to COVID-19 were significantly more likely to report an intention to vaccinate. The low intention among the Hong Kong population reflects the importance of developing effective vaccination promotion campaigns with the predictors identified in this study.

scholarly journals Anxiety levels, precautionary behaviours and public perceptions during the early phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China: a population-based cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e040910 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengcen Qian ◽  
Qianhui Wu ◽  
Peng Wu ◽  
Zhiyuan Hou ◽  
Yuxia Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Face Mask ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Public ◽  
Phone Survey ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
Quota Sampling ◽  
Severe Anxiety

ObjectiveTo investigate psychological and behavioural responses to COVID-19 among the Chinese general population.Design, setting and participantsWe conducted a population-based mobile phone survey between 1 February and 10 February 2020 via random digit dialling. A total of 1011 adult residents in Wuhan (n=510), the epicentre and quarantined city, and Shanghai (n=501) were interviewed. Proportional quota sampling and poststratification weighting were used. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate perception factors associated with the public responses.Primary outcome measuresWe measured anxiety levels using the 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and asked respondents to report their precautionary behaviours before and during the outbreak.ResultsThe prevalence of moderate or severe anxiety was significantly higher (p<0.001) in Wuhan (32.8%) than Shanghai (20.5%). Around 79.6%–88.2% residents reported always wearing a face mask when they went out and washing hands immediately when they returned home, with no discernible difference across cities. Only 35.5%–37.0% of residents reported a handwashing duration above 40 s as recommended by the WHO. The strongest predictor of moderate or severe anxiety was perceived harm of the disease (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.1), followed by confusion about information reliability (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 1.9). None of the examined perception factors were associated with odds of handwashing duration above 40 s.ConclusionsPrevalence of moderate or severe anxiety and strict personal precautionary behaviours was generally high, regardless of the quarantine status. Our results support efforts for handwashing education programmes with a focus on hygiene procedures in China and timely dissemination of reliable information.

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