scholarly journals Risk Perception of COVID-19 Infection and Adherence to Preventive Measures among Adolescents and Young Adults

Children ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Xin Yu Yang ◽  
Rui Ning Gong ◽  
Samuel Sassine ◽  
Maxime Morsa ◽  
Alexandra Sonia Tchogna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Community Partners ◽  
Health Measures

To explore factors influencing adolescents and young adults’ (AYAs) risk perception of COVID-19 and adherence to public health measures, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey of AYAs (14–22 years old) from Quebec (Canada) recruited through school and community partners in April 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 3037 participants (mean age = 17.7 years, 74.6% female). AYAs had higher mean (standard deviation (SD)) risk perception of COVID-19 for their relatives (8.2 (1.9)) than for themselves (5.6 (2.6)) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with higher risk perception included higher disease knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11), presence of chronic disease (aOR 2.31, 95%CI 1.82–2.93) and use of immunosuppressants (aOR 2.53, 95%CI 1.67–3.87). AYAs with a higher risk perception (aOR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10) those wishing to help flatten the disease curve (aOR 1.18, 95%CI 1.12–1.25) or to protect their family/friends (aOR 1.14, 95%CI 1.05–1.24) were more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. Self-perceived risk and desire to protect others were significantly associated with adherence to preventive measures among youth. These findings may help inform public health messaging to AYAs in the current and future pandemics.

scholarly journals The Influence of Social Media use on Practice of Covid-19 Preventive Measures Among Ethiopian Residents: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Abinet Arega Sadore ◽  
Demelash Woldeyohannes Handiso ◽  
Tekle Ejajo Wontamo ◽  
Dejene Ermias Mekango ◽  
Sisay Moges
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Practice ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: Infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a severe public health issue worldwide. A broad amount of information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was disseminated by social media in Ethiopia. To date, there is limited evidence on the influence of social media use for covid-19 related information on covid-19 preventive practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of social media use on the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures in Ethiopia. Methods: This study employed an anonymous internet-based online cross-sectional survey using Google forms to collects the data from the respondents from 15 May to 17 June 2020 in Ethiopia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between social media usage as a predictor and COVID-19 preventive practice, after adjusting for socio-demographic and risk perception of COVID-19 variables. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 372 respondents have participated in the study. From 372, 208(55.9%) respondents in this study were male. Study participants who had good utilization of social media to get COVID-19 related information were 9.5 times engaged in COVID-19 preventive practices compared to study participants who had poor utilization of social media to get covid-19 related information (AOR= 9.59, 95% CI = 5.70 - 16.13). Also, study participants who had a high-risk perception of COVID-19 were 2.6 times engaged in COVID-19 practices compared to study participants who had a low-risk perception of covid-19 (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.58 - 4.38). Study participants who were students at the time of this study were four times more likely to show adequate COVID-19 preventive practice score compared to those who had another occupational status (AOR= 4.07, 95% CI= 1.66 - 9.98) Conclusions: Our results show that the usage of social media networks can have a positive effect on the practice of preventive measures and public safety against COVID-19; high-risk perception contributed to preventive activities against COVID-19. Social networking platforms can be used by public health agencies as an important method to raise public health understanding by disseminating concise messages to targeted audiences.

scholarly journals Children and digital devices: a survey on risk perception and use

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Covolo ◽  
J Roncali ◽  
D Zaniboni ◽  
V Mapelli ◽  
E Ceretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Time Use ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Digital Devices ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

Abstract Background Paediatrics associations in different international contexts recommended avoiding the use of screen media in children ages 0-2 years and limiting the use to one hour per day for children ages 2-5 years. In the light of these guidelines, the aim of this study was to investigate risk perception in the general population and use of digital devices (DD) in preschool children. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study on 3115 Italian subjects including parents and non-parents, using an online survey. Parents answered questions about their children’s DD use. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the potential predictors of devices’ use in preschool children. Results Overall 74% of sample think that the use of DD by preschool children is a risk for health. They perceive risks, such as having eye irritation (83%), having sleep disorders (65%) more than benefits, e.g. communicating with distant relatives (47%), and learning new words (40%). Parents of preschool children represent the 74% of all parents (N = 1869). The 56% of parents with only 0-2 years children think that is not correct the use of DDs in toddlers, however the 25% of them allow their children to use them. The mean time use reported is 63±57 minutes. Among parents who have also children from 2 to 5 years, the 89% think it is correct the use of DD up to a maximum of one hour a day for children aged 2-5 years. However, the 58% of them allow their children to use it more than one hour. The mean time use reported is 61±52 minutes. Parents without a job, having low education level, with more than one child and having children ages 3 and older, are more prone to allow the use of DD to their children. Conclusions There is a discrepancy between risk perception and real attitude on DD use in children by parents. Public health actions must aim to increase awareness about a conscious use of DD in children considering the spread of DD in the society and younger people. Key messages The discrepancy between risk perception and actual behaviour means an underestimation of health impact of digital devices use in children. Health professionals are very concerned about the health risk of digital devices use in children. Considering the large use of digital devices, public health actors must pay attention to this matter.

Grocery Shopping, Dinner Preparation, and Dietary Habits among Adolescents and Young Adults in Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 157-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lana Vanderlee ◽  
Erin P Hobin ◽  
Christine M White ◽  
David Hammond
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Fruit Consumption ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past

Purpose: The current study aimed to characterize grocery shopping and dinner preparation behaviours among young people in Canada and to examine associations with eating habits. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 2008 participants aged 16–24 from across Canada. The survey measured self-reported grocery shopping and dinner preparation behaviours, frequency of eating breakfast and eating meals prepared away from home, frequency of vegetable and fruit intake, and socio-demographic characteristics. Chi-square tests examined differences in proportions; logistic and linear regressions examined dietary habits, including covariates for grocery shopping and dinner preparation and socio-demographics. Results: Overall, 37.3% had helped with grocery shopping in the past week, and 84.3% had participated in dinner preparation at least 1 day in the past week. Engaging in shopping at least once weekly was associated with increased vegetable and fruit consumption only, whereas more frequent engagement in dinner preparation was associated with increased vegetable and fruit consumption, more frequent breakfast consumption, and fewer meals consumed that were prepared away from home (P < 0.001 for all). Conclusions: Increased participation in grocery shopping and dinner preparation were associated with healthier dietary habits. Interventions that increase these behaviours may contribute to improving dietary behaviours among adolescents and young adults.

scholarly journals Conspiracy Theories, Psychological Distress, and Sympathy for Violent Radicalization in Young Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 7846
Author(s):  
Anna Levinsson ◽  
Diana Miconi ◽  
Zhiyin Li ◽  
Rochelle L. Frounfelker ◽  
Cécile Rousseau
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Public Health Challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread uncertainty, promoted psychological distress, and fueled interpersonal conflict. The concomitant upsurge in endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories is worrisome because they are associated with both non-adherence to public health guidelines and intention to commit violence. This study investigates associations between endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories, support for violent radicalization (VR) and psychological distress among young adults in Canada. We hypothesized that (a) endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories is positively associated with support for VR, and (b) psychological distress modifies the relationship between COVID-19 conspiracy theories and support for VR. A total of 6003 participants aged 18–35 years old residing in four major Canadian cities completed an online survey between 16 October 2020 and 17 November 2020, that included questions about endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories, support for VR, psychological distress, and socio-economic status. Endorsement of conspiracy theories was associated with support for VR in multivariate regression (β = 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80–0.96). There is a significant interaction effect between endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and psychological distress (β = 0.49, 95% CI 0.40–0.57). The magnitude of the association was stronger in individuals reporting high psychological distress (β = 1.36, 95% CI 1.26–1.46) compared to those reporting low psychological distress (β = 0.47, 95% CI 0.35–0.59). The association between endorsement of COVID-19 conspiracy theories and VR represents a public health challenge requiring immediate attention. The interaction with psychological distress suggests that policy efforts should combine communication and psychological strategies to mitigate the legitimation of violence.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Study of the Satisfaction with, Adherence to, and Perspectives toward COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Public Health Students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 802
Author(s):  
Mohammed J. Almalki
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant influence on education systems, educational environments, teachers, and students. This study aims to assess the satisfaction with, adherence to, and perspectives toward COVID-19 preventive measures among public health students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia in order to enhance their campus experience. This study utilized a cross-sectional methodology. Data were collected using convenience sampling between 2–19 November 2020; this was accomplished using an online survey administered via Google Forms. The final sample consisted of 200 participants. More than half of the participants (55.0%) were dissatisfied with the preventive measures that had been applied on campus, while 19.0% had a neutral outlook. Interestingly, female participants showed a higher level of dissatisfaction toward the preventive measures (70.6%) than male participants (43.5%). The ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the degree of satisfaction with the COVID-19 preventive measures and the participant’s gender and education level. Male students were more likely to be satisfied with the preventive measures (p < 0.029, OR = 2.199) than female students. In addition, final year students were 4.1 times more likely to be satisfied with the COVID-19 preventive measures (p < 0.004, OR = 0.242) than Year 2 students, and 6.2 times more likely to be satisfied (p ≤ 0.001, OR = 0.162) than Year 3 students. Efforts are needed to improve the students’ satisfaction with COVID-19 preventive measures. Steps are also required to ensure that the procedures and actions introduced by the college extend to all students. In addition, further research is needed to recognize and understand the participants’ experiences after moving to the new buildings, receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and returning to on campus study.

scholarly journals Looking out for Myself: Exploring the Relationship Between Conspiracy Mentality, Perceived Personal Risk and COVID-19 Prevention Measures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëlle Marinthe ◽  
Genavee Brown ◽  
Sylvain Delouvée ◽  
Daniel Jolley
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Preventive Health ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
Personal Risk ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Studies ◽  
The Relationship

Objectives. This research examined how conspiracy mentality may affect compliance with preventive health measures necessary to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and the underlying motivations to comply. Design and Method. We conducted two cross-sectional studies (Study 1 N = 762, Study 2 N = 229) on a French population, measuring conspiracy mentality, compliance with preventive health measures, and perceived risks related to COVID-19. We also measured motivations to comply with preventive measures in Study 2.Results. We show that people high in conspiracy mentality are likely to engage in non-normative prevention behaviours (Study 1), but are less willing to comply with extreme preventive behaviours that are government-driven (Study 2). However, we demonstrate that a perceived risk to oneself (risk of death) and a motivation to protect oneself can act as a suppressor: conspiracy mentality is linked with an increase in the perception of risk to oneself, which in turn, is associated with normative compliance. We also find that perceived risk of death explains the relationship between conspiracy mentality and non-normative prevention behaviours. Conclusions. Our studies showcase how people high in conspiracy theorizing may (dis)engage with prevention behaviours, but that perceived risk and motivation to protect oneself could increase these individuals’ compliance.

scholarly journals Attitudes, behaviours and barriers to public health measures for COVID-19: a survey to inform public health messaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raynell Lang ◽  
Jamie L. Benham ◽  
Omid Atabati ◽  
Aidan Hollis ◽  
Trevor Tombe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Indoor Spaces

Abstract Background Public support of public health measures including physical distancing, masking, staying home while sick, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and contact tracing/exposure notification applications remains critical for reducing spread of COVID-19. The aim of our work was to understand current behaviours and attitudes towards public health measures as well as barriers individuals face in following public health measures. We also sought to identify attitudes persons have regarding a COVID-19 vaccine and reasons why they may not accept a vaccine. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in August 2020, in Alberta, Canada in persons 18 years and older. This survey evaluated current behaviours, barriers and attitudes towards public health measures and a COVID-19 vaccine. Cluster analysis was used to identify key patterns that summarize data variations among observations. Results Of the 60 total respondents, the majority of persons were always or often physically distancing (73%), masking (65%) and staying home while sick (67%). Bars/pubs/lounges or nightclubs were visited rarely or never by 63% of respondents. Persons identified staying home while sick to provide the highest benefit (83%) in reducing spread of COVID-19. There were a large proportion of persons who had not downloaded or used a contact tracing/exposure notification app (77%) and who would not receive a COVID-19 vaccine when available (20%) or were unsure (12%). Reporting health authorities as most trusted sources of health information was associated with greater percentage of potential uptake of vaccine but not related to contact tracing app download and use. Individuals with lower concern of getting and spreading COVID-19 showed the least uptake of public health measures except for avoiding public places such as bars. Lower concern regarding COVID-19 was also associated with more negative responses to taking a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion These results suggest informational frames and themes focusing on individual risks, highlighting concern for COVID-19 and targeting improving trust for health authorities may be most effective in increasing public health measures. With the ultimate goal of preventing spread of COVID-19, understanding persons’ attitudes towards both public health measures and a COVID-19 vaccine remains critical to addressing barriers and implementing targeted interventions and messaging to improve uptake.

scholarly journals Perceived Social Norms as Determinants of Adherence to Public Health Measures Related to COVID-19 in Bali, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Putu Ayu Indrayathi ◽  
Pande Putu Januraga ◽  
Putu Erma Pradnyani ◽  
Hailay Abrha Gesesew ◽  
Paul Russel Ward
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
Social Norms ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Perceived Social Norms

Introduction: Before the widespread availability of an effective COVID-19 vaccine, it is crucial to control the rate of transmission by ensuring adherence to behavioral modifications, such as wearing masks, physical distancing, and washing hands, all of which can be implemented as public health measures. Focusing on the conditions in Bali, this study explored the level of compliance to public health measures targeted at COVID-19 and identified the determinants of compliance via the values, rules, and knowledge approach.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted an online survey using the Google Form application from June 29 to July 5, 2020. The minimum required sample size was 664. Inclusion criteria were set as follows: 18 years of age or older and residing in Bali during the data collection period. Adherence was measured based on nine protocol indicators that were rated using a four-point Likert scale. A multiple linear regression analysis was then conducted to determine the associated factors of adherence to public health measures.Results: Of the 954 survey respondents, data from 743 were included for analysis. The average level of adherence to public health measures was 32.59 (range of 20–36). The linear regression analysis showed that perceived health benefits from public health measures, being female, and having COVID-19 test histories were significantly associated with adherence to public health measures.Conclusions: For public health measures targeted at COVID-19, adherence was strongly associated with perceived social norms, in which individuals played social community roles by adapting to standardized public health measures. It is thus imperative for governments to support and monitor public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Fear and Attitude towards SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection in Spanish Population during the Period of Confinement

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 834
Author(s):  
Ana María Recio-Vivas ◽  
Isabel Font-Jiménez ◽  
José Miguel Mansilla-Domínguez ◽  
Angel Belzunegui-Eraso ◽  
David Díaz-Pérez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Spanish Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Behaviour

In January 2020, the WHO classified SARS-CoV-2 infection as a public health emergency and it was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The media warned about the danger of infection, fuelling the population’s fear of the new situation and increasing the perception of risk. This fear can cause behaviour that will determine the course of the pandemic and, therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the fear of infection from COVID-19 among the Spanish population during the state of emergency. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with 16,372 participants. Data on sociodemographic factors, health factors, risk perception and fear were collected through an online survey. Level of fear is associated with older age, a lower level of education, having a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the immediate surroundings and living with and belonging to the most socioeconomically vulnerable group of people. Risk perception is associated with increased preventive behaviour. This paper provides relevant information for the public health sector since it contributes first-hand knowledge of population data that is highly useful in terms of prevention. Understanding the experiences of people in this pandemic helps to create more effective future intervention strategies in terms of planning and management for crisis situations.

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