scholarly journals Fear of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Social Distancing as Factors Determining the Change in Consumer Payment Behavior at Retail and Service Outlets

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4191
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Huterska ◽  
Anna Iwona Piotrowska ◽  
Joanna Szalacha-Jarmużek

The aim of this study was to identify the factors inducing customers to choose cashless payments made with payment cards at retail and service outlets during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified factors that are crucial for consumers’ functioning under pandemic conditions, but which have so far been neglected in research. The estimated logit model indicates that the variables significantly influencing the more frequent choice of payment cards at retail outlets are related to the fear of infection and perception of the advantages of new technological solutions in connection with social distancing. Our study shows that, in addition to sociodemographic characteristics such as age and level of education, emotionally motivated factors induced by the pandemic have begun to play an important role in the transition to cashless payment.

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 649-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten L. Buis

This article deals with a model for describing a sequence of events, for example, education is typically attained by a set of transitions from one level of education to the next. In particular, this article tries to reconcile measures describing the effect of a variable on each of these transitions, with measures describing the effect of this variable on the final outcome of that process. Such a relationship has been known to exist within a sequential logit model, but it has hardly been used in empirical research mainly because of an absence of a practical way of giving it a substantive interpretation. This article tries to provide such an interpretation by showing that the effect on the final outcome is a weighted sum of the effects on each transition, such that a transition gets more weight if more people are at risk of passing that transition, passing the transition is more differentiating, and people gain more from passing.


2019 ◽  

This article specifies and estimates a multinomial logit model (MNL) to explain the purpose of renting a vehicle for short-term use. The model, which predicts the probability of renting a vehicle for business, leisure, temporary replacement, or other purposes, is estimated using a random sample of approximately 1,000 individuals from 10 Canadian provinces. The records used in the analysis were collected in 2016 via an online survey. The findings suggest that the purpose for renting could be predicted through factors associated with the sociodemographic characteristics of the renters and their rental plans, as well as attributes associated with the rented vehicle.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-364
Author(s):  
Andreia C.O. Adami ◽  
Silvia H.G. Miranda ◽  
Ìtalo Delalibera

This study evaluates the adoption of biological control of the Diaphorina citri and the citrus growers’ willingness to pay for biopesticides. The citrus greening continues to spread over Brazilian orchards, reaching 17.89% of all citrus trees in 2015. Utilizing data from a survey with decision-making agents from the sector, this paper used a logit model to obtain the determinants and a contingent valuation method to elicit growers’ willingness to pay for a biopesticide. Results showed high acceptability of growers to the biocontrol. Important factors regarding its adoption included experience in growing citrus, a high level of education and dependence on citrus production. Producers from São Paulo’s southern region paid the highest value for the biopesticide. We observed that worsening of the disease has led players from citrus chain to search for new forms of insect control.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246520
Author(s):  
Thiago Gomes Heck ◽  
Rafael Z. Frantz ◽  
Matias Nunes Frizzo ◽  
Carlos Henrique Ramires François ◽  
Mirna Stela Ludwig ◽  
...  

The coronavirus disease that emerged in 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and has given way to a global pandemic. A present COVID-19 has high transmission rates worldwide, including in small Brazilian cities such as Ijuí. Located in the northwest part of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and with a population of 83,475, Ijuí was selected as the site of a population-based survey involving 2,222 subjects, from April to June 2020. Subjects were tested for the presence of antibodies against coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and answered questions regarding social distance adherence (SDA), daily preventive routines (DPR), comorbidities, and sociodemographic characteristics. In parallel, the local government registered the official COVID-19 cases in Ijuí, as well as the mobile social distancing index (MSDI). In this study, we demonstrate that there was a decrease in the levels of SDA, DPR and MSDI before the beginning of COVID-19 community transmission in Ijuí. Furthermore, we provide predictions for the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the city. We conclude that insufficient social distancing, as evidenced by different methods, may be related to the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Ijuí. Our study predicts an approaching outbreak of COVID-19 in Ijuí through community spread, which could be avoided or attenuated with increased levels of social distancing among the population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 329-335
Author(s):  
N. V. Zakharova ◽  
T. I. Bonkalo ◽  
L. V. Bravve ◽  
A. M. Kalakov ◽  
T. S. Syunyakov ◽  
...  

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with the spread of conspiracy theories, which are heterogeneous in terms of the structure of their views. The hypothesis is that the substrate for the spread of conspiracy trend is an increased level of anxiety, reduced due to the paralogical (conspiracy) interpretation of events. The purpose of this research was to study the prevalence of conspiracy trends during the preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in Moscow (before the introduction of strict restrictive measures). Methods: 320 people, randomly selected from the general population, were asked if they agree or disagree with 9 statements regarding the conspiracy interpretation of events, compared with the level of anxiety/depression (using the HADS scale). There are 3 trends (COVID-conspiracy, COVID-skepticism, COVID-obscurantism). Results: 45.7% of respondents were ready to agree with one or the other conspiracy idea. I The level of anxiety in all adherents of conspiracy theory was found to be higher than in the rest of the sample. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics of adherents of different conspiracy tendencies are revealed. Among COVID skeptics, there are significantly fewer students and pensioners, and among COVID conspiracy theorists, the level of education received is lower, with unstable labor and family status. Discussion. Conspiracy trends were universal for all social groups in the background of increased anxiety among the population of Moscow in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic. It is suggested that the mechanism for the development of conspiracy tendencies may be the process of rationalization of an increased level of anxiety as a protective response during a crisis.


The nature, extent, and pattern of rural non-farm employment were evaluated based on primary data collected from 400 rural households in the two districts of Punjab. The results witnessed considerable variations in the pattern of farm and non-farm income sources among sample rural households. The results of the Logit model found gender, age of the head of household, level of education, the value of farm and non-farm assets, workforce participation rate, distance from the nearest town, household size, number of dependents, and lower caste dummy significantly affected participation in rural non-farm employment activities in the sample districts.


2017 ◽  
Vol 127 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Leszek Szalewski ◽  
Elżbieta Pietryka-Michałowska ◽  
Jolanta Szymańska

Abstract Introduction. Properly designed and used denture is conducive to proper rehabilitation of edentulism. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and hygiene habits of patients using removable partial dentures (RPDs) including selected sociodemographic characteristics. Material and methods. The survey comprised 321 individuals wearing RPDs, the residents of the Lublin Province. They were asked about the age, gender, place of residence, education, duration of denture usage, repairs made to RPDs, preparations used for cleansing and disinfection of RPDs, storage at night, causes of visiting the dentist, which was associated with the use of the RPD and the frequency of visits. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. The average duration of removable partial dentures use was 7.8±5.7 years. The vast majority of respondents cleaned RPDs with a toothpaste – 90.9%, almost 2/3 of the surveyed population – did not disinfect their RPDs, 56.4% people not remove them for the night. Only 3.7% people visited the dentist on regular basis associated with the use of RPDs. Conclusions. Among people wearing RPDs, too long duration of current RPD usage is confirmed. Moreover, the dentist does not check them regularly because patients do not visit dentists for check-up. RPDs are cleaned using improper preparations and usually are not disinfected. They are inadequately kept at nighttime, if ever removed from the mouth during sleep. Incorrect handling related to the use of removable partial dentures applies to persons regardless of their level of education and place of residence.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 939-939
Author(s):  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Matthew Farina ◽  
Qiao Wu ◽  
Jennifer Ailshire

Abstract In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults are advised to follow social distancing measures to prevent infection. However, such measures may increase the risk of loneliness. The current study aimed to investigate (1) whether social distancing measures, particularly limiting close social interactions, are associated with loneliness among older adults, and (2) whether the association between social distancing measures and loneliness is moderated by sociodemographic characteristics. Data were from the fourth wave (April 29 to May 26, 2020) of the nationally representative Understanding America Study (UAS) COVID-19 Survey. We used data on adults 50 years or older (N = 3,283). Multivariate logistic regression models of loneliness were examined to test the independent effects of social distancing measures and their interaction with sociodemographic characteristics on loneliness. Four indicators of social distancing measures were considered: (a) avoiding public spaces, gatherings, or crowds, (b) canceling or postponing social activities, (c) social visits, (d) close contact (within 6 feet) with others. Cancelling or postponing social activities and avoiding close contact with other people were associated with 36% and 41% greater odds of loneliness, respectively. Furthermore, males and non-Hispanic Whites who had no close contact with others had a significantly greater probability of reporting loneliness than those who had contact. Our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of COVID-19 related experiences across subpopulations of older adults and call special attention to vulnerable groups that may be more impacted by the challenge of COVID-19 social distancing.


2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 447-452
Author(s):  
Verica Petrovic ◽  
Gordana Tesanovic ◽  
Ljiljana Stanivuk

Background/Aim. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of metabolic and hemodynamic disorders that increase the risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MS and its components in adult population of Banja Luka and association with sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. A total of 685 participants (348 men and 337 women), aged 18 years and over, were analyzed. The diagnosis of the MS was based on definition set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results. The prevalence of the MS was high (37.5%), slightly higher in women (38.3%) than in men (36.8%), but without statistically significant difference (p = 0.686). Prevalence of each individual component of the MS in the study group was over 30% (systolic blood pressure ? 130 mmHg ? 42.0%; diastolic blood pressure ? 85 mmHg ? 31.0%; triglycerides ? 1.7 mmol/L ? 36.1%; high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ? 1.03 for men and ? 1.29 for women ? 31.2%; glucose ? 5.6 mmol/L ? 32.8%; central obesity ? 94 cm male and ? 80 cm female ? 62.6%). The prevalence of the MS was not associated with gender, but with age. A number of participants increased with incresed age in the group with the MS with statistically significant difference compared to the group without the MS. The study showed an association between level of education and the MS. Low level of education was associated with the appearance of the MS with statistically significant differences (df = 3; p = 0.013). Association between level of education and the MS was shown in women (df = 3; p = 0.000), but not in men (df = 3; p = 0.883). Retirees and housewives were significantly present in the group with the MS, students and unemployed in the group without the MS, while employed participants showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The MS was diagnosed in over one-third of adults in Banja Luka. Prevalence of MS was not associated with gender, but it was associated with age, level of education as well as with some categories of employment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (`10) ◽  
pp. 403-410
Author(s):  
David Araújo Pinheiro ◽  
Mariana Gomes Leitão De Araújo ◽  
Keilla Barbosa De Souza ◽  
Beatriz de Sousa Campos ◽  
Evanete Maria De Oliveira ◽  
...  

In the current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of false information has spread through social networks. This study aimed to characterize the types of fake news in health and the factors that influence its sharing. This is a descriptive cross-sectional observational study conducted by health scholars who analyzed the messages received in the WhatsApp network and the sociodemographic characteristics of sharers in the year 2020. Results: The level of education influences the spread of false news, and family members have a higher frequency of sharing these news. As for the type of content of fake news, the fabricated content and false context stood out as the most shared ones. The characteristic of the group of researchers may have influenced the receivement of a smaller amount of fake news, since they are able to recognize and refute


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