scholarly journals Loneliness and Its Associated Factors Nine Months after the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-National Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2841
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Cross National Study ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 has been a global healthcare concern impacting multiple aspects of individual and community wellness. As one moves forward with different methods to reduce the infection and mortality rates, it is critical to continue to study the impact that national and local “social distancing” policies have on the daily lives of individuals. The aim of this study was to examine loneliness in relation to risk assessment, measures taken against risks, concerns, and social media use, while adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The cross-sectional study collected data from 3474 individuals from the USA, the UK, Norway, and Australia. Loneliness was measured with the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multiple linear regression was used in the analysis of associations between variables. The results showed that concerns about finances were more strongly associated with social loneliness, while concerns about the future was more strongly associated with emotional loneliness. Longer daily time spent on social media was associated with higher emotional loneliness. In conclusion, pandemic-related concerns seem to affect perceptions of loneliness. While social media can be used productively to maintain relationships, and thereby prevent loneliness, excessive use may be counterproductive.

scholarly journals Loneliness and Its Associated Factors Nine Months After the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-National Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Emotional Loneliness ◽  
Assessment Measures ◽  
Cross National Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Time

COVID-19 has been a global healthcare concern impacting multiple aspects of individual and community wellness. As one moves forward with different methods to reduce the infection and mortality rates, it is critical to continue to study the impact that national and local ‘social distancing’ policies have on the daily lives of individuals. The aim of this study was to examine loneliness in relation to risk assessment, measures taken against risks, concerns, and social media use, while adjusting for sociodemographic variables. The cross-sectional study collected data from 3469 individuals from USA, UK, Norway, and Australia. Loneliness was measured with the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multiple linear regression was used in the analysis of associations between variables. The results showed that concerns about finances were more strongly associated with social loneliness, while concerns about the future was more strongly associated with emotional loneliness. Longer daily time spent on social media was associated with higher emotional loneliness. In conclusion, pandemic-related concerns seem to affect their perceptions of loneliness. While social media can be used productively to maintain relationships, and thereby prevent loneliness, excessive use may be counterproductive.

Social Media as Source of Information, Stress Symptoms, and Burden Caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-386
Author(s):  
Julia Brailovskaia ◽  
Jürgen Margraf ◽  
Silvia Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Information Source ◽  
National Study ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Cross National Study ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Source Of Information

Abstract. This cross-national study investigated the extent of social media use (SMU) as a source of information about COVID-19, and its relationship with the experienced burden caused by the pandemic. Representative data from eight countries (France, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, the UK, the USA) were collected online (end of May to the beginning of June 2020). Of the overall 8,302 participants, 48.1% frequently used social media (SM) as a COVID-19 information source (range: 31.8% in Germany, to 65.4% in Poland). In the overall samples and in all country-specific samples, regression analyses revealed the experienced burden caused by COVID-19 to be positively associated with SMU and stress symptoms. Furthermore, stress symptoms partly mediated the relationship between SMU and the burden. The results emphasize the significant association between the use of SM as a source of information, individual emotional state, and behavior during the pandemic, as well as the significance of conscious and accurate use of SM specifically during the COVID-19 outbreak.

scholarly journals A multicentre national study of the effectiveness of virtual fracture clinic management of orthopaedic trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic (MAVCOV): a cross-sectional study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-215
Author(s):  
Zhan H. Ng ◽  
Samantha Downie ◽  
Navnit S. Makaram ◽  
Shivam N. Kolhe ◽  
Samuel P. Mackenzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Study Data ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Clinic Management ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Aims Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are advocated by recent British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOASTs) to efficiently manage injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of this national study is to assess the impact of these standards on patient satisfaction and clinical outcome amid the pandemic. The secondary aims are to determine the impact of the pandemic on the demographic details of injuries presenting to the VFC, and to compare outcomes and satisfaction when the BOAST guidelines were first introduced with a subsequent period when local practice would be familiar with these guidelines. Methods This is a national cross-sectional cohort study comprising centres with VFC services across the UK. All consecutive adult patients assessed in VFC in a two-week period pre-lockdown (6 May 2019 to 19 May 2019) and in the same two-week period at the peak of the first lockdown (4 May 2020 to 17 May 2020), and a randomly selected sample during the ‘second wave’ (October 2020) will be eligible for the study. Data comprising local VFC practice, patient and injury characteristics, unplanned re-attendances, and complications will be collected by local investigators for all time periods. A telephone questionnaire will be used to determine patient satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes for patients who were discharged following VFC assessment without face-to-face consultation. Ethics and dissemination The study results will identify changes in case-mix and numbers of patients managed through VFCs and whether this is safe and associated with patient satisfaction. These data will provide key information for future expert-led consensus on management of trauma injuries through the VFC. The protocol will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed publication. This protocol has been reviewed by the South East Scotland Research Ethics Service and is classified as a multicentre audit. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):211–215.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Study ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
The Uk

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.

scholarly journals A Cross-National Study of Dementia Stigma Among the General Public in Israel and Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Perla Werner ◽  
Sarang Kim
Keyword(s):  
General Public ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Subjective Knowledge ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cross National

Background: Despite the increasing amount of research on dementia stigma, there is a dearth of cross-national studies conducted on this subject. This is surprising since the experience of stigma is closely associated to socio-cultural aspects. Objective: The present study intended to expand knowledge about the impact of culture on dementia stigma by comparing the level and correlates of stigmatic beliefs about dementia among the general public in Israel and Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted with two age-matched samples: 447 adults in Israel and 290 adults in Australia. Results: Overall, dementia stigma was moderate in both countries. However, the level of dementia stigma was significantly higher in Australia than in Israel. Lower levels of subjective knowledge and higher levels of ageism were associated with increased levels of stigmatic beliefs in both countries. Gender was a significant correlate of dementia stigma, with male participants reporting higher levels of public stigma than women, although this gender difference was mainly driven by the Australian sample. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that providing knowledge and decreasing ageist attitudes should be key considerations in dementia awareness and stigma reduction campaigns despite the cultural context. In addition, developing gender-specific messages should be considered as a way of improving the effects of such campaigns.

OHNS Residency Program and Applicant Social Media Presence During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942098797
Author(s):  
Shadi Ahmadmehrabi ◽  
Deborah X. Xie ◽  
Bryan K. Ward ◽  
Paul C. Bryson ◽  
Patrick Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Application Process ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Social Media Presence ◽  
Residency Application ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Residency Match

Objectives: In addition to clinical and social disruption, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many aspects of the otolaryngology residency application process. With delays in the 2021 Electronic Residency Applications Service (ERAS) timeline, students and programs have had more time to interact prior to the formal application process. This communication will report recent trends in social media presence by OHNS residency programs, and discuss mechanisms to compensate for decreased applicant-program interactions using social media ahead of the 2021 Match. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of the accredited otolaryngology residency programs in the United States, the number of social media profiles on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook from 2009 to 2019 were recorded and compared. Results: Most programs (61%) have at least 1 social media profile. Over the past 10 years, the number of programs on social media has increased. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter and Instagram showed higher rates of growth compared to Facebook. With the reduction of in-person opportunities for interactions, both applicants and programs are utilizing social media to showcase their values and their research. Twitter, in particular, also serves as a platform for professional networking. Conclusion: Both Twitter and Instagram are growing in popularity among programs and applicants to enhance networking. Social media is a powerful tool for networking and may help compensate for limitations imposed on the residency match process by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining professionalism considerations. The impact of social media on the 2021 otolaryngology residency match is an evolving phenomenon.

scholarly journals Political views of doctors in the UK: a cross-sectional study

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 880-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate L Mandeville ◽  
Rose-Marie Satherley ◽  
Jennifer A Hall ◽  
Shailen Sutaria ◽  
Chris Willott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Left Wing ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Political Views ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundLittle is known about the political views of doctors in the UK despite doctors' importance in the functioning of the National Health Service (NHS).MethodsThis is a survey-based, cross-sectional study in which we asked questions about voting behaviour in 2015 and 2017 UK general elections and 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union (EU) (Brexit), and questions relating to recent health policies.Results1172 doctors (45.1% women) from 1295 responded to an online survey. 60.5% described their political views as ‘left-wing’ and 62.2% described themselves as ‘liberal’. 79.4% of respondents voted to remain in the EU in the 2016 referendum compared with 48.1% of voters as a whole (χ2=819.8, p<0.001). 98.6% of respondents agreed that EU nationals working in the NHS should be able to remain in the UK after Brexit. The median score for the impact of Brexit on the NHS on a scale of 0 (worst impact) to 10 (best impact) was 2 (IQR=1–4). Most respondents agreed with the introduction of minimum alcohol pricing in the UK (73.9%), charging patients who are not eligible for NHS treatment for non-urgent care (70.6%) and protecting a portion of national spending for the NHS (87.1%). 65.8% thought there was too much use of NHS-funded private sector provision in their medical practice. Specialty, income and grade were associated with divergent opinions.ConclusionsUK doctors are left-leaning and liberal in general, which is reflected in their opinions on topical health policy issues. Doctors in the UK voted differently from the general electorate in recent polls.

Estimating the environmental impact of disposable endoscopic equipment and endoscopes

Gut ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. gutjnl-2021-324729
Author(s):  
Sathvik Namburar ◽  
Daniel von Renteln ◽  
John Damianos ◽  
Lisa Bradish ◽  
Jeanne Barrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Passenger Cars ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Endoscopic Procedures ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Soccer Fields ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveProcedure-intense specialties, such as surgery or endoscopy, are a major contributor to the impact of the healthcare sector on the environment. We aimed to measure the amount of waste generated during endoscopic procedures and to understand the impact on waste of changing from reusable to single use endoscopes in the USA.DesignWe conducted a 5-day audit (cross-sectional study) of all endoscopies performed at two US academic medical centres with low and a high endoscopy volume (2000 and 13 000 procedures annually, respectively). We calculated the average disposable waste (excluding waste from reprocessing) generated during one endoscopic procedure to estimate waste of all endoscopic procedures generated in the USA annually (18 million). We further estimated the impact of changing from reusable to single-use endoscopes taking reprocessing waste into account.Results278 endoscopies were performed for 243 patients. Each endoscopy generated 2.1 kg of disposable waste (46 L volume). 64% of waste was going to the landfill, 28% represented biohazard waste and 9% was recycled. The estimated total waste generated during all endoscopic procedures performed in the USA annually would weigh 38 000 metric tons (equivalent of 25 000 passenger cars) and cover 117 soccer fields to 1 m depth. If all endoscopic procedures were performed with single-use endoscopes and accounting for reprocessing, the net waste mass would increase by 40%. Excluding waste from ancillary supplies, net waste generated from reprocessing and endoscope disposal would quadruple with only using single-use endoscopes.ConclusionThis quantitative assessment of the environmental impact of endoscopic procedures highlights that a large amount of waste is generated from disposable instruments. Transitioning to single-use endoscopes may reduce reprocessing waste but would increase net waste.

scholarly journals Health at the ballot box: disease threat does not predict attractiveness preference in British politicians

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 160049
Author(s):  
Gustav Nilsonne ◽  
Adam Renberg ◽  
Sandra Tamm ◽  
Mats Lekander
Keyword(s):  
Infant Mortality ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Members Of Parliament ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Adaptive Behaviours ◽  
The Uk

According to disease avoidance theory, selective pressures have shaped adaptive behaviours to avoid people who might transmit infections. Such behavioural immune defence strategies may have social and societal consequences. Attractiveness is perceived as a heuristic cue of good health, and the relative importance of attractiveness is predicted to increase during high disease threat. Here, we investigated whether politicians' attractiveness is more important for electoral success when disease threat is high, in an effort to replicate earlier findings from the USA. We performed a cross-sectional study of 484 members of the House of Commons from England and Wales. Publicly available sexiness ratings (median 5883 ratings/politician) were regressed on measures of disease burden, operationalized as infant mortality, life expectancy and self-rated health. Infant mortality in parliamentary constituencies did not significantly predict sexiness of elected members of parliament ( p  = 0.08), nor did life expectancy ( p  = 0.06), nor self-rated health ( p  = 0.55). Subsample analyses failed to provide further support for the hypothesis. In conclusion, an attractive leader effect was not amplified by disease threat in the UK and these results did not replicate those of earlier studies from the USA concerning the relationship between attractiveness, disease threat and voting preference.

scholarly journals Comparison of food and beverage products’ availability, variety, price and quality in German and US supermarkets

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (18) ◽  
pp. 3387-3393
Author(s):  
Nanette Stroebele-Benschop ◽  
Kerstin Wolf ◽  
Katharine Palmer ◽  
Casey J Kelley ◽  
Stephanie B Jilcott Pitts
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Food Products ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
General Tendency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjective:To assess availability, variety, price and quality of different food products in a convenience sample of supermarkets in Germany and the USA.Design:Cross-sectional study using an adapted version of the Bridging the Gap Food Store Observation Form.Setting:Information on availability, quality, price and variety of selected food products in eight German and seven US supermarkets (discount and full service) was obtained and compared by country.Results:A general tendency for lower prices of fruits and vegetables in Germany was observed, while produce quality and variety did not seem to differ between countries, with the exception of the variety of some vegetables such as tomatoes. Chips and cereals did not differ significantly in variety nor price. In both countries, high energy-dense foods were lower in energy costs than lower energy-dense foods.Conclusions:The influence of food prices and availability on consumption should be further explored, including the impact of country differences.

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