scholarly journals Older Adolescents Who Did or Did Not Experience COVID-19 Symptoms: Associations with Mental Health, Risk Perception and Social Connection

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 5006
Author(s):  
Jessica Burrai ◽  
Benedetta Barchielli ◽  
Clarissa Cricenti ◽  
Anna Borrelli ◽  
Sabina D’Amato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Proactive Behavior ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Older Adolescents ◽  
Restrictive Measures

After a decrease in detected cases in the summer, Europe faced the emergence of a second wave of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Few studies have investigated adolescents, who may constitute a target group with possible lower compliance to public health measures, particularly the social distancing measures. A total sample of 492 participants was included in the study, and the ages of the participants ranged from 18–24 years. According to the hypothesis of our study, the sample was divided into two groups: those who experienced COVID-19 symptoms and those who did not experience COVID-19 symptoms. Demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to COVID-19 were investigated with ad hoc items; in addition, mood disorders, self-efficacy, and social connectedness were explored. Our results showed significant differences in the variables of risk perception, self-efficacy, and measures of belongingness among older adolescents who did or did not experience COVID-19 symptoms. In this period, adolescents experienced unprecedented disruptions in their daily lives, leading them to isolation and loneliness. Compliance with restrictive measures is considered both a proactive behavior and a social responsibility, especially if supported by prosocial reasons to prevent others from getting sick; therefore, this must be the focus of raising awareness of anti-COVID-19 compliance among adolescents.

scholarly journals Teaching during the Pandemic: A Comparison in Psychological Wellbeing among Smart Working Professions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4850
Author(s):  
Emanuela Mari ◽  
Giulia Lausi ◽  
Angelo Fraschetti ◽  
Alessandra Pizzo ◽  
Michela Baldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Group Methods ◽  
Random Probability ◽  
Smart Working ◽  
Restrictive Measures

Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since March 2020, the Italian population was forced into lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. The restrictive measures imposed forced many organizations and workers to work through online platforms and no longer in-person. Smart working, enjoyed by some workers for its flexibility, affected several professional categories. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the psychological variables related to four groups of professional categories (practitioners, managers, executive employees, teachers), particularly the teachers group. Methods: A total sample of 628 individuals was recruited through a random probability sample across Italy. Due to the lockdown, an online questionnaire was developed; several validated scales were chosen, and some ad hoc constructed items related to the smart working experience were included. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the four groups of examined smart workers. Conclusions: All workers have had to readjust to this new way of working, but our results show that teachers were the most affected, both in the perception of their psychological well-being and in the management of the smart working mode.

scholarly journals Social Networks, Trust, and Disaster-Risk Perceptions of Rural Residents in a Multi-Disaster Environment: Evidence from Sichuan, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaijing Xue ◽  
Shili Guo ◽  
Yi Liu ◽  
Shaoquan Liu ◽  
Dingde Xu
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Disaster Risk ◽  
Mountainous Areas ◽  
Rural Residents ◽  
Response Efficacy ◽  
The Impact

Individual perception of disaster risk is not only the product of individual factors, but also the product of social interactions. However, few studies have empirically explored the correlations between rural residents’ flat social networks, trust in pyramidal channels, and disaster-risk perceptions. Taking Sichuan Province—a typical disaster-prone province in China—as an example and using data from 327 rural households in mountainous areas threatened by multiple disasters, this paper measured the level of participants’ disaster-risk perception in the four dimensions of possibility, threat, self-efficacy, and response efficacy. Then, the ordinary least squares method was applied to probe the correlations between social networks, trust, and residents’ disaster-risk perception. The results revealed four main findings. (1) Compared with scores relating to comprehensive disaster-risk perception, participants had lower perception scores relating to possibility and threat, and higher perception scores relating to self-efficacy and response efficacy. (2) The carrier characteristics of their social networks significantly affected rural residents’ perceived levels of disaster risk, while the background characteristics did not. (3) Different dimensions of trust had distinct effects on rural residents’ disaster-risk perceptions. (4) Compared with social network variables, trust was more closely related to the perceived level of disaster risks, which was especially reflected in the impact on self-efficacy, response efficacy, and comprehensive perception. The findings of this study deepen understanding of the relationship between social networks, trust, and disaster-risk perceptions of rural residents in mountainous areas threatened by multiple disasters, providing enlightenment for building resilient disaster-prevention systems in the community.

scholarly journals Risk perception regarding the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: a comparative Middle East survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Abdel Hameed Shahin ◽  
Rasha Mohammed Hussien
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
General Population ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background People’s perceptions of pandemic-associated risk are key factors contributing to increased public participation in disease preventive measures. The aim of the study was to investigate risk perceptions regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, among the general population. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 723 participants, recruited from the general population of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Data collection was performed using a standardized risk perception assessment questionnaire, in April 2020. Results The mean score for the perception of COVID-19 seriousness was significantly higher and the mean scores for the perception of disease susceptibility and extent of anxiety were also higher among Saudi Arabian participants than participants from Egypt and Jordan. Participants from Egypt had significantly lower mean scores for the perception of efficacy and self-efficacy to cope with COVID-19, and significantly lower intention to comply with COVID-19 precautionary measures than the other populations. A significant positive correlation was detected between the perception of COVID-19 seriousness and self-efficacy to handle COVID-19, for the entire sample. The primary reasons reported by participants driving their willingness to perform certain preventive measures against COVID-19 was a feeling of responsibility toward their own health, followed by preventing transmission to other people and the feeling that COVID-19 can be serious. Most of the study sample reported a desire to receive information about COVID-19 treatment, ways to prevent disease contraction, and the incubation period for the novel coronavirus. Also, most of the study sample reported that they prefer receiving COVID-19 updates from national authorities. Conclusions During the COVID-19 pandemic, communications designed to promote the adoption of preventive behaviors should focus on increasing the perception of seriousness, the risk perception, self-efficacy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effectiveness of the adopted behavioral measures for reducing risk. Health education programs that are tailored to various sociodemographic categories, to improve public awareness, perceptions, and attitudes, are vital for increasing the adoption of outbreak preventive measures.

scholarly journals Psychological reaction to Covid-19 of Italian patients with IBD

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariarosaria Savarese ◽  
Greta Castellini ◽  
Salvatore Leone ◽  
Enrica Previtali ◽  
Alessandro Armuzzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Management ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Psychological Reactions ◽  
Italian Association ◽  
Psychological Reaction ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) on disease management and psychological status. This study explored psychological reactions to the Covid-19 emergency and IBD disease management in a sample of Italian patients. Methods An online questionnaire was designed to assess general concerns, psychological reaction, disease management, socio-demographics, and clinical information with validated scales and ad hoc items. A non-probabilistic purposive sample was selected, comprised patients with IBD who belonged to the Italian Association for patients with IBD (AMICI Onlus) completed the questionnaire in April 2020. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, student’s T-test for independent groups, and one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Results One thousand fourteen eligible questionnaires were analyzed. Italian patients with IBD appeared to be very worried about the Covid-19 emergency (60.7%) and concerned about the risks of infection (59%). Half of the sample reported medium to high-perceived stress, and 74% had low-medium coping self-efficacy levels. One third was in a state of psychological arousal. Twenty-nine percent of patients had canceled hospital appointments for fear of contracting the virus. The majority of responders believed that belonging to the Italian Association for Patients with IBD - AMICI Onlus - is useful. Conclusions The results revealed that this sample of Italian patients with IBD lived with medium level of stress and with inadequate coping self-efficacy regarding disease management. Accordingly, Covid-19 may affect self-management behaviors. Therefore, national and regional associations for patients with IBD, should largely support these patients in this emergency.

scholarly journals Before and after the Quarantine: An Approximate Study on the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on the Italian Population during the Lockdown Period

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 229
Author(s):  
Lorena Marotta ◽  
Andrea Pesce ◽  
Andrea Guazzini
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Italian Population ◽  
Risk Propensity

COVID-19 (Corona-Virus Disease 2019) in Italy and the measures that were adopted to contain its diffusion had a strong impact on people’s quality of life and mental health. The objective of the study was to quantify the psychological impact of the lockdown period on the general Italian population during the two weeks when the COVID-19 emergency in Italy was at its peak. The study (1556 adults) was conducted from April 6th to April 12th, 2020. A survey was developed through Google Forms in order to assess different psychological measures (Self Efficacy, Locus of Control, Social Connectedness, Sense of Virtual Community, Flourishing, Positive and Negative Affect, Life Satisfaction, and Risk Propensity). The results were then compared to reference data. Thelockdown period increased arousal mainly for negative emotions, but also for positive emotions, and quality of life seemed to be reduced. From a psychosocial point of view, while social connectedness has decreased during lockdown, probably because of isolation and social distancing, the virtual social community seemed to increase in the same period. Interestingly, we revealed how self efficacy increased during the lockdown period, and, at the same time, the Locus of control appeared as externalized, and the risk propensity as reduced. The results are discussed considering previous literature, and a coherent theoretical framework is proposed in order to refine the forecasting model for the psychological impact of the lockdown.

Refinement and Psychometric Properties of the Self-Efficacy for Sleep Hygiene Inventory

2020 ◽  
pp. 019394592094097
Author(s):  
Christine S. Gipson ◽  
Jenifer M. Chilton ◽  
Eric Stocks
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Psychometric Testing ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Sleep Hygiene ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
The Self ◽  
Reliable Measure ◽  
Electronic Survey

The purpose of this study was to determine key concepts of self-efficacy for sleep hygiene among young adults/college students and sleep experts, and to refine the Self-Efficacy for Sleep Hygiene Inventory. The Self-Efficacy for Sleep Hygiene Inventory was revised using input from young adult focus groups and experts. Information from focus groups informed instrument revision. The revised instrument was distributed using an electronic survey to young adults age 18–26 years for a total sample of 296. A principal component analysis with Varimax Orthogonal Rotation was conducted resulting in a three-factor solution. Cronbach’s alphas were: .85 for Behaviors to Adopt (nine items), .79 for Manage Mindset and Environment (eight items), .70 for Behaviors to Avoid (eight items), and .88 for the inventory (twenty-five items). Initial psychometric testing of the Self-Efficacy for Sleep Hygiene Inventory-Revised indicates that it is a reliable measure of self-efficacy for sleep hygiene in young adults age 18–26 years.

Sociopolitical Development and Healthcare Career Interest, Self-Efficacy, and Outcome Expectations Among Rural Youth

2021 ◽  
pp. 001100002110074
Author(s):  
Saba Rasheed Ali ◽  
Yunkyoung Loh Garrison ◽  
Ziomara M. Cervantes ◽  
Devon A. Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Outcome Expectations ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Sociopolitical Development ◽  
Youth Of Color ◽  
Eighth Grade Students ◽  
Indirect Path ◽  
Indirect Relationship

The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the indirect effects of social cognitive career variables (healthcare career [HC] self-efficacy and outcome expectations) in the relationship between youth sociopolitical development (SPD) and HC interests. Bootstrapping analysis was conducted using samples of eighth grade students ( N = 139) attending schools in rural areas in communities that consist predominantly of Immigrants of Color. Preliminary findings for the total sample suggested an indirect path between SPD and HC interests through HC self-efficacy, whereas the indirect path through HC outcome expectations was not significant. The model for immigrant Youth of Color participants suggested a direct relationship between SPD and HC interest, whereas an indirect relationship between SPD and HC interests was found for White participants. Based on the results of this preliminary analysis, implications for career programming and research pertaining to rural immigrant communities are discussed.

scholarly journals Perception of Risk, Self-Efficacy and Social Trust during the Diffusion of Covid-19 in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3427
Author(s):  
Pierluigi Diotaiuti ◽  
Giuseppe Valente ◽  
Stefania Mancone ◽  
Lavinia Falese ◽  
Fernando Bellizzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Trust ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Perception Of Risk ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Perceived Trust ◽  
Health Authorities

The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the lives of people all over the world. The perception of risk and people’s consequent behaviour during a pandemic are very complex and are affected by multiple cultural and psychological factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the change in risk perception, perceived self-efficacy and the perceived trust in the behaviour of others, the decisions of health authorities and government provisions, as well as the variation of self-restraint behaviours during the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic in Italy. We used a convenience sample of 707 university students (Mage = 22.99; SD = 4.01) from a central area of Italy. Participants freely joined the research by answering an online questionnaire between February and March 2020. Three time intervals defined by the progressive containment measures implemented by the Italian Government were considered. Main outcome measures were the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, the Risk Perception Index, the Index of Self-restraint Behaviours, and Institutional and Interpersonal Trust Measures. Results confirmed that significant changes in the time progression have occurred in the perception of risk, in the perception of individual self-efficacy, in the value attributed to social responsibility, in interpersonal trust and in trust in health authorities. The study also identified the participants’ personality traits and locus of control as predictors (positive and negative) of perceived self-efficacy and tested a mediation model of trust on the effect of risk perception on self-restraint intentions.

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