Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although concern affects one’s welfare or happiness, few studies to date have focused on peoples’ concerns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to explore concerns in the Norwegian populations according to gender and age, and identify which concerns were most prominent during the lockdown. A population-based cross-sectional online survey using snowball-sampling strategies was conducted, to which 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Questions related to concerns had response alternatives yes or no. In addition, they were asked which concern was most prominent. Nearly all the 4527 respondents (92%) reported that they were concerned: 60.9% were generally concerned about the pandemic, 83.9% were concerned about family and friends, 21.8% had financial concerns, and 25.3% expected financial loss. More women were concerned about family and friends than males, (85.2% vs. 76.2%, p < 0.001), whereas more men expected financial loss (30.4% vs. 24.4%y, p = 0.001). Younger adults (<50 years) had more financial concerns than older adults (25.9% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Being concerned about family and friends was the most prominent concern and was associated with; lower age (OR 0.79), female gender (OR 1.59), and being next of kin (2.42). The most prominent concern for adults 70 years or older was being infected by COVID-19. In conclusion, women and younger individuals were most concerned. While adults under 70 years of age were most concerned about family and friends and adults 70 years or older were most concerned about being infected by COVID-19.

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Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Engagement in Algeria: A Population-based Study with Systematic Review of Studies from Arab Countries of the MENA Region

10.1101/2021.07.17.21260662 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Salah Eddine Oussama Kacimi ◽

Selma Nihel Klouche-Djedid ◽

Omar Riffi ◽

Hadj Ahmed Belaouni ◽

Farah Yasmine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preventive Measures ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Arab Countries ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Mena Region ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Safety ◽

Awareness Campaigns

Background The Algerian COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which started by the end of January 2021,is marked by a slowly ascending curvedespite thedeployed resources.To tackle the issue, we assessed the levels and explored determinants of engagement towards the COVID-19 vaccine among the Algerian population. Methods A nationwide, online-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 27 and April 30, 2021.A two-stage stratified snowball sampling method was used to include an equivalent number of participants from the four cardinal regions of the country. A vaccine engagement scale was developed, defining vaccine engagement as a multidimensional parameter (5 items) that combined self-stated acceptance and willingness with perceived safety and efficacy of the vaccine. An Engagement score was calculated and the median was used to define engagement versus nonengagement. Sociodemographic and clinical data, perceptions about COVID-19 and levels of adherence to preventive measures were analyzed as predictors for nonengagement. Results We included 1,019 participants, 54% were female and 64% were aged 18-29 years. Overall, there were low rates of self-declared acceptance (26%) and willingness (21%) to take the vaccine, as well as low levels of agreement regarding vaccine safety (21%) and efficacy (30%). Thus, vaccine engagement rate was estimated at 33.5%, and ranged between 29.6-38.5% depending on the region (p>0.05).Nonengagement was independently associated with female gender (OR=2.31, p<0.001), low adherence level to preventive measures (OR=6.93p<0.001), private sector jobs (OR=0.53, p=0.038), perceived COVID-19 severity (OR=0.66, p=0.014), and fear from contracting the disease (OR=0.56, p=0.018).Concern about vaccine side effects (72.0%)and exigence for more efficacy and safety studies (48.3%) were the most commonly reported barrier and enabler for vaccine acceptance respectively; whereas beliefs in the conspiracy theory were reported by 23.4%. Conclusions The very low rates of vaccine engagement among the Algerian populationprobably explain the slow ascension of the vaccination curve in the country. Vaccine awareness campaigns should be implemented to address the multiple misconceptions and enhance the levels of knowledge and perception both about the disease and the vaccine, by prioritizing target populations and engaging both healthcare workers and the general population.

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Psychological problems associated with coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/uarwz ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rita Judith Ames-Guerrero ◽

Ayme Barreda Parra ◽

Julio Cesar Huamani Cahua ◽

Jane Banaszak Holl

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Disorders ◽

Female Gender ◽

Educational Status ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease has quickly spread to all corners across Latin-American countries. Its exponential capacity has overwhelmed even the most resilient health systems (1). The already significant impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global scale is worsened by psychological responses that may aggravate the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at collecting demographic information, prevalence of psychological morbidities and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic on Peruvian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through online survey using snowball sampling techniques after the state of emergency was declared in Perú. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ -28) identify somatic symptom, anxiety/ insomnia, social misfunctioning and depression prevalence and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) maps strategies addressing recent stress. RESULTS: We collected data from 434 self-selected participants within 18-68 years old (ME =33.87), by analysing the socio-economic information in which the majority of the respondents were women (61.3%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.7%), from well-educated groups (>=85.0 %), Peruvian (94.2%), working citizen (57.4%) and single (71.20 %). Nearly 40.8% rated psychological problems, expressing fear of being infected by coronavirus (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that female gender is associated to higher somatic (p<0.001*, C.I: -2.75 to -.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptoms (p=0.00*, C.I: -2.98 to 0.84). Depression and social dysfunction are experienced at any age. Educational status is protective against developing psychological disorders (p<0.05). While active responses (Acceptance and Social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological problems; Passive strategies are commonly reported (Denial, Self-Distraction, Self-Blame, Disconnection, and Emotional discharge).CONCLUSION: These findings provide a better understanding of psychological disorders resulting from the current pandemic in Peruvian population. This evidence informs the need to strengthen mental health programs, especially in less privileged groups after the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of adolescents in India and their perceived causes of stress and anxiety

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20205183 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 5048

Author(s):

Brinda Prasanna Kumar ◽

Adarsh Eregowda ◽

Sahana Giliyaru

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Virus Disease ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Sampling Strategy ◽

Female Gender ◽

Risk Groups ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Gender And Age

Background: Outbreak of the 2019 novel Corona virus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unanticipated psychological impact globally. Mental health of adolescents also requires significant attention. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the psychological stress and anxiety among adolescents in India during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify the most important precursors.Methods: An online survey was undertaken where adolescents in the age group of 10 to 19 years were invited to participate with a self-administered questionnaire. A snowball sampling strategy was used, focusing on recruiting adolescents living in Bangalore, India. Perceived stress scale-4 (PSS-4) and Generalized anxiety disorder-2 (GAD-2) Scale were used. Questionnaires were anonymous to ensure confidentiality and reliability of data. Data collection took place over five daysResults: 156 (52.0%) had a high PSS-4 score of ≥8 and 132 (44.0%) respondents had a high GAD-2 score of ≥3. Female gender and age were found to be statistically significant detrimental factors of stress and anxiety respectively (p<0.05). Academic delay and uncertainty about the future were found to be the most significant causes of perceived psychological distress among adolescents.Conclusions: Majority of the adolescents experienced varying degrees of stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Our findings have both clinical and policy implications. The findings of our study indicate the need to identify adolescents as high-risk groups to ensure timely targeted psychological interventions and stress mitigating measures.

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Psychological problems associated with coping strategies: a web-based study in Peruvian population during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.31234/osf.io/rjp5a ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rita Judith Ames-Guerrero ◽

Ayme Barreda Parra ◽

Julio Cesar Huamani Cahua ◽

Jane Banaszak Holl

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

General Health Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Disorders ◽

Female Gender ◽

Educational Status ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Crisis

ABSTRACT:BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease has quickly spread to all corners across Latin-American countries. Its exponential capacity has overwhelmed even the most resilient health systems (1). The already significant impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global scale is worsened by psychological responses that may aggravate the health crisis. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at collecting demographic information, prevalence of psychological morbidities and associated coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic on Peruvian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through online survey using snowball sampling techniques after the state of emergency was declared in Perú. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ -28) identify somatic symptom, anxiety/ insomnia, social misfunctioning and depression prevalence and the Coping Strategy Questionnaire (COPE-28) maps strategies addressing recent stress. RESULTS: We collected data from 434 self-selected participants within 18-68 years old (ME =33.87), by analysing the socio-economic information in which the majority of the respondents were women (61.3%), aged between 18 and 28 (41.7%), from well-educated groups (>=85.0 %), Peruvian (94.2%), working citizen (57.4%) and single (71.20 %). Nearly 40.8% rated psychological problems, expressing fear of being infected by coronavirus (71.43%). Regression analysis shows that female gender is associated to higher somatic (p<0.001*, C.I: -2.75 to -.99) and anxiety/insomnia symptoms (p=0.00*, C.I: -2.98 to 0.84). Depression and social dysfunction are experienced at any age. Educational status is protective against developing psychological disorders (p<0.05). While active responses (Acceptance and Social support) are scarcely used by individuals with psychological problems; Passive strategies are commonly reported (Denial, Self-Distraction, Self-Blame, Disconnection, and Emotional discharge).CONCLUSION: These findings provide a better understanding of psychological disorders resulting from the current pandemic in Peruvian population. This evidence informs the need to strengthen mental health programs, especially in less privileged groups after the Covid-19 pandemic.

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How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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Falls among the elderly: risk factors in a population-based study

Revista Brasileira de Epidemiologia ◽

10.1590/1809-4503201400030011 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 705-718 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Iara Guimarães Rodrigues ◽

Gustavo Pereira Fraga ◽

Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros

Keyword(s):

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cluster Sampling ◽

Elderly Adults ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Policies And Programs

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with the occurrence of falls among elderly adults in a population-based study (ISACamp 2008). Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out with two-stage cluster sampling. The sample was composed of 1,520 elderly adults living in the urban area of the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The occurrence of falls was analyzed based on reports of the main accident occurred in the previous 12 months. Data on socioeconomic/demographic factors and adverse health conditions were tested for possible associations with the outcome. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated and adjusted for gender and age using the Poisson multiple regression analysis. Results: Falls were more frequent, after adjustment for gender and age, among female elderly participants (PR = 2.39; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.47 - 3.87), elderly adults (80 years old and older) (PR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.61 - 3.88), widowed (PR = 1.74; 95%CI 1.04 - 2.89) and among elderly adults who had rheumatism/arthritis/arthrosis (PR = 1.58; 95%CI 1.00 - 2.48), osteoporosis (PR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.18 - 2.49), asthma/bronchitis/emphysema (PR = 1,73; 95%CI 1.09 - 2.74), headache (PR = 1.59; 95%CI 1.07 - 2.38), mental common disorder (PR = 1.72; 95%CI 1.12 - 2.64), dizziness (PR = 2.82; 95%CI 1.98 - 4.02), insomnia (PR = 1.75; 95%CI 1.16 - 2.65), use of multiple medications (five or more) (PR = 2.50; 95%CI 1.12 - 5.56) and use of cane/walker (PR = 2.16; 95%CI 1.19 - 3,93). Conclusion: The present study shows segments of the elderly population who are more prone to falls through the identification of factors associated with this outcome. The findings can contribute to the planning of public health policies and programs addressed to the prevention of falls.

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Factors Associated With the Experience of Cognitive Training Apps for the Prevention of Dementia: Cross-sectional Study Using an Extended Health Belief Model

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/31664 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. e31664

Author(s):

Jaegyeong Lee ◽

Jung Min Lim

Keyword(s):

Health Belief Model ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Health Belief ◽

Female Gender ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Belief Model

Background The prevalence and economic burden of dementia are increasing dramatically. Using information communication technology to improve cognitive functions is proven to be effective and holds the potential to serve as a new and efficient method for the prevention of dementia. Objective The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the experience of mobile apps for cognitive training in middle-aged adults. We evaluated the relationships between the experience of cognitive training apps and structural variables using an extended health belief model. Methods An online survey was conducted on South Korean participants aged 40 to 64 years (N=320). General characteristics and dementia knowledge were measured along with the health belief model constructs. Statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Higher dementia knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 1.164, P=.02), higher perceived benefit (OR 1.373, P<.001), female gender (OR 0.499, P=.04), and family history of dementia (OR 1.933, P=.04) were significantly associated with the experience of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia. Conclusions This study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of intervention strategies to increase the use of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia.

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Development of a health literacy scale for preconception care: a study of the reproductive age population in Japan

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-12081-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maiko Suto ◽

Haruhiko Mitsunaga ◽

Yuka Honda ◽

Eri Maeda ◽

Erika Ota ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preconception Care ◽

Population Based ◽

Living Environment ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Self Report ◽

Healthy Weight ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Behavioral Skills

Abstract Background Preconception care aims to improve both maternal and child health in the short as well as long term, along with providing health benefits to adolescents, women, and men, whether or not they plan to become parents. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions for improving preconception health in population-based settings. To accumulate evidence in this field, this study focused on the concept of health literacy, and aimed to develop a self-report health literacy scale in Japanese, focusing on preconception care. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were recruited from December 2019 to February 2020 from the registered members of a web-based research company. Participants were Japanese men and women aged 16–49 (n = 2000). A factor analysis was conducted to select both factors and items for health-related behavior and skills (33 initial items were generated), along with an item response theory analysis to examine how the 16 items were related to people’s knowledge of preconception care. Results We developed a 6-factor (including “appropriate medical examinations,” “appropriate diet,” “stress coping,” “healthy weight,” “safe living environment,” and “vaccinations”), 25-item behavior and skills scale, as well as a 13-item knowledge scale, to evaluate participants’ health literacy around preconception care. A shortened version, consisting of 17 items, was also prepared from the 25 items. The reliability coefficients of total scores and each factor of the behavior and skills scale were comparatively high, with weak-to-moderate correlation between behavior and skills and knowledge. Conclusions The new scale will, ideally, provide information on the current state of preconception care health literacy of the general population. In addition, this scale, which consists of both behavioral/skills and knowledge dimensions, should help support the effective implementation of risk assessment programs and interventions aimed at promoting behavioral changes using a population-based approach. Future studies using different question/administration formats for diverse populations, and considering respondents’ opinions on health literacy scales should be effective in improving this scale.

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An Observational Study to Assess Anxiety Disorder among Women during COVID-19 Pandemic

JOURNAL FOR CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH ◽

10.7860/jcdr/2021/48235.14650 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sonali Sain ◽

Indira Dey

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Online Survey ◽

Past History ◽

Family Type ◽

World Health ◽

Adult Women ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chronic Morbidity

Introduction: World Health Organisation (WHO) declared 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) infection as a pandemic. Government of India imposed a nationwide lockdown to break the chain of transmission in the community to halt the pandemic. The unprecedented measure led to severe emotional distress among the general population, especially women. Aim: To assess the burden of anxiety disorder perceived by women during the COVID-19 pandemic and their precipitating factors. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among the women residing in West Bengal for more than six months and has access to electronic media, internet services, and/or with an account in any social media. The online survey was conducted via electronic communication and the snowball sampling method was used to recruit 980 study participants. An electronic version of a semi-structured questionnaire was developed with a consent form attached to it and the link of the questionnaire was sent through e-mails, WhatsApp, and other social media to the contacts of the researcher. A self-administered questionnaire obtained information regarding socio-demographic features, personal history, past history of chronic morbidity, family history, and anxiety disorder by Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 item (GAD-7) scale. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used as a test of significance. The data was compiled, analysed, and presented. Results: Around 203 (20.7%) adult women were suffering from reasonable anxiety. Socio-demographic factors like residence, religion, education, and profession were more significantly associated but age, family type, and marital status were not significantly associated. Addiction, chronic morbidity, and experience of recurrent non-specific signs and symptoms had a significant association with reasonable anxiety. The regression model explained that working women had less chance and those with recurrent non-specific symptoms had more chance to suffer from reasonable anxiety. Conclusion: The study assessed the burden of anxiety disorder faced by women during the pandemic. It has provided further insight into the risk factors associated with it and a person’s vulnerability to anxiety disorder. Thus, it helped in developing targeted intervention strategies for the vulnerable segment of the population.

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The Chromosome 9p21 CVD- and T2D-Associated Regions in a Norwegian Population (The HUNT2 Survey)

International Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1155/2015/164652 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Øyvind Helgeland ◽

Jens K. Hertel ◽

Anders Molven ◽

Helge Ræder ◽

Carl G. P. Platou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Point ◽

Strong Association ◽

Population Based ◽

Risk Haplotype ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chromosome 9P21 ◽

Snp Association ◽

Risk Variants ◽

Norwegian Population

Background.Two adjacent regions upstreamCDKN2Bon chromosome 9p21 have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The precise location and number of risk variants have not been completely delineated and a possible synergistic relationship between the adjacent regions is not fully addressed. By a population based cross-sectional case-control design, we genotyped 18 SNPs upstream ofCDKN2Btagging 138 kb in and around two LD-blocks associated with CVD and T2D and investigated associations with T2D, angina pectoris (AP), myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD; AP or AMI), and stroke using 5,564 subjects from HUNT2.Results.Single point and haplotype analysis showed evidence for only one common T2D risk haplotype (rs10757282∣rs10811661: OR = 1.19,P=2.0×10-3) in the region. We confirmed the strong association between SNPs in the 60 kb CVD region with AP, MI, and CHD(P<0.01). Conditioning on the lead SNPs in the region, we observed two suggestive independent single SNP association signals for MI,rs2065501 (P=0.03)andrs3217986 (P=0.04).Conclusions.We confirmed the association of known variants within the 9p21 interval with T2D and CHD. Our results further suggest that additional CHD susceptibility variants exist in this region.

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