scholarly journals Comparison of Experiences in Two Birth Cohorts Comprising Young Families with Children under Four Years during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in Australia and the UK: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9119
Author(s):  
Lisa Y. Gibson ◽  
Bridget Lockyer ◽  
Josie Dickerson ◽  
Charlotte Endacott ◽  
Sally Bridges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Anxiety ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Economic Disadvantage ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Birth Cohorts ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Families With Children

This study aims to understand the experience and impact of the initial COVID-19 lockdown in young families with children aged below 4 years. Free text questions were administered to participants in the ORIGINS (Australia) and Born in Bradford (UK) cohort studies to collect qualitative information on worries, concerns and enjoyable experiences during the pandemic. A total of 903 (400 for ORIGINS and 503 for BiB) participants completed the two surveys during April 2020. Despite varying in geography, levels of socio-economic disadvantage and their situational context during the pandemic, respondents from both cohorts reported similar worries and challenges during the lockdown period, including: employment/finances, health anxiety, mental health and social isolation, caring for children and child development. Families across the globe experienced both positive and negative immediate impacts of COVID-19. Population-based data can be used to inform the development of support services, public health campaigns and universal interventions to assist families in future health crises.

scholarly journals Longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement during and following the first national lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feifei Bu ◽  
Hei Wan Mak ◽  
Jessica K Bone ◽  
Daisy Fancourt
Keyword(s):  
Social Study ◽  
Growth Trajectories ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Longitudinal Changes ◽  
Growth Mixture ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Arts Engagement ◽  
Over Time

Aims: This study aimed to examine potential heterogeneity in longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement during the first national lockdown and following gradual easing of restrictions in the UK. Further, it sought to explore factors that were associated with patterns of longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement. Methods: Data were from the UCL COVID-19 Social Study. The analytical sample consisted of 29,147 adults in the UK who were followed up for 22 weeks from 21st March to 21st August 2020. Data were analysed using growth mixture models. Results: Our analyses identified five classes of growth trajectories. There were two stable classes showing little change in arts engagement over time (64.4% in total), two classes showing initial increases in arts engagement followed by declines as restrictions were eased (29.8%), and one class showing slight declines during strict lockdown followed by an increase in arts engagement after the easing of restrictions (5.9%). A range of factors were found to be associated with class membership of these arts engagement trajectories, such as age, gender, education, income, employment status, and health. Conclusions: There is substantial heterogeneity in longitudinal changes in home-based arts engagement. For participants whose engagement changed over time, growth trajectories of arts engagement were related to changes in lockdown measures. These findings suggest that some individuals may have drawn on the arts when they needed them the most, such as during the strict lockdown period, even if they usually had lower levels of arts engagement before the pandemic. Overall, our results indicate the importance of promoting arts engagement during pandemics and periods of lockdown as part of public health campaigns.

scholarly journals Trustworthiness of Doctors from Public Health Campaigns

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Koed Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Message Content ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Exploratory Factor Analyses ◽  
Ethical Stance ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Previous research concerning the effectiveness of public health campaigns have explored the impact of message design, message content, communication channel choice and other aspects of such campaigns. Meta analyses reported in the literature reveal, however, that the choice of endorsers in health campaigns remains unexplored. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by studying what makes doctors from public health campaigns appear trustworthy in the eyes of the receiver. The present research examines propensity for trust as well facets of trustworthiness of such expert doctors based on a survey carried out in the UK (155 respondents). Underlying factors of trustworthiness are explored to gain more insight into the understanding of how trust may affect the public’s belief updating and the formation of intentions. Exploratory factor analyses suggest four dimensions of trustworthiness. Multiple regression analyses demonstrate that these factors explain almost 70% of the variance in the participants’ expressed trust in doctors from public health campaigns. Doctors’ ethical stance and their care for the health of the general population appear to be more important for perceived trustworthiness than their actual professional background, although their abilities and competences are closely related to ethics and benevolence. For policy makers this has important implications when selecting endorsers for public health campaigns in order to design effective health related communication, for example to combat obesity.

scholarly journals Inequalities in the decline and recovery of pathological cancer diagnoses during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh C. Hamilton ◽  
David W. Donnelly ◽  
Maurice B. Loughrey ◽  
Richard C. Turkington ◽  
Colin Fox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Cancer Site ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Population Demographic

AbstractBackgroundThe restructuring of healthcare systems to cope with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reduction in clinical services such as cancer screening and diagnostics.MethodsData from the four Northern Ireland pathology labs was used to assess trends in pathological cancer diagnoses from 1st March to 12th September 2020 overall and by cancer site, gender and age. These trends were compared to the same timeframe from 2017-2019.ResultsBetween 1st March and 12th September 2020 there was a 23% reduction in cancer diagnoses compared to the same time period in the preceding three years. Although some recovery occurred in August and September 2020, this revealed inequalities across certain patient groups. Pathological diagnoses of lung, prostate and gynaecological malignancies remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Males and younger/middle-aged adults, particularly the 50-59 year old patient group, also lagged behind other population demographic groups in terms of returning to expected numbers of pathological cancer diagnoses.ConclusionsThere is a critical need to protect cancer diagnostic services in the ongoing pandemic to facilitate timely investigation of potential cancer cases. Targeted public health campaigns may be needed to reduce emerging inequalities in cancer diagnoses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

scholarly journals Using Artificial Intelligence-enabled analysis of social media data to understand public perceptions of COVID-19 contact tracing apps (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathrin Cresswell ◽  
Ahsen Tahir ◽  
Zakariya Sheikh ◽  
Zain Hussain ◽  
Andrés Domínguez Hernández ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Public Attitudes ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Media Analysis ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Social Media Analysis ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Effective Public Health

UNSTRUCTURED We here report on an exploratory analysis of the suitability of AI-enabled social media analysis of Facebook and Twitter to understand public perceptions of COVID-19 contact tracing apps in the UK. We extracted over 10,000 relevant social media posts and analysed these over an eight month period, from 1st of March to 31st of October 2020. Overall, we observed 76% positive and 12% negative sentiments, and discuss how the government's decision to move from a centralised to a decentralised contact-tracing model is likely to have influenced sentiment trends. In doing so, we demonstrate how AI-enabled social media analysis of public attitudes in healthcare can help to facilitate the implementation of effective public health campaigns.

scholarly journals Inequalities in the decline and recovery of pathological cancer diagnoses during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashleigh C. Hamilton ◽  
David W. Donnelly ◽  
Maurice B. Loughrey ◽  
Richard C. Turkington ◽  
Colin Fox ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Cancer Site ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
Middle Aged Adults ◽  
Population Demographic

Abstract Background The restructuring of healthcare systems to cope with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reduction in clinical services such as cancer screening and diagnostics. Methods Data from the four Northern Ireland pathology laboratories were used to assess trends in pathological cancer diagnoses from 1st March to 12th September 2020 overall and by cancer site, sex and age. These trends were compared to the same timeframe from 2017 to 2019. Results Between 1st March and 12th September 2020, there was a 23% reduction in cancer diagnoses compared to the same time period in the preceding 3 years. Although some recovery occurred in August and September 2020, this revealed inequalities across certain patient groups. Pathological diagnoses of lung, prostate and gynaecological malignancies remained well below pre-pandemic levels. Males and younger/middle-aged adults, particularly the 50–59-year-old patient group, also lagged behind other population demographic groups in terms of returning to expected numbers of pathological cancer diagnoses. Conclusions There is a critical need to protect cancer diagnostic services in the ongoing pandemic to facilitate timely investigation of potential cancer cases. Targeted public health campaigns may be needed to reduce emerging inequalities in cancer diagnoses as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

scholarly journals Exploration of attitudes regarding uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among vaccine hesitant adults in the UK: A qualitative analysis.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Denford ◽  
Fiona Mowbray ◽  
Lauren Towler ◽  
Helena Wehling ◽  
Gemma Lasseter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
First Results ◽  
Understanding Of Science ◽  
The Government ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background The aim of this work was to explore barriers and facilitators to uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and to explore views and reactions to efforts to improve vaccine uptake among those who were vaccine hesitant. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with people between the age of 18-29 years who had not had a COVID-19 vaccine, and those between 30-49 years who have not received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (more than 12 weeks after receiving a first). Results A total of 70 participants took part in the study, 35 participants had received one dose of the vaccine, and 35 had not received any vaccine. Participants described a possible willingness to be vaccinated to keep themselves and those around them safe, and to avoid restrictions and return to normal. Barriers to uptake included: 1) perceived lack of need for COVID-19 vaccinations, 2) concerns about the efficacy of vaccinations, 3) concerns about safety 4) access. Uptake appeared to be influenced by the age and health status of the individual, trust in government and knowledge and understanding of science. Introduction of vaccine passes may provide a motive for having a vaccine but may also be viewed as coercive. Conclusion Participants were hesitant, rather than opposed, and had questions about their need for, and the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Young people did not consider themselves to be at risk of becoming ill from COVID-19, did not think the vaccination was effective in preventing infection and transmission, and did not think sufficient research had been conducted with regard to the possible long-term side-effects. These concerns were exacerbated by a lack of trust in the government and misunderstanding of science. In order to promote uptake, public health campaigns should focus on the provision of information from trusted sources that carefully explains the benefits of vaccination and addresses safety concerns more effectively. To overcome inertia in people with low levels of motivation to be vaccinated, appointments must be easily accessible.

scholarly journals Public Perceptions of the Role of Lifestyle Factors in Cancer Development: Results from the Spanish Onco-Barometer 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10472
Author(s):  
Dafina Petrova ◽  
Josep Maria Borrás ◽  
Marina Pollán ◽  
Eloísa Bayo Lozano ◽  
David Vicente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Consumption ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Cancer Development ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Campaigns

The European Code against Cancer recommends not to smoke, to avoid alcohol consumption, to eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight to prevent cancer. To what extent is the public aware of the influence of these lifestyle factors on cancer development? The goal of the current study was to describe the perceived influence of four lifestyle factors (tobacco, alcohol, diet, and weight) on cancer development in the general population and identify factors related to low perceptions of influence. We analyzed data from the 2020 Onco-barometer (n = 4769), a representative population-based survey conducted in Spain. With the exception of smoking, lifestyle factors were among those with the least perceived influence, more so among the demographic groups at higher risk from cancer including men and older individuals (65+ years). Individuals from lower socio-economic groups were more likely to report not knowing what influence lifestyle factors have on cancer. Lower perceived influence was also consistently related to perceiving very low risk from cancer. Overall, although there is variation in perceptions regarding the different lifestyle factors, low perceived influence clusters among those at higher risk for cancer. These results signal the need for public health campaigns and messages informing the public about the preventive potential of lifestyle factors beyond avoiding tobacco consumption.

Chlamydia

2019 ◽  
pp. 149-160
Keyword(s):  
Partner Notification ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Consistent Condom ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Obligate Intracellular Bacteria ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
The Uk

Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an obligate intracellular bacteria. It is the most common bacterial STI in the UK, with highest prevalence among 16–25-year-olds, with incidence rates up to 10%. Public health campaigns like the Chlamydia Screening Programme in the UK, have helped to increase testing rates within this age group. Concordance of infection between couples is 75%, reduced to 40% by consistent condom use. This chapter discusses aetiology, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostics, and management of adults with anogenital and extragenital chlamydia. Partner notification is a key part of management. Management in pregnancy and neonates is also included.

Determinants of Shielding Behaviour During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Associations with Wellbeing in >7,000 NHS Patients: 17-week Longitudinal Observational Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrik Bachtiger ◽  
Alexander Adamson ◽  
William A Maclean ◽  
Mihir A Kelshiker ◽  
Jennifer K Quint ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Organ Transplant ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Uk National Health Service ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Access To Food

BACKGROUND The UK National Health Service (NHS) classified 2.2 million people as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) during the first wave of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, advising them to ‘shield’ – to not leave home for any reason. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to measure the determinants of shielding behaviour and associations with wellbeing in a large NHS patient population, towards informing future health policy. METHODS Patients contributing to an ongoing longitudinal participatory epidemiology study (LoC-19, n = 42,924) received weekly email invitations to complete questionnaires (17-week shielding period starting 9th April 2020) within their NHS personal electronic health record. Question items focused on wellbeing. Participants were stratified into four groups by self-reported CEV status (qualifying condition) and adoption of shielding behaviour (baselined at week 1 or 2). Distribution of CEV criteria is reported alongside situational variables and uni- and multivariable logistic regression. Longitudinal trends in physical and mental wellbeing were displayed graphically. Free-text responses reporting variables impacting wellbeing were semi-quantified using natural language processing. In the lead up to a second national lockdown (October 23rd, 2020), a follow-up questionnaire evaluated subjective concern if further shielding were advised. RESULTS 7,240 participants were included. Among the CEV (2,391), 1,133 (47.3%) assumed shielding behaviour at baseline, compared with 633 (15.0%) in the non-CEV group. Those CEV who shielded were more likely to be Asian (Odds Ratio OR 2.02 [1.49-2.76]), female (OR 1.24 [1.05-1.45]), older (OR per year increase 1.01 [1.00-1.02]) and live in a home with outdoor space (OR 1.34 [1.06-1.70]) or 3-4 other inhabitants (3 = OR 1.49 [1.15-1.94], 4 = OR 1.49 [1.10-2.01]); and be solid organ transplant recipients (2.85 [2.18-3.77]) or have severe chronic lung disease (OR 1.63 [1.30-2.04]). Receipt of a government letter advising shielding was reported in 1,115 (46.6%) of CEV and 180 (3.7%) of non-CEV and was associated with adopting shielding behaviour (OR 3.34 [2.82-3.95] and 2.88 [2.04-3.99], respectively). In both groups, shielding was longitudinally associated with worse physical and mental wellbeing (p<.05). Access to food and grocery supplies was a more prevalent concern among those shielding (p<.05). Concern for wellbeing if future shielding was required was most prevalent among the CEV who had originally shielded. CONCLUSIONS Future health policy must balance the potential protection from COVID-19 against our findings that in this population shielding negatively impacted wellbeing and was adopted in many in whom it was not indicated, and variably in whom it was. This therefore also requires clearer public health messaging and support for wellbeing if shielding is to be advised in future pandemic scenarios. CLINICALTRIAL N/a

Promoting Hearing Loss Prevention in Audiology Practice

2012 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Byrne ◽  
Christa L. Themann ◽  
Deanna K. Meinke ◽  
Thais C. Morata ◽  
Mark R. Stephenson
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Loss Prevention ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Occupational Programs ◽  
Strategic Position ◽  
Public Health Campaigns ◽  
Self Protection

An audiologist should be the principal provider and advocate for all hearing loss prevention activities. Many audiologists equate hearing loss prevention with industrial audiology and occupational hearing conservation programs. However, an audiologist’s involvement in hearing loss prevention should not be confined to that one particular practice setting. In addition to supervising occupational programs, audiologists are uniquely qualified to raise awareness of hearing risks, organize public health campaigns, promote healthy hearing, implement intervention programs, and monitor outcomes. For example, clinical audiologists can show clients how to use inexpensive sound level meters, noise dosimeters, or phone apps to measure noise levels, and recommend appropriate hearing protection. Audiologists should identify community events that may involve hazardous exposures and propose strategies to minimize risks to hearing. Audiologists can help shape the knowledge, beliefs, motivations, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals toward self-protection. An audiologist has the education, tools, opportunity, and strategic position to facilitate or promote hearing loss surveillance and prevention services and activities. This article highlights real-world examples of the various roles and substantial contributions audiologists can make toward hearing loss prevention goals.

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