Fear and Attitude towards SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection in Spanish Population during the Period of Confinement

In January 2020, the WHO classified SARS-CoV-2 infection as a public health emergency and it was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The media warned about the danger of infection, fuelling the population’s fear of the new situation and increasing the perception of risk. This fear can cause behaviour that will determine the course of the pandemic and, therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the fear of infection from COVID-19 among the Spanish population during the state of emergency. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with 16,372 participants. Data on sociodemographic factors, health factors, risk perception and fear were collected through an online survey. Level of fear is associated with older age, a lower level of education, having a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the immediate surroundings and living with and belonging to the most socioeconomically vulnerable group of people. Risk perception is associated with increased preventive behaviour. This paper provides relevant information for the public health sector since it contributes first-hand knowledge of population data that is highly useful in terms of prevention. Understanding the experiences of people in this pandemic helps to create more effective future intervention strategies in terms of planning and management for crisis situations.

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Risk Perception of COVID−19 Community Transmission among the Spanish Population

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17238967 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 8967

Author(s):

José Miguel Mansilla Domínguez ◽

Isabel Font Jiménez ◽

Angel Belzunegui Eraso ◽

David Peña Otero ◽

David Díaz Pérez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Perception ◽

Public Perception ◽

Online Survey ◽

Strong Relationship ◽

Spanish Population ◽

Prevention Measures ◽

Perception Of Risk ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Prevention ◽

Set Up

On 11 March 2020 the SARS-CoV−2 virus was officially declared a pandemic and measures were set up in various countries to avoid its spread among the population. This paper aims to analyse the perception of risk of COVID−19 infection in the Spanish population. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with a total of 16,372 Spanish participants. An online survey was used to gather data for 5 consecutive days over the compulsory lockdown period which was established after the state of emergency was declared. There is an association between socio-demographic variables and risk perception, and a very strong relationship between this perception and contact and direct experience with the virus in a family, social or professional setting. We also found that compared to working from home, working outside the home increased the perception of risk of infection and the perception of worsening health. Understanding the public perception of the risk of COVID−19 infection is fundamental for establishing effective prevention measures.

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Children and digital devices: a survey on risk perception and use

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz185.101 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

L Covolo ◽

J Roncali ◽

D Zaniboni ◽

V Mapelli ◽

E Ceretti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Time Use ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Digital Devices ◽

The Mean ◽

Mean Time

Abstract Background Paediatrics associations in different international contexts recommended avoiding the use of screen media in children ages 0-2 years and limiting the use to one hour per day for children ages 2-5 years. In the light of these guidelines, the aim of this study was to investigate risk perception in the general population and use of digital devices (DD) in preschool children. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study on 3115 Italian subjects including parents and non-parents, using an online survey. Parents answered questions about their children’s DD use. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the potential predictors of devices’ use in preschool children. Results Overall 74% of sample think that the use of DD by preschool children is a risk for health. They perceive risks, such as having eye irritation (83%), having sleep disorders (65%) more than benefits, e.g. communicating with distant relatives (47%), and learning new words (40%). Parents of preschool children represent the 74% of all parents (N = 1869). The 56% of parents with only 0-2 years children think that is not correct the use of DDs in toddlers, however the 25% of them allow their children to use them. The mean time use reported is 63±57 minutes. Among parents who have also children from 2 to 5 years, the 89% think it is correct the use of DD up to a maximum of one hour a day for children aged 2-5 years. However, the 58% of them allow their children to use it more than one hour. The mean time use reported is 61±52 minutes. Parents without a job, having low education level, with more than one child and having children ages 3 and older, are more prone to allow the use of DD to their children. Conclusions There is a discrepancy between risk perception and real attitude on DD use in children by parents. Public health actions must aim to increase awareness about a conscious use of DD in children considering the spread of DD in the society and younger people. Key messages The discrepancy between risk perception and actual behaviour means an underestimation of health impact of digital devices use in children. Health professionals are very concerned about the health risk of digital devices use in children. Considering the large use of digital devices, public health actors must pay attention to this matter.

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Risk Perception of COVID-19 Infection and Adherence to Preventive Measures among Adolescents and Young Adults

Children ◽

10.3390/children7120311 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (12) ◽

pp. 311

Author(s):

Xin Yu Yang ◽

Rui Ning Gong ◽

Samuel Sassine ◽

Maxime Morsa ◽

Alexandra Sonia Tchogna ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Perceived Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Community Partners ◽

Health Measures

To explore factors influencing adolescents and young adults’ (AYAs) risk perception of COVID-19 and adherence to public health measures, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey of AYAs (14–22 years old) from Quebec (Canada) recruited through school and community partners in April 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 3037 participants (mean age = 17.7 years, 74.6% female). AYAs had higher mean (standard deviation (SD)) risk perception of COVID-19 for their relatives (8.2 (1.9)) than for themselves (5.6 (2.6)) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with higher risk perception included higher disease knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11), presence of chronic disease (aOR 2.31, 95%CI 1.82–2.93) and use of immunosuppressants (aOR 2.53, 95%CI 1.67–3.87). AYAs with a higher risk perception (aOR 1.06, 95%CI 1.02–1.10) those wishing to help flatten the disease curve (aOR 1.18, 95%CI 1.12–1.25) or to protect their family/friends (aOR 1.14, 95%CI 1.05–1.24) were more likely to engage in preventive behaviors. Self-perceived risk and desire to protect others were significantly associated with adherence to preventive measures among youth. These findings may help inform public health messaging to AYAs in the current and future pandemics.

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Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126234 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6234

Author(s):

Christina Brogårdh ◽

Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund ◽

Frida Eek ◽

Kjerstin Stigmar ◽

Ingrid Lindgren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sexual Life ◽

Life Domains ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Perceived Life Satisfaction

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

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Exploring the Frequency of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Brazilian Sample during the COVID-19 Outbreak

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4847

Author(s):

Fabiana Silva Ribeiro ◽

Flávia H. Santos ◽

Luis Anunciação ◽

Lucas Barrozo ◽

Jesus Landeira-Fernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health Sector ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Well Being ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Brazilian Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency of international concern, and the main measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 were social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation. Although these policies are effective in containing the spread of the virus, they might represent a challenge to psychological well-being, increasing levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Aims: We explored the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms during COVID-19 restrictions and associations with sociodemographic factors in a Brazilian sample. Method: Data of a total of 936 Brazilian adults (68.2% women) aged 18 to 77 years old (M = 38.95, SD = 13.91) were collected through an online survey. Results: In general, we observed a frequency of 17.36% for severe anxiety and 66.13% for severe depression symptoms, in which younger participants (18–39 years old) and women showed higher scores in anxiety and depression scales compared to older age groups. Logistic regressions showed that women were more likely to present severe symptoms of anxiety (20.4%) compared to men (10.9%), as well as respondents in the educational sector (24.3%) compared to those in the health sector (10%). Conclusions: We highlight the importance of mental health professionals in developing strategies to help younger adults to mitigate the effects of social restriction.

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Diabetes knowledge, risk perception, and quality of life among South Asian caregivers in young adulthood

BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care ◽

10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001268 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. e001268

Author(s):

Angela Koipuram ◽

Sandra Carroll ◽

Zubin Punthakee ◽

Diana Sherifali

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Risk Perception ◽

South Asian ◽

Online Survey ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Design And Methods

IntroductionPersons of South Asian descent have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The management of T2DM in the South Asian community has required the support of adult children, potentially impacting the quality of life, diabetes-related knowledge, and risk perception among these caregivers.Research design and methodsTo investigate diabetes-related knowledge, quality of life, risk perception, and actual risk of developing diabetes among South Asian young adults whose parents are living with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted (n=150). An online survey was administered. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in diabetes-related knowledge between males and females (p<0.001). Males (in comparison to females) had a lower risk perception of developing diabetes (p=0.06). Further, risk perception and diabetes-related knowledge were positively associated with caregiver’s physical health (p=0.002).ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of providing gender-specific and culturally tailored diabetes educational interventions.

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Examining Australian’s beliefs, misconceptions and sources of information for COVID-19: a national online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043421 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e043421

Author(s):

Rae Thomas ◽

Hannah Greenwood ◽

Zoe A Michaleff ◽

Eman Abukmail ◽

Tammy C Hoffmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

National Sample ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Commercial Television ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

And Gender ◽

Public Health Strategies

ObjectivePublic cooperation to practise preventive health behaviours is essential to manage the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. We aimed to investigate beliefs about COVID-19 diagnosis, transmission and prevention that have the potential to impact the uptake of recommended public health strategies.DesignAn online cross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA national sample of 1500 Australian adults with representative quotas for age and gender provided by an online panel provider.Main outcome measureProportion of participants with correct/incorrect knowledge of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and reasons for misconceptions.ResultsOf the 1802 potential participants contacted, 289 did not qualify, 13 declined and 1500 participated in the survey (response rate 83%). Most participants correctly identified ‘washing your hands regularly with soap and water’ (92%) and ‘staying at least 1.5 m away from others’ (90%) could help prevent COVID-19. Over 40% (incorrectly) considered wearing gloves outside of the home would prevent them from contracting COVID-19. Views about face masks were divided. Only 66% of participants correctly identified that ‘regular use of antibiotics’ would not prevent COVID-19.Most participants (90%) identified ‘fever, fatigue and cough’ as indicators of COVID-19. However, 42% of participants thought that being unable to ‘hold your breath for 10 s without coughing’ was an indicator of having the virus. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-19 information were commercial television channels (56%), the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (43%) and the Australian Government COVID-19 information app (31%).ConclusionsPublic messaging about hand hygiene and physical distancing to prevent transmission appears to have been effective. However, there are clear, identified barriers for many individuals that have the potential to impede uptake or maintenance of these behaviours in the long term. We need to develop public health messages that harness these barriers to improve future cooperation. Ensuring adherence to these interventions is critical.

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The Influence of Social Media use on Practice of Covid-19 Preventive Measures Among Ethiopian Residents: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.184 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-18

Author(s):

Abinet Arega Sadore ◽

Demelash Woldeyohannes Handiso ◽

Tekle Ejajo Wontamo ◽

Dejene Ermias Mekango ◽

Sisay Moges

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Social Media ◽

Risk Perception ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

Media Use ◽

Social Media Use ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Preventive Practice ◽

Related Information ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background: Infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a severe public health issue worldwide. A broad amount of information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was disseminated by social media in Ethiopia. To date, there is limited evidence on the influence of social media use for covid-19 related information on covid-19 preventive practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of social media use on the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures in Ethiopia. Methods: This study employed an anonymous internet-based online cross-sectional survey using Google forms to collects the data from the respondents from 15 May to 17 June 2020 in Ethiopia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between social media usage as a predictor and COVID-19 preventive practice, after adjusting for socio-demographic and risk perception of COVID-19 variables. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 372 respondents have participated in the study. From 372, 208(55.9%) respondents in this study were male. Study participants who had good utilization of social media to get COVID-19 related information were 9.5 times engaged in COVID-19 preventive practices compared to study participants who had poor utilization of social media to get covid-19 related information (AOR= 9.59, 95% CI = 5.70 - 16.13). Also, study participants who had a high-risk perception of COVID-19 were 2.6 times engaged in COVID-19 practices compared to study participants who had a low-risk perception of covid-19 (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.58 - 4.38). Study participants who were students at the time of this study were four times more likely to show adequate COVID-19 preventive practice score compared to those who had another occupational status (AOR= 4.07, 95% CI= 1.66 - 9.98) Conclusions: Our results show that the usage of social media networks can have a positive effect on the practice of preventive measures and public safety against COVID-19; high-risk perception contributed to preventive activities against COVID-19. Social networking platforms can be used by public health agencies as an important method to raise public health understanding by disseminating concise messages to targeted audiences.

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The New Zealand podiatry profession – a workforce in crisis?

Journal of Foot and Ankle Research ◽

10.1186/s13047-020-00430-y ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Matthew Carroll ◽

Hannah Jepson ◽

Prue Molyneux ◽

Angela Brenton-Rule

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Private Practice ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

Online Survey ◽

Health Sector ◽

New Graduates ◽

The North ◽

New Graduate ◽

Survey Responses

Abstract Background This is the first study to explore workforce data from the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand. The study analysed data from an online survey which New Zealand podiatrists complete as part of their application for an Annual Practising Certificate. Methods Survey responses between 2015 and 2019 were analysed. Data was related to work setting, employment status, work hours, location, professional affiliations, and number of graduates entering practice. Survey data was downloaded by a second party who provide data security for the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand workforce data. All data supplied for analysis were deidentified and could not be re-linked to an individual practitioner. Results In 2019 there were 430 podiatrists who held an Annual Practising Certificate. Eighty percent of podiatrists who work in New Zealand are in private practice, with 8% employed in the public health sector. Podiatrist’s work is a mix of general podiatry, diabetes care and sports medicine. The majority are self-employed (40%) or business owners (19%). Approximately 40% work between 31 to 40 h per week and 46 to 50 weeks per year. The majority are female (67%) with most practising in the North Island (69%) and located in the Auckland region (33%). On average 76% of new graduates were issued an Annual Practising Certificate between 2015 and 2019. Conclusion The New Zealand podiatry profession is small and growing at a slow rate, consequently there is evidence of a workforce shortage. To maintain a per-capita ratio of podiatrists approximate to Australia and the United Kingdom an additional 578 podiatrists are required in the New Zealand workforce. There are not enough new graduate practitioners entering the workforce and once practising, the majority enter private practice in the face of limited public health employment opportunities.

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Drought, Wellbeing and Adaptive Capacity: Why Do Some People Stay Well?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17197214 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (19) ◽

pp. 7214

Author(s):

Emma K. Austin ◽

Tonelle Handley ◽

Anthony S. Kiem ◽

Jane L. Rich ◽

David Perkins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Adaptive Capacity ◽

Online Survey ◽

New South ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Drought Condition ◽

South Wales ◽

Related Stress ◽

The Relationship

Drought is a threat to public health. Individual and community adaptive capacity is crucial when responding to the impacts of drought. Gaps remain in the understandings of the relationship between wellbeing and adaptive capacity, and whether increased wellbeing can lead to improved adaptive capacity (or vice versa). This paper explores the relationship between drought, wellbeing and adaptive capacity to provide insights that will inform actions to enhance adaptive capacity, and hence increase opportunities for effective drought adaptation. The theory of salutogenesis and the associated sense of coherence (SOC) are used to measure adaptive capacity and to explain why some individuals remain well and adapt to adversity while others do not. An online survey of rural residents (n = 163) in drought-affected New South Wales (NSW), Australia, was conducted from November 2018 to January 2019. Linear regression was used to model the relationships between SOC, sociodemographic factors, drought and wellbeing. Findings demonstrate that SOC is strongly correlated with wellbeing. Drought condition did not influence adaptive capacity, although adaptive capacity and drought-related stress were only weakly correlated. Increased wellbeing was found to be associated with stronger adaptive capacity and therefore, an individuals’ capacity to cope with adversity, such as drought.

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