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Leonard R, O'Connor SR, Hanratty J, Keenan C, Chi Y, Ferguson J, Axiaq A, Volz A, Welsh C, Campbell K, Hawkins V, Miller S, Bradley D, Dempster M. Psychological and psychosocial determinants of COVID-related handwashing behaviours: A systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2024; 20:e1421. [PMID: 39010851 PMCID: PMC11247476 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has resulted in illness, deaths and societal disruption on a global scale. Societies have implemented various control measures to reduce transmission of the virus and mitigate its impact. Individual behavioural changes are crucial to the successful implementation of these measures. One commonly recommended measure to limit risk of infection is frequent handwashing. It is important to identify those factors that can predict the uptake and maintenance of handwashing. Objectives We aimed to identify and synthesise the evidence on malleable psychological and psychosocial factors that determine uptake and adherence to handwashing aimed at reducing the risk of infection or transmission of COVID-19. Search Methods We searched various literature sources including electronic databases (Medline ALL, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, ERIC, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Web of Science), web searches, conference proceedings, government reports, other repositories of literature and grey literature. The search strategy was built around three concepts of interest including (1) context (terms relating to COVID-19), (2) behaviour of interest and (3) terms related to psychological and psychosocial determinants of COVID Health-Related Behaviours and adherence or compliance with handwashing, to capture malleable determines. Searches capture studies up until October 2021. Selection Criteria Eligibility criteria included observational studies (both retrospective and prospective) and experimental studies that measure and report malleable psychological and psychosocial determinants and handwashing at an individual level, amongst the general public. Screening was supported by the Cochrane Crowd. Titles and abstracts were screened against the eligibility criteria by three independent screeners. Following this, all potentially relevant studies were screened at full-text level by the research team. All conflicts between screeners were resolved by discussion between the core research team. Data Collection and Analysis All data extraction was managed in EPPI-Reviewer software. All eligible studies, identified through full-text screening were extracted by one author. We extracted data on study information, population, determinant, behaviour and effects. A second author checked data extraction on 20% of all included papers. All conflicts were discussed by the two authors until consensus was reached.We assessed methodological quality of all included studies using an adapted version of the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies. Main Results Our initial searches yielded 23,587 results, of which 56 studies were included in this review. The included studies were cross sectional in design, came from 22 countries and had a combined sample of 199,376 participants. The vast majority of studies had samples from the general public, with eight of the studies focusing on specific samples. All included studies considered people over the age of 18. The quality of the majority of the studies was good (n = 30 rated low risk of bias), with 8 rated high risk of bias, predominately due to lack of reporting of recruitment, sample characteristics and methodology. Thirty-four studies were included in the narrative synthesis and 28 in the meta-analysis.Findings indicated that emotions about COVID-19 (worry [0.381, confidence interval [CI] = 0.270-0.482, I 2 = 92%) and anxiety (0.308, CI = 0.154-0.448, I 2 = 91%]), knowledge of COVID-19 (0.323, CI = 0.223-0.417, I 2 = 94%), and perceived social norms (0.303, CI = 0.184-0.413, I 2 = 92%) were among the malleable determinants most associated with handwashing. Perceived severity (0.006, CI = -0.011-0.023) and susceptibility of COVID-19 (0.041, CI = -0.034 to 0.115) had little to no effect on handwashing behaviour. Authors' Conclusions Understanding the effects of various malleable determinants on COVID-related handwashing can aid in the development and implementation of interventions and public health campaigns to promote handwashing behaviour in potential new waves of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. Emotions about COVID, knowledge of COVID and perceived social norms warrant further consideration in future research and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Leonard
- School of Psychology Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | | | - Jennifer Hanratty
- Centre for Evidence and Social Innovation Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | | | - Yuan Chi
- Yealth Network, Beijing Yealth Technology Co., Ltd. Shanghai China
| | - Jenny Ferguson
- School of Psychology Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Ariana Axiaq
- School of Psychology Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Anna Volz
- School of Psychology Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Ceri Welsh
- School of Psychology Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Kerry Campbell
- School of Psychology Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | | | - Sarah Miller
- Centre for Effective Education Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Declan Bradley
- Centre for Public Health Queens University Belfast Belfast UK
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Kim EJ, Byun M. Factors Affecting Adherence to Social Distancing among Adults Aged 19-44 Years: Insights from a Nationwide Survey during COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:827. [PMID: 38793010 PMCID: PMC11122991 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Before COVID-19 vaccinations became available, adhering to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), like social distancing (SD), wearing masks, and hand hygiene, were crucial to mitigating viral spread. Many studies reported that younger individuals were more reluctant to follow these measures compared with older ones. We hypothesized that it would be worthwhile to find factors that influenced SD compliance among young people during the pre-vaccination phase of a pandemic. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data of adults aged 19-44 from the 2020 South Korean Community Health Survey and compared socio-demographic, health-related behavioral, and psychological factors between compliant and non-compliant cohorts. Results: A total of 59,943 participants were enrolled and we found that older age groups (30-39 and 40-44) and safety concerns (such as viral infection, virus-related death, economic damage, and transmitting virus to vulnerable people) were significantly associated with adherence to SD. Conversely, participants who were not living with a spouse, were unable to stay at home despite symptoms, smoked, drank, and had a negative attitude toward government policy statistically correlated with non-compliance. Conclusions: In times when NPIs were the primary defense against the pandemic, it is essential to identify factors that positively or negatively affect individual compliance with them, especially among young people. Using a large-scale, well-designed national survey, we could gain insights into the early recognition of risk factors for non-compliance and appropriate follow-up interventions (i.e., education campaigns, clear communication of public guidelines, and implementation of guidelines), which will help people to avoid suffering from other waves of future infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jung Kim
- Department of Nursing, Seoil College, Seoul 02192, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mikyong Byun
- Department of Nursing, Deajeon University, 62, Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 300716, Republic of Korea
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Camacho KG, Moore DCBC, Junqueira-Marinho MDF, Gomes Junior SC, Reis AT, Abramov DM. Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from a polarized scenario in Brazil. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1310594. [PMID: 38659692 PMCID: PMC11042250 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1310594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic led many countries to adopt strict measures aimed at reducing circulation of the virus and mitigating the burden on health services. Among these, the lockdown (social distancing/confinement) was probably the most controversial and most widely debated, since it affected the population's daily life abruptly, with consequences for people's emotional state and the operational logic of various economic sectors. Objective Analyze the relationship been Brazilians' opinions on lockdown during the pandemic and individual, sociodemographic, and belief characteristics. Methods We conducted an online survey to evaluate Brazilians' opinions on the lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. We prepared a questionnaire with questions on sociodemographic aspects and individuals' points of view toward the lockdown. We sent a link for the survey through social media and encouraged participants to also share the link in their respective social networks, as a snowball sample. Cluster analysis was performed to identify different opinion profiles. Cluster Analysis is a multivariate approach that aims to segment a set of data into distinct groups, using some classification criteria. Results From April to May 2021, the link received 33,796 free participations via social networks from all over Brazil. We analyzed data from 33,363 participants. Pro-lockdown opinions predominated in most of the sociodemographic strata. Cluster analysis identified two groups: pro-lockdown, aligned with the scientific recommendations, and anti-lockdown, characterized by economic insecurity and denialism. Anti-lockdown participants downplayed the pandemic's seriousness and believed in unproven measures to fight SARS-CoV-2. However, these same participants were afraid of losing their jobs and of being unable to pay their bills. In general, participants did not believe in the feasibility of a lockdown in Brazil or in the efficacy of the prevailing government administration's measures. Conclusion The study identified a lack of consensus among participants concerning lockdown as a practice. Issues such as disbelief in the pandemic's seriousness, denialism, and economic insecurity were important in the determination of the profiles identified in the study. Denialism is believed to have been a subjective defense against the economic problems resulting from social control measures and the lack of adequate social policies to deal with the pandemic. It was also highlighted that political polarization and the lack of central coordination during social distancing are crucial aspects. The variation in results in different locations highlights the diversity of the Brazilian scenario. By analyzing Brazilians' opinions about the lockdown, considering individual characteristics, the study seeks insights to face the pandemic and prepare for future crises, contributing to more effective public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Gonçalves Camacho
- National Institute for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Fernandes Figueira, Department of Pediatrics, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Perinatology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Campelo Batalha Cox Moore
- National Institute for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Fernandes Figueira, Department of Pediatrics, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Fluminense Federal University, School of Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria de Fátima Junqueira-Marinho
- National Institute for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Fernandes Figueira, Clinical Research Department, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Saint Clair Gomes Junior
- National Institute for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Fernandes Figueira, Clinical Research Department, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adriana Teixeira Reis
- State University of Rio de Janeiro, Department of Perinatology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- National Institute for Women, Children, and Adolescent Health Fernandes Figueira, Teaching Department, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Dimitri Marques Abramov
- National Institute for Women, Children and Adolescent Health Fernandes Figueira Laboratory of Neurobiology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Conner M, Wilding S, Norman P. Does Intention Strength Moderate the Intention-Health Behavior Relationship for Covid-19 Protection Behaviors? Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:92-99. [PMID: 37874734 PMCID: PMC10831218 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The present research tests whether intention strength moderates intention-health behavior relations and the extent to which this is accounted for by the moderating effects of intention stability, goal priority, and goal conflict. METHODS In a prospective multi-behavior study, a representative sample of UK adults (N = 503) completed measures of past behavior, intention, intention strength, goal priority, and goal conflict in relation to eight Covid-19 protection behaviors at time 1. Intention and self-reported behavior were assessed at time 2 (2 months later). Intention stability was assessed over 2 months. RESULTS Intention strength was a significant moderator of the intention-behavior relationship (controlling for past behavior). Controlling for the moderating effects of intention stability attenuated the moderating effect of intention strength, while also controlling for the moderating effects of goal priority and goal conflict reduced the moderating effects of intention strength to nonsignificance. CONCLUSIONS The present findings indicate that intention strength is a significant moderator of the intention-health behavior relationship. They also suggest that the moderating effect of intention strength is explained by effects on intention stability, goal priority, and goal conflict. Tests of interventions to manipulate intention strength as a means to strengthen intention stability and intention-behavior relations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Conner
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Wilding
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Paul Norman
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Stolero N, Elkady S, Labaka L, Siman Tov M, Peleg K, Adini B. Do first responders and populations perceive risks similarly? A comparative study of seven countries. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1219927. [PMID: 38274674 PMCID: PMC10809848 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Risk perception illustrates the subjective evaluation of individuals concerning the characteristics, severity, and capacity to cope with potential hazards. Risk perception influences attitudes and actions individuals take to protect themselves from future threats. Risk perceptions might change among different stakeholder groups such as society and first responders. Identifying risk perceptions of stakeholders is essential to establish effective protective measures. Method This study investigated the commonalities and diversities in risk perception among first responders and the public, within and between seven European and beyond countries. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from both first responders and civilians. They were asked to assess their risk perception level for five categories of risks (Extreme weather-related events, nature-related events, social disruptions, critical services dependencies, and pandemics). Results Using Univariate Analysis of Variance showed disparity concerning both the levels of risk perception between the public and first responders, as well as their relative ranking. For example, concerning extreme weather-related and nature-related events, risk perception levels of the first responders is higher than that of the population in six out of the seven studied countries. In contrast, the population's risk perception is higher compared to the first responders in six out of the seven countries, concerning critical infrastructure dependencies and pandemics. Discussion The relative gaps between the first responders versus the population, within each country, vary considerably. Norway for example presents significant differences between the two internal populations concerning all risks (except for extreme weather), while in Sweden, no significant gaps were identified, concerning all five risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Stolero
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sahar Elkady
- TECNUN—University of Navarra, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Leire Labaka
- TECNUN—University of Navarra, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Maya Siman Tov
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Magen David Adom, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kobi Peleg
- Israel Academic College, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Bruria Adini
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- ResWell Research Collaboration on Resilience and Well-Being, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Jang H, Kim J. Estimating the Influence of Adolescents' Non-Cognitive Skills on Awareness of Social Disaster Responses. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:1006-1015. [PMID: 37528553 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the influence of 2 noncognitive skills, self-esteem and teamwork, on social disaster response awareness among Korean adolescents. Although self-esteem is a well-established predictor of health-related knowledge, the inclusion of teamwork in this study is motivated by its collective nature and its relevance to social norms. METHODS This study used data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 (KCYPS 2018). Sibling fixed effects models, which account for the common unobserved characteristics shared by siblings within the same family, were estimated. RESULTS Conventional ordinary least square models showed that both self-esteem and teamwork are significant predictors of social disaster response awareness (bs = .011 and .014, respectively). However, our preferred sibling fixed effects estimates revealed that the controlling for unobserved family-level confounders attenuates the association for self-esteem, rendering it statistically insignificant (b = .003, p = .33). Despite some attenuation, the association between teamwork and social disaster response awareness was robust to controlling for sibling fixed effects (b = .010, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The study's finding emphasizes the role of students' interpersonal noncognitive abilities in their social disaster response awareness. An intervention aimed at enhancing adolescents' teamwork may be effective to improve their awareness about how to respond to social disasters. Policymakers and practitioners may consider developing social disaster preparedness curricula that highlight the importance of social disaster response measures as community rules or social norms, in addition to safeguarding personal safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayun Jang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Room 367, B-dong Hana-Science Building, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Graduate student, Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Korea University, Room 367, B-dong Hana-Science Building, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Affiliated Faculty, Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Faculty Associate, Center for Demography of Health and Aging, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, Republic of Korea
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Oludoye OO, Van den Broucke S, Chen X, Supakata N, Ogunyebi LA, Njoku KL. Identifying the determinants of face mask disposal behavior and policy implications: An application of the extended theory of planned behavior. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION & RECYCLING ADVANCES 2023; 18:200148. [PMID: 37091127 PMCID: PMC10105909 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcradv.2023.200148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
A study in Nigeria examined the psychological factors affecting face mask disposal behavior (DB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used, with awareness of consequences and institutional barriers added. 1183 respondents completed an online survey, and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The original TPB model revealed that attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms explained 65% of the variance in respondents' behavior. Behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control accounted for 59.3% of the variance in DB. The extended TPB model, which included awareness of consequences and perceived institutional barriers, improved the model's explanatory power by 12.8%. Both TPB models adequately predicted face mask (FM) disposal behavior, with implications for policymakers and waste management authorities to design interventions to promote proper FM disposal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluseye O Oludoye
- Center of Excellence in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Stephan Van den Broucke
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Xi Chen
- The JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nuta Supakata
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Lanrewaju A Ogunyebi
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kelechi L Njoku
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
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Abu Hatab A, Krautscheid L, Amuakwa-Mensah F. COVID-19 risk perception and public compliance with preventive measures: Evidence from a multi-wave household survey in the MENA region. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283412. [PMID: 37428731 PMCID: PMC10332611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the association between individuals' concern about contracting COVID-19 and their compliance with recommended preventive and mitigation measures, namely wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and handwashing, in the context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The empirical analysis is based on a panel dataset from the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household Survey, which was carried out in Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and Egypt. Applying a probit estimation technique, a positive and statistically significant association was found between the level of COVID-19 worries and individuals' compliance with the mitigation measures. Notably, the results revealed that this association followed a "first-up-then-down" trend, showing that compliance with the three mitigation measures rose as individuals' worries about contracting the virus increased, and then markedly decreased after they had been infected. Socio-demographic characteristics contributing to lower levels of compliance included being male, being over 60, having lower levels of education and having a lower household income. A cross-country analysis revealed remarkable differences between the five countries, with the strongest association between COVID-19 concerns and adherence to mitigation measures observed in Tunisia and Sudan, and the weakest association seen in Jordan and Morocco. Policy implications are outlined for effective risk communication and management during disease outbreaks and public health emergencies to encourage appropriate public health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assem Abu Hatab
- Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Krautscheid
- Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah
- Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Oldmeadow JA, Elphinstone B, Sivasubramaniam D, Wheeler MA, Wilson S, Buzwell S, Beaudry J, Williams JS, Critchley C. Classifying Australian citizens' responses to
COVID
‐19 preventative behaviour directives: A latent class approach. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian A. Oldmeadow
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Bradley Elphinstone
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Diane Sivasubramaniam
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Melissa A. Wheeler
- Department of Management and Marketing Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Sam Wilson
- Department of Management and Marketing Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Simone Buzwell
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Jennifer Beaudry
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - James S. Williams
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Christine Critchley
- Department of Psychological Sciences Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
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Shamloo SE, Cocco VM, Faccini M, Benet-Martínez V, Trifiletti E. Managing the unexpected: Bicultural identity integration during the COVID-19 emergency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTERCULTURAL RELATIONS : IJIR 2023; 93:101781. [PMID: 36845221 PMCID: PMC9943769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2023.101781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Unexpected and sudden emergency situations such as COVID-19 may render ethnic minorities particularly vulnerable to experiencing negative outcomes. Yet, we put forward that Bicultural Identity Integration (BII) - the degree to which bicultural individuals perceive their cultural identities as compatible and overlapping - may represent a resource in times of emergencies, since it may positively influence, through enhancement of psychological well-being, how bicultural individuals respond in terms of distress and coping strategies. Based on this assumption, the present study aimed at examining the relationship between BII and responses to COVID-19. N = 370 bicultural individuals (mean age = 26.83, SD = 8.74) from different cultural backgrounds were recruited online and completed measures of BII, psychological well-being, COVID-19 distress and coping strategies (positive attitudes, avoidance, social support seeking) during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. We tested a model in which BII was the predictor, psychological well-being was the mediator and reactions to the COVID-19 emergency (distress, use of coping) were the outcomes. This model was tested against two alternative models. The proposed model showed a better fit to the data compared to the alternative models. In this model, psychological well-being mediated the relationship between BII (harmony) and coping strategies, except social support seeking. These findings highlight the important role played by BII in emergency situations, as it may indirectly, through enhancement of psychological well-being, contribute to enhance biculturals' adaptive reactions in terms of distress as well as affect coping strategies during highly stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Elizabeth Shamloo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emila, Viale A. Allegri 9, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Veronica Margherita Cocco
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Borgo Carissimi, 10, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Faccini
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, via San Francesco 22, 35127 Verona, Italy
| | - Verónica Benet-Martínez
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, ICREA & Pompeu Fabra University, Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Trifiletti
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, via San Francesco 22, 35127 Verona, Italy
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Marcu GM, Radu AM, Bucuță MD, Fleacă RS, Tanasescu C, Roman MD, Boicean A, Bacilă CI. Cognitive and Behavioral Factors Predicting the Decision to Vaccinate against COVID-19 in Clinical Psychiatric Population-A Cross-Sectional Survey. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:441. [PMID: 36851318 PMCID: PMC9961952 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of the COVID-19 virus created more than a medical crisis, while it also negatively affected the mental health of the general population. This context increased the vulnerability of the psychiatric population. While research interest highly targeted vaccine hesitancy and acceptance, many studies focused on trust issues-both in vaccine efficacy and in communication with authorities. Less is known about the psychological underpinnings of the COVID vaccination decision, specifically in the high-uncertainty circumstances due to the novelty of the virus. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the predictive value of several cognitive (perceived risk, vulnerability, uncertainty, and trust in one's decision) and behavioral (previous vaccinations, social media use, and practicing preventive behavior) factors, for the vaccination decision against COVID-19, for 252 psychiatric inpatients (data collected between September 2021 and February 2022). Demographics and diagnostics were also considered. We found a significant relationship between the "Perceived risk of vaccination" and the choice of vaccination (χ2(2, N = 252) = 58.59, p ≤ 0.001), and between the "Trust in own decision to vaccinate" and the decision to vaccinate (χ2(2, N = 252) = 31,5, p ≤ 0.001). The overall regression model was statistically significant (χ2 (9, N = 252) = 97.1, p < 0.001), with between 30% and 45% of the variance in the odds of a positive decision explained by the predictor set. The model coefficients analysis showed that an individual with a psychiatric disorder but with higher confidence in their decision had significant (p < 0.001) increased odds of the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 by 893%. A former voluntary vaccination did not significantly associate with the decision to vaccinate against COVID-19 (χ2(1, N = 252) = 2.74, p > 0.05) in this special population. No other behavioral factors, diagnosis, or demographics were significant as predictors, for the clinical psychiatric population surveyed, except the educational level. Implications for future vaccination acceptance of this special population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Mariana Marcu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550201 Sibiu, Romania
- Collective of Scientific Research in Neurosciences of the Clinical Psychiatry Hospital “Dr. Gheorghe Preda”, 550082 Sibiu, Romania
- Division of Physiology and Neuroscience, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Maria Radu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550201 Sibiu, Romania
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Mihaela Dana Bucuță
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550201 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Radu Sorin Fleacă
- Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Ciprian Tanasescu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Mihai Dan Roman
- Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Adrian Boicean
- Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
| | - Ciprian Ionuț Bacilă
- Collective of Scientific Research in Neurosciences of the Clinical Psychiatry Hospital “Dr. Gheorghe Preda”, 550082 Sibiu, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania
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12
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Factors Affecting Preventive Behaviors for Safety and Health at Work during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Thai Construction Workers. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030426. [PMID: 36767001 PMCID: PMC9914806 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational health and safety risks are of major concerns in construction industry. The COVID-19 outbreak provides an additional risk that could drastically affect the safety risks and health of construction workers. Understanding the factors that affect the health and safety of construction workers is significant in reducing risky behaviors and enhancing worker preventive behaviors. Via integrating the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study investigates the factors that affect preventive behaviors among construction workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangkok, Thailand. A total of 610 Thai construction workers participated in an online questionnaire survey, which consisted of nine factors with 43 questions. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to analyze the causal relationships among the latent variable. The SEM results indicated that organizational support and knowledge about COVID-19 had significant (p < 0.0001) direct influences on perceived vulnerability and perceived severity. In addition, perceived vulnerability and perceived severity had significant direct influences on perceived behavioral control. Perceived severity had significant (p < 0.0001) direct influence on attitude towards behavior. Moreover, perceived behavioral control and attitude towards behavior had significant (p < 0.0001) direct influence on intention to follow the preventive measure. Furthermore, the intention to follow the preventive measure had significant (p < 0.0001) direct influences on the COVID-19 preventive behavior. Of note, organizational support and knowledge about COVID-19 had significant (p < 0.0001) indirect influence on COVID-19 preventive behavior. The findings of this study may assist project managers/supervisors and authorities in the construction industry in understanding the challenge during COVID-19 and possible similar epidemics in the future. In addition, conducting effective strategies would improve construction industry safety and promote preventive behaviors among construction workers.
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13
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Veronese G, Pepe A. Factor structure and psychometric proprieties of the COVID-19 prevention behaviours (COV19-PB) scale. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-9. [PMID: 36593908 PMCID: PMC9795933 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04167-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We sought to test the COVID19-PB scale's psychometric properties and its dimensionality in a sample composed of 1107 Italian adults aged from 18 to 80 years (M = 39.59; SD = 16.36), 75% (n = 830) females, and 25% (n = 277) males. Exploratory, Confirmatory factor analysis and parallel analysis were used to validate the instrument that resulted from the Ebola Virus protective behaviours scale adaptation. Fear of covid-19 and a 1-item level of adherence to the Covid-19 protection scale were used to test the measure's convergent validity. A four-factor structure emerged from exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis: direct avoidance, avoidance of public spaces, avoidance of social interaction, and talking about the virus as protection. COVID-19 PB was a valuable measure to assess individuals' competencies in assuming correct behaviours during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences “R. Massa”, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo 1 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pepe
- Department of Human Sciences “R. Massa”, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell’Ateneo Nuovo 1 20126 Milano, Italy
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14
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Cakal H, Keshavarzi S, Ruhani A, Dakhil‐Abbasi G, Ünver H. Mental health and intentions to quit among nurses in Iran during COVID-19 Pandemic: A social identity approach. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 33:CASP2666. [PMID: 36718475 PMCID: PMC9878192 DOI: 10.1002/casp.2666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The positive effects of social identification on mental health are well documented in the literature. However, most of this research has been conducted among small groups in WEIRD (Western Educated Industrialized Rich and Democratic Henrich, Heine, & Norenzayan, 2010, Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 33, 61) settings. Understanding how social identity as a psychological source can improve resilience and welfare among frontline healthcare workers in non-WEIRD contexts can help to alleviate the negative impact of large-scale epidemics overall, especially in resource-poor settings and contribute towards improved welfare of key healthcare workers. The present research investigates whether identifying as a nurse could influence mental health and intentions to quit directly and indirectly via positive and negative emotions among a unique sample of Iranian nurses (N = 462) during a risky period, the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple regression results showed that identifying as a nurse was negatively associated with negative emotions which in turn were positively related to depressive symptoms. In a similar vein, identifying as a nurse was positively associated with positive emotions which, in turn, were negatively related to intentions to quit. Results also confirmed that risk perceptions related to COVID-19 positively moderated the effect of social identification on negative emotions only. That is, identification as a nurse was associated with reduced negative emotions only when perceived risk was low. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings.
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15
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Kiely K, Mase WA, Hansen AR, Schwind J. Association between the Health Belief Model, Exercise, and Nutrition Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15516. [PMID: 36497591 PMCID: PMC9737333 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our nation's health further than the infection it causes. Physical activity levels and dietary intake have suffered while individuals grapple with the changes in behavior to reduce viral transmission. With unique nuances regarding the access to physical activity and nutrition during the pandemic, the constructs of Health Belief Model (HBM) may present themselves differently in nutrition and exercise behaviors compared to precautions implemented to reduce viral transmission studied in previous research. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of exercise and nutritional behavior change during the COVID-19 pandemic and explain the reason for and extent of this change using HBM constructs (perceived susceptibility, severity, benefit of action, and barriers to action). METHODS This study used a cross-sectional design to collect 206 surveys. This survey collected information on self-reported exercise and nutrition changes during the pandemic and self-reported levels of the HBM constructs. RESULTS Findings showed individuals with medium or high exercise behavior change had greater odds of increased HBM score than individuals with little to no exercise behavior change (OR = 1.117, 95% CI: 1.020-1.223, SE: 0.0464, p = 0.0175). There was no association between nutritional behavior change and HBM score (OR = 1.011, 95% CI: 0.895-1.142, p = 08646). CONCLUSION Individuals who reported a more drastic change in either exercise had greater odds of increased feelings of perceived susceptibility and severity related to COVID-19 and decreased perceived benefits and increased barriers to exercise. This relationship was not found regarding nutrition behavior change. These results encourage public health practitioners to understand how an individual's perceived feelings about a threat may affect exercise and nutritional behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keagan Kiely
- Water’s College of Health Professions, Department of Health Sciences and Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | - William A. Mase
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | - Andrew R. Hansen
- Department of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
| | - Jessica Schwind
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Statesboro, GA 30458, USA
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Yang Q, Cao W. Health Disparities in Online COVID-19 Information Seeking and Protective Behaviors: A Two-Wave Longitudinal Study. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1534-1543. [PMID: 35410563 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2056980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the U.S. However, the adoption of protective behaviors in response to COVID-19 varies among sociodemographic groups. To better understand the disparities in U.S. adults' adoption of protective behaviors in relation to sociodemographic factors, we conducted a two-wave panel survey in the U.S. Although sociodemographic factors were not found to be significant predictors in lagged regression analysis, results from a cross-sectional analysis showed that the White, younger, and higher educated individuals were more likely to take protective behaviors. Furthermore, based on the structural equation modeling, indirect effects were observed. Specifically, online COVID-19 information seeking mediated the effects of age and education on performance of protective behaviors, and subjective norms and online COVID-19 information seeking were found to be significant serial mediators of these relationships. The study not only extends the health disparities and health information seeking literature, but also offers practical insights to health campaigns and interventions promoting protective behaviors during a pandemic and reducing health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Yang
- Department of Communication Studies, Bob Schieffer College of Commuication, Texas Christian University
| | - Weidan Cao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University
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17
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Romano V, Ancillotti M, Mascalzoni D, Biasiotto R. Italians locked down: people's responses to early COVID-19 pandemic public health measures. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 9:342. [PMID: 36212915 PMCID: PMC9524326 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-022-01358-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
At the beginning of 2020, the widespread diffusion of SARS-CoV-2 rapidly became a worldwide priority. In Italy, the government implemented a lockdown for more than two months (March 9-May 18). Aware of the uniqueness of such an experience, we designed an online qualitative study focused on three main dimensions: daily life during the lockdown, relationships with others, and public health issues. The aim was to gain insights into people's experiences of, and attitudes toward, the changes caused by public health measures implemented as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with Italian residents. The interviewees were recruited through mediators using purposive sampling to obtain a balanced sample with respect to age, gender, education, and geographical residence. Interviews were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The lockdown affected a variety of aspects of people's life, resulting in a significant re-shaping of daily activities and relationships. These changes, which entailed both positive and negative aspects, were met with resilience. Even though public health measures were generally considered acceptable and adequate, they were also perceived to generate uncertainty and stress as well as to reveal tensions within the public health system. When tasked with imagining a scenario with saturated intensive care units and the need for selection criteria, respondents showed a tendency to dodge the question and struggled to formulate criteria. Media and news were found to be confusing, leading to a renewed critical attitude toward information. The findings shed some light on the impact of the lockdown on people's daily life and its effects on relationships with others. Furthermore, the study contributes to an understanding of people's reasons for, and capacity to respond to, emergency public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Romano
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mirko Ancillotti
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Deborah Mascalzoni
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Roberta Biasiotto
- Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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18
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Shamloo SE, Cocco VM, Visintin EP, Trifiletti E, Vezzali L. I love you too much to keep social distance: Closeness in relationships and (dis)engagement in preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 53:JASP12926. [PMID: 36249316 PMCID: PMC9538871 DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Although we are witnessing a new phase in the management of COVID-19, understanding what predicts adherence to preventive behaviors still remains crucial. In this study we focus on interpersonal relationships by specifically investigating whether engagement in preventive behaviors when in the presence of others may be a function of the type of relationship (in terms of closeness) one has with others. Because close others are often perceived similar to the self compared to strangers, we put forward that close relationships may inadvertently decrease COVID-19 risk perceptions which may ultimately decrease compliance with recommended behaviors when in their presence. To test this hypothesis, 747 Italian respondents were invited to answer one out of four versions of a questionnaire differing on the target (i.e., friends vs. parents vs. grandparents vs. strangers), including questions regarding COVID-19 risk perceptions and intentions to engage in preventive behaviors. Mediation analysis showed that close relationships (i.e., with friends, parents, and grandparents) compared to nonclose relationships (i.e., with strangers) predicted lower intentions to engage in preventive behaviors via lower risk perceptions. Altogether, these results shed light on the role played by closeness in indirectly shaping individuals' dis(engagement) in preventive behaviors and contribute to better understand possible unconscious biases which may undermine our safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya E. Shamloo
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
| | | | | | | | - Loris Vezzali
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaReggio EmiliaItaly
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19
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Mahdavian F, Warren GW, Evensen D, Bouder FE. The Relationship Between Barriers and Drivers of COVID-19 Protective Behaviors in Germany and the UK. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604970. [PMID: 36158783 PMCID: PMC9492856 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To explore and evaluate the impact of factors including public risk perceptions on COVID-19 protective behaviors across the UK and Germany. Methods: We used survey data collected from a representative sample for Germany and the UK (total N = 1,663) between April and May 2021. Using a Structural Equation Model, we evaluate the role of personal health risk perceptions, official message quality, source of news, age and political orientation on COVID-19 protective behaviors in the context of German and UK risk communication strategies. Results: Personal health risk perceptions had a significant positive influence on protective behaviors. Economic risk perceptions had a negative direct influence on protective behaviors, particularly in Germany, as well as a positive indirect influence. Official message quality, use of official news sources and age had positive impacts on risk perceptions and protective behaviors. Left-wing political orientation was linked to greater likelihood of undertaking protective behaviors. Conclusion: For future pandemics, more attention should be paid to evaluating and conceptualizing different varieties of risk perceptions, risk communication strategies, and demographic variables alongside their impacts on undertaking protective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George W. Warren
- Department of Geography, School of Global Affairs, Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Darrick Evensen
- Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frederic E. Bouder
- Department of Safety, Economics and Planning, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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20
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Norman P, Wilding S, Conner M. Does Temporal Stability Moderate Reasoned Action Approach Relations With Covid-19 Preventive Behaviors? Ann Behav Med 2022; 56:769-780. [PMID: 35759284 PMCID: PMC9278224 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preventive behaviors continue to play an important role in reducing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Purpose This study aimed to apply the reasoned action approach (RAA) to predict Covid-19 preventive intentions and behavior and to test whether temporal stability moderates relations between RAA constructs and behavior. Methods A representative sample of UK adults (N = 603) completed measures of RAA variables (i.e., experiential attitudes, instrumental attitudes, injunctive norms, descriptive norms, capacity, autonomy and intention) in relation to six Covid-19 preventive behaviors (i.e., wearing face coverings, social distancing, hand sanitizing, avoiding the three Cs [closed spaces, crowded places, and close contacts], cleaning surfaces, and coughing/sneezing etiquette) at baseline (December 2020) and after 1 month. Self-reported behavior was assessed at baseline and after 1 and 2 months. Results The RAA was predictive of Covid-19 preventive intentions at time 1 and time 2; instrumental attitudes, descriptive norms, and capability were the strongest predictors at each time point. The RAA also predicted subsequent behavior across time points with intention, descriptive norms, and capability the strongest/most consistent predictors. Temporal stability moderated a number of RAA–behavior relationships including those for intention, descriptive norms, and capability. In each case, the relationships became stronger as temporal stability increased. Conclusions Health cognitions as outlined in the RAA provide appropriate targets for interventions to promote Covid-19 preventive intentions and behavior. Moreover, given that continued performance of Covid-19 preventive behaviors is crucial for reducing transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the results highlight the need for consistent messaging from governments and public health organizations to promote positive intentions and maintain preventive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Norman
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sarah Wilding
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark Conner
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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21
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Gu J, He R, Wu X, Tao J, Ye W, Wu C. Analyzing Risk Communication, Trust, Risk Perception, Negative Emotions, and Behavioral Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China Using a Structural Equation Model. Front Public Health 2022; 10:843787. [PMID: 35712304 PMCID: PMC9196862 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.843787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Risk communication and the degree of trust are major factors that affect the public's behavioral coping strategies and play an important role in emergency risk management. However, the internal formation mechanism involved in the public's psychological behavior remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association among risk communication, trust, risk perception, negative emotions, and behavioral coping strategies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify and quantify the factors that influence public behavior. Methods We launched an online survey through social media from April to July 2020 in China. Relevant data were elicited using a self-designed questionnaire that mainly examined respondent characteristics, risk communication, trust, risk perception, negative emotions, protective coping behavior, and excessive coping behavior in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 735 valid responses were obtained. A structural equation model was then used to explore relationship pathways among the components. Results The higher the degree of risk communication (β = -0.10, p < 0.05) and trust (β = -0.22, p < 0.001), the lower the public risk perception. Risk communication and trust had a direct effect on public behavioral coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher the level of risk communication (β = 0.14, p < 0.001) or trust (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), the more likely it was that this would encourage the public to adopt protective coping behaviors, while the public was less likely to engage in excessive coping behaviors as the degree of trust increased (β = -0.12, p < 0.01). Risk perception influenced by poor risk communication and trust generated negative emotions (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and such negative emotions further positively influenced public behavioral coping strategies (whether protective [β = 0.09, p < 0.05] or excessive [β = 0.24, p < 0.001] behaviors). Conclusion Risk communication, trust, risk perception, and negative emotions were significantly directly or indirectly related to public behavior. The findings provide useful information for emergency risk management and a theoretical basis for follow-up research on public coping behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwang Gu
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Rong He
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Xuanhui Wu
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jing Tao
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wenhui Ye
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chunmei Wu
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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22
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Trifiletti E, Shamloo SE, Faccini M, Zaka A. Psychological predictors of protective behaviours during the Covid-19 pandemic: Theory of planned behaviour and risk perception. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 32:382-397. [PMID: 33967569 PMCID: PMC8093925 DOI: 10.1002/casp.2509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Covid-19 outbreak was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization in January 2020. As a consequence, several protective measures were urged by national governments in order to limit the spread of the pandemic. Drawing on the literature on health behaviours, in the present study, we investigated the psychological factors (i.e., attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioural control, intentions, and risk perception) that were associated with two highly recommended behaviours: frequent hand washing and social distancing (i.e., staying at home except for essential reasons). The study employed a correlational design with a follow-up. A questionnaire including measures of psychological predictors was administered via social media to a sample of 403 adults residing in Italy during the lockdown. Self-reported behaviours were assessed one week later. Findings showed that attitudes, social norms, perceived behavioural control were significantly related to hand washing and social distancing through intentions. Risk perception was a significant predictor of social distancing but not of hand washing. These findings suggest that intervention and communication strategies aimed at encouraging preventive measures during the Covid-19 pandemic should be organized taking into account multiple factors which partially differ depending on the type of behaviour considered. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Agustina Zaka
- Italian Association of Transactional AnalysisTurinItaly
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23
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Vezzali L, Hodgett D, Liu L, Pettersson K, Stefaniak A, Trifiletti E, Wakefield JRH. The societal relevance of communities in the
COVID
‐19 era. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.2614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Loris Vezzali
- Faculty of Medicine University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | - Darrin Hodgett
- School of Psychology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Li Liu
- School of Psychology Beijing Normal University Beijing China
| | | | - Anna Stefaniak
- Department of Psychology Carleton University Ottawa Canada
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Bakkar B, Mohsen F, Armashi H, Marrawi M, Aldaher N. A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19: attitude and prevention practice among Syrians. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09124. [PMID: 35342826 PMCID: PMC8933052 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus disease of 2019 has overwhelmed public health systems worldwide and forced governments to impose draconian lockdowns on entire populations. With no vaccine or treatment during the early days of the pandemic, it is of paramount importance to assess the public’s awareness about COVID-19 so that prevention-focused educational campaigns can be sufficiently deployed. This study aimed to gauge the Syrian public’s adherence to infection control measures by assessing attitudes and practices during the pandemic which ravaged an already war-torn Syria. Methods The web-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2020, nearly 11 years into the Syrian crisis. The survey contained 3 sections: socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, and practice. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with good practices and negative attitudes. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0. Results Of the 3586 participants, 68.2% were females, 50.8% were unemployed, and 79.2% were college-educated. Only 1402 (39.1%) participants wore face masks when leaving their homes. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female, age, and residence were factors associated with good practices such as avoiding mass gatherings, wearing face masks, and maintaining a 1-meter interpersonal distance. However, age and occupation were factors associated with negative attitudes towards the closure of universities and schools, travel bans, and quarantines for travellers. Conclusion This survey highlights the need to address specific populations using various measures; there should be a specialized method of prevention for each occupation, age group, and place of residence to contain further outbreaks of COVID-19. This can be achieved through targeted awareness campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Bakkar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Humam Armashi
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Marah Marrawi
- Department of Statistics, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Nizar Aldaher
- Professor in Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.,Professor in Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Rif Dimashq, Syria
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Gualda E, Krouwel A, Palacios-Gálvez M, Morales-Marente E, Rodríguez-Pascual I, García-Navarro EB. Social Distancing and COVID-19: Factors Associated With Compliance With Social Distancing Norms in Spain. Front Psychol 2021; 12:727225. [PMID: 34594280 PMCID: PMC8476756 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.727225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes patterns of compliance with social distancing measures among the Spanish population during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It identifies several factors associated with higher or lower compliance with recommended measures of social distancing. This research is part of a 67-country study, titled the International COVID-19 study on Social & Moral Psychology, in which we use a Spanish dataset. Participants were residents in Spain aged 18 or above. The sample comprises 1,090 respondents, weighted to be representative of the Spanish population. Frequencies, correlations, bivariate analysis, and six models based on hierarchical multiple regressions were applied. The main finding is that most Spaniards are compliant with established guidelines of social distance during the pandemic (State of Alarm, before May 2020). Variables associated more with lower levels of compliance with these standards were explored. Six hierarchical multiple regression models found that compliance with social distance measures has a multifactorial explanation (R 2 between 20.4 and 49.1%). Sociodemographic factors, personal hygiene patterns, and the interaction between personal hygiene patterns and the support for political measures related to the coronavirus brought significant effects on the regression models. Less compliance was also associated with beliefs in some specific conspiracy theories with regard to COVID-19 or general conspiracy mentality (Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire, CMQ), consumption patterns of traditional mass media (television, paper newspapers, magazines, and radio) and modern means to get informed (online digital newspapers, blogs, and social networks), political ideology, vote, trust in institutions, and political identification. Among the future lines of action in preventing the possible outbreak of the virus, we suggest measures to reinforce trust in official information, mainly linked to reducing the influence of disinformation and conspiracy theories parallel to the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estrella Gualda
- Social Studies and Social Intervention Research Center, Contemporary Thinking and Innovation for Social Development Research Center, Faculty of Social Work, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Andre Krouwel
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marisol Palacios-Gálvez
- Contemporary Thinking and Innovation for Social Development, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Elena Morales-Marente
- Contemporary Thinking and Innovation for Social Development, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Sport Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Pascual
- Social Studies and Social Intervention Research Center, Contemporary Thinking and Innovation for Social Development Research Center, Faculty of Social Work, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - E. Begoña García-Navarro
- Social Studies and Social Intervention Research Center, Contemporary Thinking and Innovation for Social Development Research Center, Faculty of Nursing, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro J Idrovo
- Public Health Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga 680006, Colombia.
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Li J, Liu X, Zou Y, Deng Y, Zhang M, Yu M, Wu D, Zheng H, Zhao X. Factors Affecting COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors among University Students in Beijing, China: An Empirical Study Based on the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7009. [PMID: 34209072 PMCID: PMC8297113 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Higher education institutions (HEIs), among other social systems, have an irreplaceable role in combating COVID-19. However, we know little about institutional and individual factors that might facilitate university students' beliefs and behaviors toward preventive behaviors for COVID-19 within the higher education context. Our study applies an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to investigate the structural relationships among the institutional climate, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and preventive behaviors of university students and to detect the moderating impacts of perceived risk on the structural model. Data were collected from 3693 university students at 18 universities in Beijing, China through an online survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multigroup analysis were performed to examine the empirical model. The results reveal that (1) the institutional climate has a significant, direct effect on preventive behaviors for COVID-19 among university students, (2) the TPB components, namely attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, partially mediate the relationship between the institutional climate and preventive behaviors for COVID-19, and (3) perceived risk moderates several paths in the model. Theoretical and practical implications are offered, and recommendations for future research are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabin Li
- Advising Center for Student Development, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China;
| | - Xianwei Liu
- Institute of Higher Education, Research Centre for Capital Engineering Education Development, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Yang Zou
- College of Business Administration, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing 100070, China;
| | - Yichu Deng
- Publicity Department, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China;
| | - Meng Zhang
- School of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 102616, China;
| | - Miaomiao Yu
- Institute of Education Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China;
| | - Dongjiao Wu
- School of Marxism, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China;
| | - Hao Zheng
- China Youth & Children Research Center, Beijing 100089, China;
| | - Xinliang Zhao
- Beijing Academy of Educational Sciences, Beijing 100045, China;
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