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Chan JK, Marzuki AA, Vafa S, Thanaraju A, Yap J, Chan XW, Harris HA, Todi K, Schaefer A. A systematic review on the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and emotional disorder symptoms during Covid-19: unearthing the potential role of economic concerns and financial strain. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:237. [PMID: 38671542 PMCID: PMC11046828 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01715-8] [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] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covid-19 has disrupted the lives of many and resulted in high prevalence rates of mental disorders. Despite a vast amount of research into the social determinants of mental health during Covid-19, little is known about whether the results are consistent with the social gradient in mental health. Here we report a systematic review of studies that investigated how socioeconomic condition (SEC)-a multifaceted construct that measures a person's socioeconomic standing in society, using indicators such as education and income, predicts emotional health (depression and anxiety) risk during the pandemic. Furthermore, we examined which classes of SEC indicators would best predict symptoms of emotional disorders. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted search over six databases, including Scopus, PubMed, etc., between November 4, 2021 and November 11, 2021 for studies that investigated how SEC indicators predict emotional health risks during Covid-19, after obtaining approval from PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021288508). Using Covidence as the platform, 362 articles (324 cross-sectional/repeated cross-sectional and 38 longitudinal) were included in this review according to the eligibility criteria. We categorized SEC indicators into 'actual versus perceived' and 'static versus fluid' classes to explore their differential effects on emotional health. RESULTS Out of the 1479 SEC indicators used in these 362 studies, our results showed that 43.68% of the SEC indicators showed 'expected' results (i.e., higher SEC predicting better emotional health outcomes); 51.86% reported non-significant results and 4.46% reported the reverse. Economic concerns (67.16% expected results) and financial strains (64.16%) emerged as the best predictors while education (26.85%) and living conditions (30.14%) were the worst. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes how different SEC indicators influenced emotional health risks across 98 countries, with a total of 5,677,007 participants, ranging from high to low-income countries. Our findings showed that not all SEC indicators were strongly predictive of emotional health risks. In fact, over half of the SEC indicators studied showed a null effect. We found that perceived and fluid SEC indicators, particularly economic concerns and financial strain could best predict depressive and anxiety symptoms. These findings have implications for policymakers to further understand how different SEC classes affect mental health during a pandemic in order to tackle associated social issues effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Kei Chan
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
- Sunway University Malaysia, Room: 4-4-11, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Aleya A Marzuki
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Samira Vafa
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Arjun Thanaraju
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Jie Yap
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Xiou Wen Chan
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Hanis Atasha Harris
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Khushi Todi
- Department of Psychology, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Alexandre Schaefer
- Department of Psychology, Sunway University Malaysia, Jalan Universiti, No 5, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Mengzhen L, Lim DHJ, Berezina E, Benjamin J. Navigating Love in a Post-Pandemic World: Understanding Young Adults' Views on Short- and Long-Term Romantic Relationships. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:497-510. [PMID: 37985563 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02738-9] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The uncertain future due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the technological advancements may have altered young adults' experiences of romantic relationships. It is unclear whether individuals will continue to prefer traditional long-term romantic relationships (LTRR) or opt for short-term ones (STRR). This research describes how young adults in Malaysia perceive LTRR and STRR. Using the structured approach of the theory of social representations, data were collected from 512 participants; 238 (46.48%) male; Mage 21.75; majority were heterosexual and students, and analyzed using prototypical analysis to reveal high consensus elements. Five observations were made: (1) females prioritize "love" in both STRR and LTRR, while males prioritize "love" only in LTRR; (2) females prioritize "marriage" in LTRR, while males prioritize "trust," "comfort," and "stability." Males do not consider "marriage" as part of a LTRR; (3) both males and females view STRR positively, while LTRR are viewed more practically; (4) "sex" is a core element in STRR but is absent in LTRR; (5) males differentiate between STRR and LTRR with no overlapping elements. These findings provide insight into the social representations of romantic relationships among young adults in Malaysia and suggest future directions for research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lim Mengzhen
- Graduate School of Arts and Letters, Meiji University, 1-1 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8301, Japan.
- Psychological Studies Program, Temple University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | - Jaime Benjamin
- Department of Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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Mud Shukri MI, Minhat HS, Ahmad N, Ismail F, Kanthavelu C, Nurfarahin D, Ghazali WSW, Mohd Zulkefli NA. Prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress in Malaysia during COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288618. [PMID: 37471310 PMCID: PMC10358990 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe impacts on mental health status worldwide. Several studies have investigated the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress in different countries, however, a systematic review on the research topic during COVID-19 is presently lacking in Malaysia's context. To fill this gap, electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Sagepub, CINAHL, Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences Collection were searched for relevant studies. A total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review. METHODS To fill this gap, electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Sagepub, CINAHL, Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences Collection were searched for relevant studies. A total of 16 studies were included in the systematic review. RESULTS The analyses showed that the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress ranged from 14.3% to 81.7%, 8.0% to 81.7%, and 0.9% to 56.5% respectively. Adult populations demonstrated the highest prevalence of depression, whereas university students reported the highest prevalence of anxiety and stress. Several factors were associated with mental health conditions including age, gender, family income, and perception of COVID-19. CONCLUSION Differentials in mental health screening practices call for standardised screening practices. Mental health intervention should be targeted at high-risk populations with effective risk communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ikhwan Mud Shukri
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Halimatus Sakdiah Minhat
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norliza Ahmad
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fatin Ismail
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chandramalar Kanthavelu
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dina Nurfarahin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Syahirah Wan Ghazali
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor Afiah Mohd Zulkefli
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seremban, Selangor, Malaysia
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Jannat T, Omar NA, Che Senik Z, Ayob AH, Al Mamun A, Arefin MS, Hijrah Hati SR. People's Perceptions and Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological-Longitudinal Study in Bangladesh. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231173605. [PMID: 37106521 PMCID: PMC10140766 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231173605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
By emphasizing the Terror Management Theory, this study investigated the participants' perceptions, psychological experiences, coping strategies, and behavioral changes during the pandemic in Bangladesh in two phases: first, after the pandemic's immediate outbreak, and second, after 3 months of the pandemic (daily infection cases were very high). To perform the research, an empirical-phenomenological method was used. Findings indicate that at the first stage, participants' death phobia was extremely high, and poor medical facilities, religious struggles, imprudent behavior of others, concerns for family members, and a tendency to compare the socioeconomic status with other developed countries affected participants' emotions severely. Later on, participants' perceptions of the disease changed significantly. This study highlights that people's behavior varies depending on whether the thought of death is in the center or on the periphery of their attention. In both stages, religious faith and rituals played a crucial role in coping with the crisis situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslima Jannat
- Faculty of Business and Management, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Asiah Omar
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Zizah Che Senik
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Abu Hanifah Ayob
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Graduate School of Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia(UKM), Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Md. Shamshul Arefin
- Department of Human Resource, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia(USIM), Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Sri Rahayu Hijrah Hati
- Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas
Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
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Airak S, Sukor NSA, Rahman NA. Travel behaviour changes and risk perception during COVID-19: A case study of Malaysia. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES 2023; 18:100784. [PMID: 36844954 PMCID: PMC9939401 DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2023.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel behaviours due to the need for movement restrictions. The restrictions adversely affected various aspects of health and the economy. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting trip frequency during the recovery period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. An online national cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect data in conjunction with different movement restriction policies. The questionnaire includes socio-demographics, experience with COVID-19, risk perception of COVID-19, and trip frequency on several activities during the pandemic. Mann Whitney U was conducted to determine whether there were statistically significant differences between the socio-demographic factors for the respondents in the first and second surveys. Results show no significant difference in socio-demographic factors except for the level of education. The results indicate that the respondents from both surveys were comparable. Next, Spearman correlation analyses were conducted to find significant correlations between trip frequencies toward socio-demographics, experience with COVID-19 and risk perception. There was a correlation between the frequency of travel and risk perception for both surveys. Regression analyses were performed based on the findings to investigate trip frequency determinants during the pandemic. Perceived risk, gender, and occupation influenced the trip frequencies for both surveys. By understanding the influence of risk perception on the frequency of travel, the government can identify the appropriate policy during a pandemic or health emergency to avoid impeding normal travel behaviour. Thus, people's mental and psychological well-being are not negatively affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachai Airak
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nur Sabahiah Abdul Sukor
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Noorhazlinda Abd Rahman
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Hu M, Xu Y, Bu D, Luo K, Chang L, Mao C. The psychological stress response of COVID-19 to medical staff and prevention: A large sample study from China. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1125847. [PMID: 37034918 PMCID: PMC10074311 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1125847] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical staff in China were more likely to suffer from psychological problems. By investigating the actual state of psychological stress response of medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak, the study discussed and analyzed the influencing factors of different psychological states in order to prevent the occurrence of serious adverse emotional events in medical staff. Methods In the Xiangyang Central Hospital, 1,466 medical staff members have adopted the Psychological Questionnaire for Emergencies Events of Public Health (PQEEPH), which includes questions about depression, neurasthenia, fear, obsessive anxiety, and hypochondriac disorders. The questionnaire also asks about gender, age, education level, health, department, position, and whether personnel exposure history correlation analysis has been confirmed. Results The survey revealed that 55% had depression, 26.7% had neurasthenia, 95% had fear, 47.9% had obsessive anxiety, and 69.3% had hypochondria. The effects of depression and hypochondriac emotional stress were significantly greater in female workers than in male workers (p < 0.05). Those with higher educational levels had a stronger emotional stress response. Medical professionals with or without contact histories, those who were suspected or confirmed, as well as those in various positions and departments, all demonstrated significant differences in their stress emotions (p < 0.05). Conclusion Emotional stress affected medical professionals, especially doctors and nurses, who were on the front lines of clinical work in the face of significant public health emergencies. Therefore, to reduce the stress burden and enhance mental health on medical staff, hospitals were suggested to improve their emergency management practices. In addition, the sensitization knowledge training and psychological counseling for front-line clinical staff should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Xu,
| | - Dengying Bu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Kai Luo
- School of Food Science and Technology and School of Chemical Engineering, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- Kai Luo,
| | - Liying Chang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Chun Mao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
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Ooi ZY, Mohd Ghazali NA, Nik Zahari NJ, Chan HK, Md Noor N, Harun NL, Abu Bakar MF, Abdul Muin MR. Patient profile and antibiotic use in a dedicated upper respiratory tract infection clinic based in a primary healthcare setting during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia: A cross sectional study. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2022; 17:74-83. [PMID: 36606160 PMCID: PMC9809438 DOI: 10.51866/oa.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is commonly encountered at the primary care level. Its management is particularly challenging due to the similarity of its symptoms to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Our study evaluated the profiles and antibiotic use of patients seeking care from a dedicated community-based URTI clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients visiting the URTI clinic at the Alor Setar Primary Healthcare Centre between March and April 2020. RESULTS Overall, 587/4388 (13.3%) patients received treatment at the URTI clinic. Most patients were male (60.6%) and aged between 20 and 39 years (35.5%). Their most common symptoms were cough (68.4%), fever (31.6%), runny nose (24.6%), and sore throat (24.1%). Most patients were diagnosed with acute nasopharyngitis (52.5%), acute pharyngitis (18.6%), or acute tonsillitis (5.3%). The symptomatic medication prescription rate was 96.5%. Only 26 of the 435 patients diagnosed with URTI received antibiotics, yielding an antibiotic use rate of only 6.0% for URTI relative to overall drug use. Acute tonsillitis was more common in children <12 years old (p<0.001), while a cough and runny nose were more commonly indicative of acute nasopharyngitis than other conditions (p<0.001). Sore throat was more likely to be a symptom of acute pharyngitis (p<0.001) and acute tonsillitis (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the findings suggest that patients with URTI-like symptoms were properly managed, and the rate of antibiotic usage remained reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yin Ooi
- MD (UNIMAS), Klinik Kesihatan Taman Universiti, Jalan Kebudayaan 28, Taman Universiti, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Nang Juniza Nik Zahari
- MB BCh BAO (IRELAND), Doc of Fam Med (UKM), Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Alor Setar, Aras 1 Blok A, Darul Aman Highway, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Huan Keat Chan
- MSc (USM), Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Km 6, Jln Langgar, Bandar, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Norsiah Md Noor
- MBBS (MAL), M.MED (FAMILY MEDICINE) UKM, Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Alor Setar, Aras 1 Blok A, Darul Aman Highway, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Noor Liani Harun
- MBBS (UM), Doc of Fam Med (UKM), Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Alor Setar, Aras 1 Blok A, Darul Aman Highway, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Firdaus Abu Bakar
- MBBS (IIUM), Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Alor Setar, Aras 1 Blok A, Darul Aman Highway, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Redhuan Abdul Muin
- MB BCh BAO (IRELAND), Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Alor Setar, Aras 1 Blok A, Darul Aman Highway, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
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Chang A, Xian X, Liu MT, Zhao X. Health Communication through Positive and Solidarity Messages Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Automated Content Analysis of Facebook Uses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:6159. [PMID: 35627696 PMCID: PMC9141526 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused significant stress in our lives, which potentially increases frustration, fear, and resentful emotions. Managing stress is complex, but helps to alleviate negative psychological effects. In order to understand how the public coped with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, we used Macao as a case study and collected 104,827 COVID-19 related posts from Facebook through data mining, from 1 January to 31 December 2020. Divominer, a big-data analysis tool supported by computational algorithm, was employed to identify themes and facilitate machine coding and analysis. A total of 60,875 positive messages were identified, with 24,790 covering positive psychological themes, such as "anti-epidemic", "solidarity", "hope", "gratitude", "optimism", and "grit". Messages that mentioned "anti-epidemic", "solidarity", and "hope" were the most prevalent, while different crisis stages, key themes and media elements had various impacts on public involvement. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first-ever study in the Chinese context that uses social media to clarify the awareness of solidarity. Positive messages are needed to empower social media users to shoulder their shared responsibility to tackle the crisis. The findings provide insights into users' needs for improving their subjective well-being to mitigate the negative psychological impact of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chang
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; (X.X.); (X.Z.)
- Institute of Communication and Health, Lugano University, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Xuechang Xian
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; (X.X.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Communication, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526060, China
| | - Matthew Tingchi Liu
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Macao, China;
| | - Xinshu Zhao
- Department of Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; (X.X.); (X.Z.)
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Pappa S, Chen J, Barnett J, Chang A, Dong RK, Xu W, Yin A, Chen BZ, Delios AY, Chen RZ, Miller S, Wan X, Zhang SX. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the mental health symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 76:41-50. [PMID: 34704305 PMCID: PMC8661667 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the mental health of the general public and high-risk groups worldwide. Due to its proximity and close links to China, Southeast Asia was one of the first regions to be affected by the outbreak. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and insomnia in the general adult population and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Southeast Asia during the course of the first year of the pandemic. METHODS Several literature databases were systemically searched for articles published up to February 2021 and two reviewers independently evaluated all relevant studies using pre-determined criteria. The prevalence rates of mental health symptoms were calculated using a random-effect meta-analysis model. RESULTS In total, 32 samples from 25 studies with 20 352 participants were included. Anxiety was assessed in all 25 studies and depression in 15 studies with pooled prevalence rates of 22% and 16%, respectively. Only two studies assessed insomnia, which was estimated at 19%. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was similar among frontline HCWs (18%), general HCWs (17%), and students (20%) while being noticeably higher in the general population (27%). CONCLUSIONS This is the first systematic review to investigate the mental health impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in Southeast Asia. A considerable proportion of the general population and HCWs reported mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression; the pooled prevalence rater, however, remain significantly lower than those reported in other areas such as China and Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pappa
- Division of Brain SciencesImperial College LondonLondonUK
- West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Jiyao Chen
- College of BusinessOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | | | - Anabel Chang
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of OregonEugeneOregonUSA
| | | | - Wen Xu
- Nottingham University Business School ChinaUniversity of Nottingham Ningbo ChinaNingboChina
| | - Allen Yin
- School of HumanitiesSoutheast UniversityNanjingChina
| | | | | | | | - Saylor Miller
- College of BusinessOregon State UniversityCorvallisOregonUSA
| | - Xue Wan
- School of Economics and ManagementTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
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Haber NA, Clarke-Deelder E, Feller A, Smith ER, Salomon JA, MacCormack-Gelles B, Stone EM, Bolster-Foucault C, Daw JR, Hatfield LA, Fry CE, Boyer CB, Ben-Michael E, Joyce CM, Linas BS, Schmid I, Au EH, Wieten SE, Jarrett B, Axfors C, Nguyen VT, Griffin BA, Bilinski A, Stuart EA. Problems with evidence assessment in COVID-19 health policy impact evaluation: a systematic review of study design and evidence strength. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053820. [PMID: 35017250 PMCID: PMC8753111 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Assessing the impact of COVID-19 policy is critical for informing future policies. However, there are concerns about the overall strength of COVID-19 impact evaluation studies given the circumstances for evaluation and concerns about the publication environment. METHODS We included studies that were primarily designed to estimate the quantitative impact of one or more implemented COVID-19 policies on direct SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 outcomes. After searching PubMed for peer-reviewed articles published on 26 November 2020 or earlier and screening, all studies were reviewed by three reviewers first independently and then to consensus. The review tool was based on previously developed and released review guidance for COVID-19 policy impact evaluation. RESULTS After 102 articles were identified as potentially meeting inclusion criteria, we identified 36 published articles that evaluated the quantitative impact of COVID-19 policies on direct COVID-19 outcomes. Nine studies were set aside because the study design was considered inappropriate for COVID-19 policy impact evaluation (n=8 pre/post; n=1 cross-sectional), and 27 articles were given a full consensus assessment. 20/27 met criteria for graphical display of data, 5/27 for functional form, 19/27 for timing between policy implementation and impact, and only 3/27 for concurrent changes to the outcomes. Only 4/27 were rated as overall appropriate. Including the 9 studies set aside, reviewers found that only four of the 36 identified published and peer-reviewed health policy impact evaluation studies passed a set of key design checks for identifying the causal impact of policies on COVID-19 outcomes. DISCUSSION The reviewed literature directly evaluating the impact of COVID-19 policies largely failed to meet key design criteria for inference of sufficient rigour to be actionable by policy-makers. More reliable evidence review is needed to both identify and produce policy-actionable evidence, alongside the recognition that actionable evidence is often unlikely to be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah A Haber
- Meta Research Innovation Center at Stanford University (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Emma Clarke-Deelder
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Avi Feller
- Department of Statistics, Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Joshua A Salomon
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin MacCormack-Gelles
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Stone
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Clara Bolster-Foucault
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jamie R Daw
- Health Policy and Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Anne Hatfield
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carrie E Fry
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christopher B Boyer
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eli Ben-Michael
- Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caroline M Joyce
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Beth S Linas
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Applied Public Health and Research, RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ian Schmid
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eric H Au
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah E Wieten
- Meta Research Innovation Center at Stanford University (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Brooke Jarrett
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cathrine Axfors
- Meta Research Innovation Center at Stanford University (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Van Thu Nguyen
- Meta Research Innovation Center at Stanford University (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Alyssa Bilinski
- Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Wong LP, Alias H, Danaee M, Lee HY, Tan KM, Tok PSK, Muslimin M, AbuBakar S, Lin Y, Hu Z. Assessment of Impact of Containment During the COVID-19 Epidemic and Coping Behaviours Using Newly Developed Assessment Tools. Front Public Health 2022; 9:787672. [PMID: 35004587 PMCID: PMC8728738 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.787672] [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: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The confinement measures during COVID-19 had a massive effect on physical and psychological health in public. This study assessed the impact of containment and coping behaviour among the Malaysia public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions assessing the impact of containment and coping behaviours were developed and psychometrically tested. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with the items using principal component analysis extraction and Varimax rotation. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to determine the relationship between coping and impact. Results: The 13-item of impact and 10-item coping instruments were developed with three dimensions identified through EFA. Both scales demonstrated excellent composite reliability and good convergent validity. The survey findings revealed that the impact on individual psychological aspects was prominent, followed by well-being and lifestyle. Mindfulness and physical coping strategies were most commonly reported. Coping through seeking help from health professionals and hotlines had a positive direct effect on well-being and lifestyle (b = 0.231, p < 0.001), psychological (B = 0.132, p < 0.001), and employment-related (0.194, p < 0.001) impacts. Coping through mindfulness practise had a negative effect on well-being and lifestyle-related impact (B = -0.180, p < 0.001) and employment-related impact (B = -0.096, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Despite some limitation, the scales for measuring impact and coping behaviours have the potential to be used as a measurement tool in future studies. Findings highlight the enormous impact of the pandemic on psychological well-being and lifestyles. Health authorities should support individual coping as it was found to be an important resilience-related factor to mitigate the impacts of containment during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haridah Alias
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahmoud Danaee
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hai Yen Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kit Mun Tan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Peter Seah Keng Tok
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Institute for Clinical Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia
| | - Mustakiza Muslimin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Science & Technology, PICOMS International University College, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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12
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Psycho-behavioural responses of the general population to COVID-19 after mass vaccination: a cross-sectional study. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2022; 9:389-396. [PMID: 36606236 PMCID: PMC9379267 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2022.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have examined public psycho-behavioural responses in the early stages of the epidemic, little is known after mass vaccination has been implemented. This study aimed to investigate the public's behavioural (adoption of COVID-19 precautionary measures) and psychological (depression, anxiety and stress) responses to COVID-19 and their relationships after the launch of the territory-wide vaccination programme in Hong Kong. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study using anonymous online or face-to-face questionnaires was conducted between June 2021 and September 2021. A convenience sample of Hong Kong Chinese residents aged ⩾18 years were recruited online by referrals and from a university-run community vaccination centre. RESULTS A total of 1893 valid questionnaires were received. The results showed that Hong Kong residents have high levels of adoption of precautionary measures and low levels of depression, anxiety and stress after the mass vaccination. Hierarchical regression analysis identified that in the fully adjusted model, the adoption of precautionary measures was a consistent protective factor (β ranged -1.51 to -1.67, p < 0.001) for depression, anxiety and stress amid the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS This study offers new information on the public's psycho-behavioural responses to the pandemic, as well as insights into public health planning after introducing the mass vaccination.
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13
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Wong LP, Alias H, Tan YR, Tan KM. Older people and responses to COVID-19: A cross-sectional study of prevention practices and vaccination intention. Int J Older People Nurs 2021; 17:e12436. [PMID: 34846801 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 is a threat to everyone's health and can be especially devastating to older individuals. AIM This study examined the behavioural prevention practices against SARS-CoV-2 infection and the intention to vaccinate among older people when the COVID-19 vaccine is on the verge of becoming available. METHOD A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between 14th July and 8th October 2020 among the older people in Malaysia. A questionnaire was designed to assess the practice towards measures preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, and COVID-19 vaccination attitudes and intention. Socio-demographic characteristics, constructs of a health belief model (HBM), the 6-item state version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6) were correlates of the main outcomes. FINDINGS The mean score of total preventive measures scores was 13.4 ± 1.7 out of a maximum score of 15, indicating very good prevention practices. By demographics, females, having a tertiary education exhibited higher prevention practices in the univariable analyses. Components of the HBM and being female remain significant correlates of higher prevention practices in multivariable logistic regression analysis (MLRA). A total of 657 (87.1%) participants responded and intend to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Provider recommendations may improve vaccination uptake (91.6%). MLRA revealed that having a positive vaccination attitude was 16 times more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 16.10; 95% CI 8.97-28.91). Hearing of someone they know who has COVID-19 serves as a cue to action and significantly influences vaccination (OR = 4.25; 95% CI 1.80-10.03). Participants below 70 years old expressed higher vaccination intention (OR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.19-3.58). CONCLUSION The results provide the first evidence for public authorities to target older people vulnerable to compliance with recommended preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Ru Tan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kit Mun Tan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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14
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Gu W, Liu X, Sun R, Jiang Y, Cao Z, Wu M, Ma J, Chen Z, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Wang J. No Sex Differences in Psychological Burden and Health Behaviors of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:740064. [PMID: 34712680 PMCID: PMC8547557 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.740064] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Females with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) state-ordered home isolation were associated with higher anxiety and reduced sleep quality than males. Sex differences in psychobehavioral changes during the COVID-19 stay-at home orders among healthcare workers remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the sex differences in psychological burden and health behaviors among these persons. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using online data available in the open Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research (OPENICPSR). Healthcare workers including females and males who transitioned to working from home during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were included. Sex differences were compared using the chi-square test and Student's t-test. We performed logistic and linear regression analyses to determine the association of females with psychological burden and health behaviors. Results: A total of 537 respondents (425 females and 112 males) were enrolled in our study. Sex differences in age (42.1 ± 12.3 years vs. 46.6 ± 15.7 years, t = −2.821, p = 0.005), occupation (χ2 = 41.037, p < 0.001), mood change (n = 297, 69.9% vs. n = 61, 54.5%, χ2 = 9.482, p = 0.002), bedtime schedule (χ2 = 6.254, p = 0.044) and news consumption (n = 344, 80.9% vs. n = 76, 67.9%, χ2 = 8.905, p = 0.003) were statistically significant. Logistic regression showed that females was negatively associated with better mood status (OR = 0.586, 95% CI 0.153–2.247, p = 0.436). In addition, linear regression showed that females were not correlated with total sleep time after adjusting for sio-demographics, mental health outcomes and health behaviors (B = 0.038, 95% CI −0.313–0.388, p = 0.833). Conclusion: No sex differences in psychological burden and health behaviors of healthcare workers were found during the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. The COVID-19 state-ordered home isolation may be a potential way to reduce disproportionate effects of COVID-19 pandemic on females and help to minimize sex differences in psychological burden and health behaviors among healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Gu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Runlu Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyu Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maoxiong Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Zhiteng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangxin Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Perception of the Movement Control Order during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168778. [PMID: 34444527 PMCID: PMC8394721 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Malaysia implemented its first Movement Control Order (MCO) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic to slow the transmission of the virus. This study aimed to explore the public perception of the MCO implementation and people’s experiences during this period. The study employed qualitative explorative in-depth interviews conducted with 23 Malaysian adults from various demographic backgrounds. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12. Three main themes were identified: a period of information surge, heterogeneous emotional response, and attempts to adapt. During the MCO, the participants obtained information from multiple platforms. They suggested the need for clear and repeated instructions to avoid confusion and misinformation. They also acknowledged the importance of the MCO in breaking the chain of transmission and safeguarding high-risk groups; however, they also expressed that stricter enforcement from the authorities was warranted. The changes in the participants’ work–life routines, lack of physical interaction, and uncertainty about their health and the economy due to the MCO negatively impacted their psychological states. Despite these challenges, the participants attempted to adapt to life under the MCO in different ways. The findings imply that during a crisis, the public tends to seek clear and reliable information, experience emotional turmoil, and adapt to changes. The MCO implementation can be improved through an effective communication strategy and efforts to battle misinformation.
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16
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Mohamed NA, Solehan HM, Mohd Rani MD, Ithnin M, Che Isahak CI. Knowledge, acceptance and perception on COVID-19 vaccine among Malaysians: A web-based survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256110. [PMID: 34388202 PMCID: PMC8362951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is caused by a newly discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The Malaysian government has planned to procure COVID-19 vaccine through multiple agencies and companies in order to vaccinate at least 70% of the population. This study aimed to determine the knowledge, acceptance and perception of Malaysian adults regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. METHODOLOGY An online survey was conducted for two weeks in December 2020. A bilingual, semi-structured questionnaire was set up using Google Forms and the generated link was shared on social media (i.e., Facebook and WhatsApp). The questionnaire consisted of questions on knowledge, acceptance and perception of COVID-19 vaccine. The association between demographic factors with scores on knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test for two categorical variables, and the Kruskal-Wallis test used for more than two categorical variables. RESULTS A total of 1406 respondents participated, with the mean age of 37.07 years (SD = 16.05) years, and among them 926 (65.9%) were female. Sixty two percent of respondents had poor knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine (mean knowledge score 4.65; SD = 2.32) and 64.5% were willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. High knowledge scores associated with higher education background, higher-income category and living with who is at higher risk of getting severe COVID-19. They were more likely to be willing to get vaccinated if they were in a lower age group, have higher education levels and were female. CONCLUSION Even though knowledge about vaccine COVID-19 is inadequate, the majority of the respondents were willing to get vaccinated. This finding can help the Ministry of Health plan for future efforts to increase vaccine uptake that may eventually lead to herd immunity against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Azmawati Mohamed
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Hana Maizuliana Solehan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Dzulkhairi Mohd Rani
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Muslimah Ithnin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Che Ilina Che Isahak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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17
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Fu L, Wang X, Deng S, Zhang Q, Liu Y. Informational support, risk perception, anti-pandemic motivation and behavior: a longitudinal study in China. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:7852-7866. [PMID: 34334990 PMCID: PMC8310412 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mobilizing the public to take anti-pandemic behavior (APB) by strengthening informational support has been recognized as an effective strategy to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it remains unclear how health-related informational support from different channels affects individual factors and, thus, the adoption of different types of APB as the pandemic situation changes. To resolve this issue, we build a multiple mediation model to investigate the associations among informational support from three different channels, two individual internal factors, and two kinds of APB. A three-stage longitudinal study administered to Chinese citizens from February to October 2020 revealed that informational support from media played the most critical role in facilitating individuals’ adoption of compliance APB, while informational support from family was the most significant predictor of the adoption of participation APB. Meanwhile, these effects were mediated by risk perception and anti-pandemic motivation, and weakened to varying degrees as the pandemic situation eased. It is recommended that authorities adjust the focus of publicity strategies in light of the changing situation, and make efforts to heighten the public’s risk perception and anti-pandemic motivation. This study contributes to deepening the understanding of the dynamic efficacy of informational support from different channels on individuals’ adoption of two heterogeneous APBs, and thus to the formulation of more scientific, and situation-based publicity strategies during a public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipeng Fu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqing Wang
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Deng
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhang
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Liu
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072 People's Republic of China
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18
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Park M, Lim JT, Wang L, Cook AR, Dickens BL. Urban-Rural Disparities for COVID-19: Evidence from 10 Countries and Areas in the Western Pacific. HEALTH DATA SCIENCE 2021; 2021:9790275. [PMID: 36405354 PMCID: PMC9629684 DOI: 10.34133/2021/9790275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Limited evidence on the effectiveness of various types of social distancing measures, from voluntary physical distancing to a community-wide quarantine, exists for the Western Pacific Region (WPR) which has large urban and rural populations. Methods We estimated the time-varying reproduction number (Rt) in a Bayesian framework using district-level mobility data provided by Facebook (i) to assess how various social distancing policies have contributed to the reduction in transmissibility of SARS-COV-2 and (ii) to examine within-country variations in behavioural responses, quantified by reductions in mobility, for urban and rural areas. Results Social distancing measures were largely effective in reducing transmissibility, with Rt estimates decreased to around the threshold of 1. Within-country analysis showed substantial variation in public compliance across regions. Reductions in mobility were significantly lower in rural and remote areas than in urban areas and metropolitan cities (p < 0.001) which had the same scale of social distancing orders in place. Conclusions Our findings provide empirical evidence that public compliance and consequent intervention effectiveness differ between urban and rural areas in the WPR. Further work is required to ascertain the factors affecting these differing behavioural responses, which can assist in policy-making efforts and increase public compliance in rural areas where populations are older and have poorer access to healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minah Park
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jue Tao Lim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
- Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR2000, CNRS, Paris 75015, France
| | - Alex R. Cook
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Borame L. Dickens
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National Health Systems, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Bai Y, Sun L, Liu H, Xie C. Using Bus Ticketing Big Data to Investigate the Behaviors of the Population Flow of Chinese Suburban Residents in the Post-COVID-19 Phase. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6066. [PMID: 34199900 PMCID: PMC8200129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale population movements can turn local diseases into widespread epidemics. Grasping the characteristic of the population flow in the context of the COVID-19 is of great significance for providing information to epidemiology and formulating scientific and reasonable prevention and control policies. Especially in the post-COVID-19 phase, it is essential to maintain the achievement of the fight against the epidemic. Previous research focuses on flight and railway passenger travel behavior and patterns, but China also has numerous suburban residents with a not-high economic level; investigating their travel behaviors is significant for national stability. However, estimating the impacts of the COVID-19 for suburban residents' travel behaviors remains challenging because of lacking apposite data. Here we submit bus ticketing data including approximately 26,000,000 records from April 2020-August 2020 for 2705 stations. Our results indicate that Suburban residents in Chinese Southern regions are more likely to travel by bus, and travel frequency is higher. Associated with the economic level, we find that residents in the economically developed region more likely to travel or carry out various social activities. Considering from the perspective of the traveling crowd, we find that men and young people are easier to travel by bus; however, they are exactly the main workforce. The indication of our findings is that suburban residents' travel behavior is affected profoundly by economy and consistent with the inherent behavior patterns before the COVID-19 outbreak. We use typical regions as verification and it is indeed the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanbing Bai
- Center for Applied Statistics, School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; (Y.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Lu Sun
- School of Statistics, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Haoyu Liu
- Center for Applied Statistics, School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; (Y.B.); (H.L.)
| | - Chao Xie
- China Transport Information Co., Ltd., Beijing 100007, China;
- China Transport Telecommunications and Information Center, Beijing 100011, China
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20
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Haber NA, Clarke-Deelder E, Feller A, Smith ER, Salomon J, MacCormack-Gelles B, Stone EM, Bolster-Foucault C, Daw JR, Hatfield LA, Fry CE, Boyer CB, Ben-Michael E, Joyce CM, Linas BS, Schmid I, Au EH, Wieten SE, Jarrett BA, Axfors C, Nguyen VT, Griffin BA, Bilinski A, Stuart EA. Problems with Evidence Assessment in COVID-19 Health Policy Impact Evaluation (PEACHPIE): A systematic review of study design and evidence strength. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [PMID: 33501457 PMCID: PMC7836129 DOI: 10.1101/2021.01.21.21250243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Assessing the impact of COVID-19 policy is critical for informing future policies. However, there are concerns about the overall strength of COVID-19 impact evaluation studies given the circumstances for evaluation and concerns about the publication environment. This study systematically reviewed the strength of evidence in the published COVID-19 policy impact evaluation literature. Methods: We included studies that were primarily designed to estimate the quantitative impact of one or more implemented COVID-19 policies on direct SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 outcomes. After searching PubMed for peer-reviewed articles published on November 26, 2020 or earlier and screening, all studies were reviewed by three reviewers first independently and then to consensus. The review tool was based on previously developed and released review guidance for COVID-19 policy impact evaluation, assessing what impact evaluation method was used, graphical display of outcomes data, functional form for the outcomes, timing between policy and impact, concurrent changes to the outcomes, and an overall rating. Results: After 102 articles were identified as potentially meeting inclusion criteria, we identified 36 published articles that evaluated the quantitative impact of COVID-19 policies on direct COVID-19 outcomes. The majority (n=23/36) of studies in our sample examined the impact of stay-at-home requirements. Nine studies were set aside because the study design was considered inappropriate for COVID-19 policy impact evaluation (n=8 pre/post; n=1 cross-section), and 27 articles were given a full consensus assessment. 20/27 met criteria for graphical display of data, 5/27 for functional form, 19/27 for timing between policy implementation and impact, and only 3/27 for concurrent changes to the outcomes. Only 1/27 studies passed all of the above checks, and 4/27 were rated as overall appropriate. Including the 9 studies set aside, reviewers found that only four of the 36 identified published and peer-reviewed health policy impact evaluation studies passed a set of key design checks for identifying the causal impact of policies on COVID-19 outcomes. Discussion: The reviewed literature directly evaluating the impact of COVID-19 policies largely failed to meet key design criteria for inference of sufficient rigor to be actionable by policymakers. This was largely driven by the circumstances under which policies were passed making it difficult to attribute changes in COVID-19 outcomes to particular policies. More reliable evidence review is needed to both identify and produce policy-actionable evidence, alongside the recognition that actionable evidence is often unlikely to be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah A Haber
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emma Clarke-Deelder
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Avi Feller
- Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Emily R Smith
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Joshua Salomon
- Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth M Stone
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Clara Bolster-Foucault
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jamie R Daw
- Health Policy and Management, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura A Hatfield
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carrie E Fry
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christopher B Boyer
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eli Ben-Michael
- Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Caroline M Joyce
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Beth S Linas
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Clinical Quality and Informatics, MITRE Corp, McLean, VA, USA
| | - Ian Schmid
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric H Au
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah E Wieten
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brooke A Jarrett
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cathrine Axfors
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Van Thu Nguyen
- Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Alyssa Bilinski
- Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Li H. Follow or not follow?: The relationship between psychological entitlement and compliance with preventive measures to the COVID-19. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 174:110678. [PMID: 33518873 PMCID: PMC7826108 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.110678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Some recent evidence has shown that individuals with a higher sense of psychological entitlement were more likely to ignore instructions than individuals with a lower sense of psychological entitlement. Building on these findings, the current research investigated the relationship between psychological entitlement and breaching coronavirus restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using self-reported adherence to various infection prevention measures, Study 1 revealed that psychological entitlement positively predicted a lower likelihood of complying with distancing instructions in Chinese university students. Study 2 fully replicated these findings in a new sample of Chinese working adults. Moving beyond self-assessment of public health-compliance behaviors, Study 3 further assessed the relationship behaviorally and recapitulated the reported effects. Consistently, Studies 1 through 3 provided supporting evidence that fairness perceptions mediate the negative link between psychological entitlement and observance of preventive measures. Overall, our findings suggest that individual differences in psychological entitlement are associated with people's virus-mitigating behaviors in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- College of International Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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22
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Cai G, Lin Y, Lu Y, He F, Morita K, Yamamoto T, Aoyagi K, Taguri T, Hu Z, Alias H, Danaee M, Wong LP. Behavioural responses and anxiety symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan: A large scale cross-sectional study. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 136:296-305. [PMID: 33631655 PMCID: PMC7880847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the behavioural responses and anxiety symptoms of the general adult population in Japan during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. METHODS A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between 12th and May 13, 2020. Quota sampling was used to attain equal gender and age distributions representative of the Japanese population. RESULTS A total of 4127 complete responses were analysed. Higher educational level (B = 0.045, p = 0.002) and household income (B = 0.04, p = 0.009) were associated with a higher increase in preventive measures when comparing before and after the state of emergency was declared. The highest reported social anxiety was a feeling of fear (65.6%), followed by embarrassment (43.8%), keeping infection a secret (41.3%), avoidance (41.3%), and stigma (25.5%). A total of 86.1% of the respondents reported moderate to severe anxiety. The partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) revealed that being female has the greatest effect (B = 0.246, p < 0.0001) on higher current preventive measures, followed by social anxiety (B = 0.119; p = 0.001) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (B = 0.153; p < 0.001). Perceived susceptibility (B = 0.033, p = 0.020), knowing someone who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 (B = 0.097, p < 0.001), higher income (B = 0.079, p < 0.001) and educational level (B = 0.045; p = 0.004) all had a small but significant effect on influencing levels of preventive measures. CONCLUSIONS A moderate level of preventive practices found in this study indicates the need to encourage behavioural change to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The provision of mental health services is warranted as anxiety symptoms are prevalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxi Cai
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan; Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan; Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Environment and Public Health, Nagasaki, 856-0026, Japan
| | - Yulan Lin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Yixiao Lu
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Fei He
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Kouichi Morita
- Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Taro Yamamoto
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Aoyagi
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Toshitsugu Taguri
- Nagasaki Prefectural Institute of Environment and Public Health, Nagasaki, 856-0026, Japan
| | - Zhijian Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mahmoud Danaee
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Li Ping Wong
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China; Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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23
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Wong LP, Alias H, Md Fuzi AA, Omar IS, Mohamad Nor A, Tan MP, Baranovich DL, Saari CZ, Hamzah SH, Cheong KW, Poon CH, Ramoo V, Che CC, Myint K, Zainuddin S, Chung I. Escalating progression of mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a nationwide survey. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248916. [PMID: 33765039 PMCID: PMC7993793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first nationwide movement control order was implemented on 18 March 2020 in Malaysia to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, to what extent the uncertainty and continuous containment measures have imposed psychological burdens on the population is unknown. This study aimed to measure the level of mental health of the Malaysian public approximately 2 months after the pandemic's onset. Between 12 May and 5 September 2020, an anonymous online survey was conducted. The target group included all members of the Malaysian population aged 18 years and above. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess mental health. There were increased depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms throughout the study period, with the depression rates showing the greatest increase. During the end of the data collection period (4 August-5 September 2020), there were high percentages of reported depressive (59.2%) and anxiety (55.1%) symptoms compared with stress (30.6%) symptoms. Perceived health status was the strongest significant predictor for depressive and anxiety symptoms. Individuals with a poorer health perception had higher odds of developing depression (odds ratio [OR] = 5.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.81-8.47) and anxiety (OR = 3.50; 95%CI 2.37-5.17) compared with those with a higher health perception. By demographics, young people-particularly students, females and people with poor financial conditions-were more vulnerable to mental health symptoms. These findings provide an urgent call for increased attention to detect and provide intervention strategies to combat the increasing rate of mental health problems in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haridah Alias
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Afiqah Alyaa Md Fuzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Intan Sofia Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azmawaty Mohamad Nor
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maw Pin Tan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diana Lea Baranovich
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Che Zarrina Saari
- Department of Akidah and Islamic Thought, Academy of Islamic Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sareena Hanim Hamzah
- Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ku Wing Cheong
- Department of Music, Cultural Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chiew Hwa Poon
- Department of Music, Cultural Centre, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vimala Ramoo
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chong Chin Che
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kyaimon Myint
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suria Zainuddin
- Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Business and Accountancy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ivy Chung
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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24
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Khan AA, Lodhi FS, Rabbani U, Ahmed Z, Abrar S, Arshad S, Irum S, Khan MI. Impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of the Pakistani General Population. Front Psychiatry 2021; 11:564364. [PMID: 33510654 PMCID: PMC7835389 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.564364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In order to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the countries took preventive measures such as lockdown and restrictions of movements. This can lead to effects on mental health of the population. We studied the impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being and associated factors among the Pakistani general population. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 26th April and 15th May and included participants from all over the Pakistan. Attitudes and worriedness about COVID-19 pandemic were assessed using a structured questionnaire. A validated English and Urdu version of the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to assess the well-being. Factor analysis was done to extract the attitude item domains. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with poor well-being. Results: A total of 1,756 people participated in the survey. Almost half 50% of the participants were male, and a similar proportion was employed. About 41% of the participants were dependent on financial sources other than salary. News was considered a source of fear as 72% assumed that avoiding such news may reduce the fear. About 68% of the population was worried about contracting the disease. The most common coping strategies used during lockdown were spending quality time with family, eating healthy food, adequate sleep, and talking to friends on phone. Prevalence of poor well-being was found to be 41.2%. Female gender, being unemployed, living in Sindh and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), fear of COVID-19, and having chronic illness were significantly associated with poor well-being. Similarly, coping strategies during lockdown (doing exercise; spending time with family; eating healthy food; having good sleep; contributing in social welfare work and spending time on hobbies) were also significantly associated with mental well-being. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence 41.2% of poor well-being among the Pakistani general population. We also investigated risk factors of poor well-being which included female gender, unemployment, being resident of ICT and Sindh, fear, chronic illness, and absence of coping strategies. This calls for immediate action at population level in the form of targeted mass psychological support programs to improve the mental health of population during the COVID-19 crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ahmed Khan
- Saudi Board Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Saqib Lodhi
- Department of Community Medicine, Women Medical and Dental College Abbottabad, Abbottabad, Pakistan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Unaib Rabbani
- Family Medicine Academy, Qassim Health Cluster, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeeshan Ahmed
- Madina Sector, Preventive Medicine Department, Ministry of Health, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saidul Abrar
- Department of Community Medicine, Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi, Swabi, Pakistan
| | | | - Saadia Irum
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Khan
- Ripha Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ripha International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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25
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Micarelli A, Granito I, Carlino P, Micarelli B, Alessandrini M. Self-perceived general and ear-nose-throat symptoms related to the COVID-19 outbreak: a survey study during quarantine in Italy. J Int Med Res 2020; 48:300060520961276. [PMID: 33081538 PMCID: PMC8164561 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520961276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To survey perceived general and ear-nose-throat (ENT) symptoms of COVID-19 in relation to psychological impact, mental health, perception of information and demographic characteristics in quarantined subjects during a lockdown period in Italy. METHODS Participants were 1380 respondents who completed an online survey. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the independent variables and perceived symptoms. RESULTS Participants reported different prevalences of perceived ENT and general symptoms. Coryza, cough, sore throat and tinnitus were the most common symptoms, and there was a low prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress compared with the psychological impact of the symptom. Comparison of the two symptom groups demonstrated a common need for updates, their relationship with the media and correct information about the route of transmission. CONCLUSIONS The health information provided during a disease outbreak must be grounded in evidence. This would help to prevent adverse psychological reactions and somatization symptoms that can engulf healthcare systems, especially in clinical areas like ENT, which frequently treat airway problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Micarelli
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy.,ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Granito
- ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Carlino
- ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Micarelli
- ITER Center for Balance and Rehabilitation Research (ICBRR), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Alessandrini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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26
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Alabed AAA, Elengoe A, Anandan ES, Almahdi AY. Recent perspectives and awareness on transmission, clinical manifestation, quarantine measures, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among people living in Malaysia in 2020. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 30:1133-1142. [PMID: 33078089 PMCID: PMC7556582 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a major public health challenge threatening the world with the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in December 2019 from Wuhan, China. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19 and its transmission, causes and prevention among people living in Malaysia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among people living in Malaysia by using an online survey in March and April 2020. Results Out of 520 respondents, the mean age was 36.9 ± 14.9, between 19 and 67 years with the majority being female. Most respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19 with mean ± sd 18.2 ± 1.7, 5.2 ± 1.1 and 4.1 ± 1.4, respectively. In addition, the majority had good knowledge regarding cause, mode of transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment and quarantine measures after answering 21 questions. Conclusion To date, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, thus staying at home is the best preventive measure to curb the further growth of positive cases in the country. These findings could provide an insight in designing effective preparedness for future pandemic outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alabed Ali A. Alabed
- Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Asita Elengoe
- Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Elan Selvi Anandan
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Y. Almahdi
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
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