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Stokes K, Houghton M, Gato J, Tasker F. Surveying Psychological Wellbeing in a Post-Pandemic World: The Role of Family and Social Support for LGBTQ+ and Cisgender Heterosexual Adults in the UK. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1634. [PMID: 39201192 PMCID: PMC11353760 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12161634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have emphasized the importance of social support in mitigating the relationship between psychological distress and mental health effects, with family of origin and family of formation providing key sources of social support over the life course. However, LGBTQ+ people may experience family of origin relationships as a source of distress, while partners and friends may buffer the relationship between minority stress and psychological wellbeing. Through our online survey (March-June 2022), which was conducted when the social restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted in the UK, we considered the association between psychological wellbeing and sources of social support by sampling n = 1330 LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual adults. LGBTQ+ adults generally experienced poorer psychological wellbeing outcomes than did cisgender heterosexual people. For LGBTQ+ adults, social support from family of origin, a special person, or friends was not associated with depression, anxiety, or stress levels, but social support from family or a special person was positively associated with higher levels of life satisfaction. Our findings indicate the importance of considering negative as well as positive wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Stokes
- School of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK; (K.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Marie Houghton
- School of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK; (K.S.); (M.H.)
| | - Jorge Gato
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Fiona Tasker
- School of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK; (K.S.); (M.H.)
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Schulder T, Rudenstine S, Bhatt KJ, McNeal K, Ettman CK, Galea S. A multilevel approach to social support as a determinant of mental health during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 52:640-653. [PMID: 35253918 PMCID: PMC9088273 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has detrimentally affected the mental health of lower income communities. We sought to investigate the relationship among multilevel social support, specifically individual-, network-, and neighborhood-level social supports, COVID-19-related stressors, and probable diagnoses of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress (PTS), within a racially diverse and predominantly low-socioeconomic status population. We used multiple logistic regressions to assess the odds of diagnosis for high versus low social support and stressor levels. Participants who endorsed high levels of stress had significantly higher odds of probable diagnoses. Participants who endorsed low individual-level social support had higher odds of probable depression and anxiety. Those who endorsed low neighborhood-level social support had higher odds of probable depression and probable PTS. Network-level social support was not significantly associated with the health indicators of interest. Results indicate the importance of both individual- and neighborhood-level support to protect mental health during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Schulder
- Department of PsychologyThe City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Sasha Rudenstine
- Department of PsychologyThe City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Krish J. Bhatt
- Department of EpidemiologyColumbia University Mailman School of Public HealthNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Kat McNeal
- Department of PsychologyThe City College of New YorkNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | | | - Sandro Galea
- School of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Lee CKK, Chan KNJ, Wong SMC, Wong HSG, Lei HCJ, So YK, Fung SCV, Chu STR, Chung KKA, Cheng PWC, Lo KYH, Chan WC, Chang WC. Relationships between psychopathological symptoms, pandemic-related stress, perceived social support, and COVID-19 infection history: a network analysis in Chinese college students. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1340101. [PMID: 38370557 PMCID: PMC10873916 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1340101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous coronavirus, 2019 (COVID-19) research has applied network analysis to examine relationships between psychopathological symptoms but rarely extended to potential risk and protective factors or the influence of COVID-19 infection history. This study examined complex inter-relationships between psychopathological symptoms, COVID-19-related stressors, perceived social support, and COVID-19 infection history among Chinese university/college students during the peak of fifth pandemic wave using a network analysis approach. Methods A Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator-regularized partial correlation network using Gaussian graphical model was constructed in 1,395 Chinese university/college students in Hong Kong who completed a survey between 15 March and 3 April, 2022. Depressive, anxiety, and acute/traumatic stress symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Impact of Event Scale-6, respectively. COVID-19-related stressors and perceived social support were measured. Network differences by COVID-19 infection history (COVID-network vs. no_COVID-network) and network communities were examined. Results Our results showed that the most influential nodes were depressed mood, uncontrollable worries, and uncontrollable thoughts about COVID-19. The main bridging symptoms were concentration problems and psychomotor problems. The COVID-network, comprising participants with a history of COVID-19 infection only, was significantly stronger than the no_COVID-network. Perceived social support and stress from conflicts with family/friends formed a unique community with negative cognition and suicidal idea in the COVID-network only. Conclusion Our findings indicate that specific interventions targeting interpersonal conflicts and concentration problems as well as facilitating stress buffering effects of social support may represent effective strategies to reduce psychological distress in university/college students during COVID-19 and should be considered for future pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Kei Krystal Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwun Nam Joe Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sau Man Corine Wong
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hou Sem Gabbie Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hiu Ching Janet Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuen Kiu So
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shi Cheng Vivian Fung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sai Ting Ryan Chu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kar Kin Albert Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pak Wing Calvin Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Ying Heidi Lo
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Chi Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Chung Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing (LKS) Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Yin Z, Wang X, Lu X, Fu H. Hospital pharmacists' mental health during home isolation in the post-pandemic era of COVID-19: influencing factors, coping strategies, and the mediating effect of resilience. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1268638. [PMID: 38356948 PMCID: PMC10864583 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1268638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective There is a notable research gap on the mental health challenges faced by hospital pharmacists in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, the present study aims to explore mental health status, influencing factors, coping strategies, and the mediating effect of resilience of home quarantine hospital pharmacists (HQHPs). Methods An embedded mixed-method study was conducted in Zhengzhou, a megalopolis in central China, from 20 October to 3 November 2022. For the qualitative study, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among HQHPs to understand their mental health state,the factors that affect their mental health, and the alleviating strategies they used. For the quantitative study, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Chinese version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) were used to explore the mental health level of HQHPs. Meanwhile, the mediating effect of resilience was explored and verified with the bootstrap method or the structural equation model. Results 20 HQHPs participated in the qualitative study. Two themes were identified in terms of the factors that influenced the HQHPs' mental health levels. The positive factors include optimism, family company, and connection with friends, while the negative factors include inadequate supplies, inadequate information, and other emergencies. 210 HQHPs participated in the quantitative study, with a median resilience score of 66 [55.75, 74] in the lowest score range and an anxiety score of 5 [2, 7] in the mild anxiety range. The correlation analysis showed that nine of the 10 influencing factors identified in qualitative research were positively correlated with CD-RISC-25 scores and negatively correlated with the GAD-7 score. The mediating effect of resilience on anxiety was significant (95% bootstrap CI [-1.818, -0.384], p<0.001; or 95% bootstrap CI [-1.174, -0.430], p<0.001). Conclusion Even in the post-epidemic era, hospital pharmacists face psychological challenges. They actively address these issues based on accumulated experience and a stabilized mindset. In this process, resilience plays a significant mediating role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Yin
- Institute for Hospital Management of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - XiangYu Wang
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Party Committee Office, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Drug Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hang Fu
- Institute for Hospital Management of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
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Sood R, Entenman J, Kitt-Lewis E, Lennon RP, Pinto CN, Moss JL. We are all in this together: Rurality, Social cohesion, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors. J Rural Health 2024; 40:154-161. [PMID: 37430390 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cohesion refers to an individual's sense of belonging to their community and correlates with health outcomes. Rural communities tend to have higher social cohesion than urban communities. Social cohesion is relatively understudied as a factor impacting COVID-19 prevention behaviors. This study explores the associations between social cohesion, rurality, and COVID-19 prevention behaviors. METHODS Participants completed a questionnaire assessing rurality; social cohesion (subscales of (1) attraction to neighborhood, (2) acts of neighboring, and (3) sense of community); COVID-19 behaviors; and demographics. Chi-square tests were used to characterize participant demographics and COVID-19 behaviors. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between COVID-19 outcomes and rurality, social cohesion, and demographics. RESULTS Most participants (n = 2,926) were non-Hispanic White (78.2%) and married (60.4%); 36.9% were rural. Rural participants were less likely than urban participants to practice social distancing (78.7% vs 90.6%, P<.001) or stay home when sick (87.7% vs 93.5%, P<.001). Social distancing was more common among participants with higher "attraction to neighborhood" scores (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26-3.47) but was less common among participants with higher "acts of neighboring" scores (aOR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.40-0.88). Staying home when sick was also more common among participants with higher scores on "attraction to neighborhood" (aOR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.15-3.91), and less common among participants with higher scores on "acts of neighboring" (aOR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.33-0.86). CONCLUSIONS Efforts to maximize COVID-19 behavioral prevention, particularly among rural communities, should emphasize the importance of protecting the health of one's neighbors and how to support one's neighbors without face-to-face interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Sood
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Erin Kitt-Lewis
- Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Casey N Pinto
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kim SH. Love thy neighbor? The role of trust in neighbors during the COVID-19 crisis. Health Place 2024; 85:103164. [PMID: 38064921 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
During a pandemic, trust can either promote cooperative behavior, as people pay attention to their actions toward other people's health, or hinder cooperative behavior by decreasing risk perception. By linking South Korea's Community Health Survey data with district-level statistics of the number of confirmed cases, I examine the effect of trust during the pre-pandemic period on district-level infection rates. I find that trust in neighbors is negatively associated with infection rates during the period when people are well aware of social distancing measures. Results of the individual-level analysis demonstrate that trust in neighbors is positively associated with the probability of implementing social distancing measures, particularly, those that are difficult to enforce. This finding implies that trust in neighbors increases people's motivation to cooperate voluntarily with public precautionary measures that can reduce the probability of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hee Kim
- Department of Social Studies Education, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea.
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Zhao Y, Wang R, Li H, Chen C, Zhou B, Weng X, Hua Y, Jia Y, Wu Y, Li Y. Impact of Easing COVID-19 Restrictions on Fear of COVID-19 and Social Support Among Chinese Students: A Longitudinal Analysis. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4685-4696. [PMID: 38024661 PMCID: PMC10674754 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s434765] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This longitudinal study aims to investigate the relationship between fear of COVID-19, support-seeking behaviors, and perceived social support among Chinese college students during two distinct periods of the COVID-19 pandemic: the period of strict control (time 1) and the period following a relaxation of restrictions (time 2). Methods A total of 408 Chinese college students participated in this study. Data collection included demographic information, measures of fear of COVID-19, support-seeking behaviors, and perceived social support. Results Fear of COVID-19 at time 1 showed a significant positive association with fear of COVID-19 at time 2. The relationship between support-seeking behavior at time 1 and fear of COVID-19 at time 2 was significantly mediated through a chain mediation effect of support-seeking behavior at time 1 and perceived social support at time 2. Discussion This study contributes to the growing body of evidence on the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the significance of social support in mitigating fear of COVID-19. It calls for a re-evaluation of public health policies considering their potential psychological effects and introduces new opportunities for developing psychosocial interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Faculty of Law, Qingdao University, Qingdao, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruizhe Wang
- HeXie Management Research Center, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hebin Li
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chong Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bowen Zhou
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinying Weng
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yidi Hua
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaqi Jia
- Entrepreneurs College, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajun Wu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Urban Governance and Public Affairs, Suzhou City University, Suzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Zougheibe R, Dewan A, Norman R, Gudes O. Insights into parents' perceived worry before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia: inequality and heterogeneity of influences. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1944. [PMID: 37805455 PMCID: PMC10559437 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16337-9] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive worry is an invisible disruptive force that has adverse health outcomes and may advance to other forms of disorder, such as anxiety or depression. Addressing worry and its influences is challenging yet crucial for informing public health policy. METHODS We examined parents' worries, influences, and variability before and during COVID-19 pandemic and across geography. Parents (n = 340) and their primary school-aged children from five Australian states completed an anonymous online survey in mid-2020. After literature review, we conceptualised the influences and performed a series of regression analyses. RESULTS Worry levels and the variables contributing to parents' worry varied before to during the pandemic. The proportion of parents who were "very worried all the time" increased by 14.6% in the early days of the pandemic. During the pandemic, ethnic background modified parents' worry and parents' history of daily distress symptoms was a significant contributor (p < 0.05). Excessive exposure to news remained significant both before and during the pandemic. The primary predictor of parents' worry before COVID-19 was perceived neighbourhood safety, while the main predictor during COVID-19 was financial risk due to income change. Some variable such as neighbourhood safety and financial risk varied in their contribution to worry across geographical regions. The proportion of worried children was higher among distraught parents. CONCLUSION Parents' worry during the health pandemic was not triggered by the health risks factors but by the financial risk due to income change. The study depicts inequality in the impact of COVID-19 by ethnic background. Different policies and reported virus case numbers across states may have modified the behaviour of variables contributing to the geography of parents' worry. Exposure to stressors before the COVID-19 pandemic may have helped parents develop coping strategies during stressful events. Parents are encouraged to limit their exposure to stressful news. We advocate for parents-specific tailored policies and emphasise the need for access to appropriate mental health resources for those in need. Advancing research in geographical modelling for mental health may aid in devising much-needed location-targeted interventions and prioritising resources in future events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roula Zougheibe
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Ashraf Dewan
- School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Richard Norman
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ori Gudes
- School of Population Health, UNSW Medicine, New South Wales, Australia
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Hanson S, Belderson P, Ward E, Naughton F, Notley C. Lest we forget. Illuminating lived experience of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown. Soc Sci Med 2023; 332:116080. [PMID: 37451941 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated 'lockdowns' profoundly impacted people's lives in 2020-2021 and beyond. This study sought to understand unique person-centred insights into health and wellbeing during the restrictive measures in the United Kingdom and to enable us to remember and give testimony to these lived experiences. Using photo-methods, participants from a larger cohort study which tracked people's behaviours during the pandemic were invited to share photographs and short text to visually illustrate their ephemeral and unique COVID-19 experiences. In total 197 participants shared 398 photographs. Using a critical realist approach in our design and analysis, we sought to gain an alternative viewpoint on what 'lockdown' and the pandemic meant. Our major findings revealed starkly contrasting experiences illustrated in our two major themes. Firstly loss, including ambiguous losses and a sense of loss, loss of freedoms and death. Secondly, salutogenesis (what makes us well) whereby participants were able to draw on assets which helped to keep them well by maintaining social connection, 'making the best of it', reconnecting with nature and appreciating the outdoors, creativity for pleasure and faith. Our findings illuminate widely differing experiences and indicate the powerful effect of assets that were perceived by our participants to protect their wellbeing. Understanding differential vulnerability will be essential going forward to target resources appropriately to those who have the least control over their lives, those with the greatest vulnerabilities and least assets which in turn could support a self-perpetuating recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hanson
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 7TJ, UK.
| | - P Belderson
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 7TJ, UK
| | - E Ward
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 7TJ, UK
| | - F Naughton
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 7TJ, UK
| | - C Notley
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 7TJ, UK
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Cheng H, Jiang A. Neighborhood Governance and Happiness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Analysis of Wuhan's Lockdown. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:512. [PMID: 37366764 DOI: 10.3390/bs13060512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 posed a challenge to global governance, residents' happiness, and economic systems around the world. Since the crux of previous research centers on the reactions of both local and national governments, studies on how governance arrangement at the neighborhood level influences people's happiness during the crisis response remain insufficient. This paper aims to explore the relationship between neighborhood governance and residents' happiness based on first-hand data collected during Wuhan's first lockdown. This study highlights the significance of neighborhood governance in crisis response, which includes providing diverse public services, ensuring access to life's necessities, and offering prompt medical treatment. All of these factors are essential for maintaining overall satisfaction with governance and contributing to the happiness of individuals within the community. However, active governance actions do not always lead to favorable results. For example, increased group participation may lead to social conflicts among those involved, ultimately diminishing one's happiness. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a risk 'amplifier', exposing and exacerbating pre-existing hukou-based social inequalities in the governance process. The impact of the pandemic on citizen happiness is the cumulative effect of both the immediate social crisis brought on by the pandemic and long-standing structural inequalities. To improve people's happiness and establish inclusive policies, this paper advocates for a 'people-centered' urban governance that enhances public satisfaction and addresses the needs and priorities of migrant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbei Cheng
- School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Anli Jiang
- Center for Governance Studies, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China
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11
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Huang Z, Gan Q, Luo M, Zhang Y, Ge J, Fu Y, Chen Z. Social support and prosocial behavior in Chinese college students during the COVID-19 outbreak: a moderated mediation model of positive affect and parental care. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1127194. [PMID: 37235096 PMCID: PMC10208223 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1127194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Prosocial behavior (PSB) plays a critical role in everyday society, especially during the pandemic of COVID-19. Understanding the underlying mechanism will provide insight and advance its implementation. According to the theory of PSB, social interaction, family and individual characters all contribute to its development. The current study aimed to investigate the influencing factor of PSB among Chinese college students during COVID-19 outbreak. This is an attempt to understand the mechanism of PSB and to provide a reference for the formulation of policies aimed at promoting healthy collaborative relationships for college students. Method The online questionnaire was administered to 664 college students from 29 provinces of China via Credamo platform. There were 332 medical students and 332 non-medical students aged between 18 and 25 included for final study. The mediating role of positive emotion/affect (PA) and the moderating role of parental care in the association between social support and PSB during the pandemic of COVID-19 was explored by using Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), Prosocial Tendencies Measurement Scale (PTM), The Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS), as well as Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The process macro model of SPSS was adopted for mediating and moderating analysis. Results The results showed that social support positively predicted PSB among Chinese college students, even after adding PA as a mediation variable. PA during COVID-19 mediated the association between social support and PSB. PSB also revealed as a predictor of PA by regression analysis. Moreover, the moderating effect of parental care in the relationship between PA and PSB was detected. Conclusion PA under stress acts as a mediator between social support and PSB. This mediating effect was moderated by PC in childhood. In addition, PSB was observed to predict PA reversely. The promoting factors and path between the variables of PSB are complex and need to be explored extensively. The underlying factors and process should be further investigated for the development of intervention plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Huang
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Science and Visual Cognition Research Center, Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Quan Gan
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Science and Visual Cognition Research Center, Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Miaoling Luo
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Science and Visual Cognition Research Center, Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- Faculty of Education, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Ge
- Brain Science and Visual Cognition Research Center, Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Students Counseling and Mental Health Center, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Science and Visual Cognition Research Center, Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Zhuangfei Chen
- Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Brain Science and Visual Cognition Research Center, Medical School of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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The impact of COVID-19 on visitors' wayfinding within healthcare centers. AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL 2023; 14. [PMCID: PMC9448710 DOI: 10.1016/j.asej.2022.101957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The novel COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial calamities in developing countries such as Iran, which initially suffered from inadequate infrastructure essential for the pandemic control. Due to the ongoing development of this malady, healthcare centers are recognized as one of the most significant hotspots within public settings so they are directly pertinent to the physical and mental health of visitors. The main objective for conducting the present study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the visitors' wayfinding procedure within Qa'em hospital, located in Rasht, northern Iran. The adopted methodology in the present study is based on a comparison between the collected data regarding the wayfinding behavior of visitors before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic using mixed methods, namely Space Syntax, gate counting, people following, and semi-structured interviews. The obtained empirical results displayed that visitors were significantly confused and hesitant throughout their wayfinding process after the outbreak of the pandemic. Indeed, spatial accessibility and legibility were not found to be adequate for facilitating the wayfinding of the visitors. Moreover, the requirements for the reconfiguration of furniture layout in the waiting areas, according to the underlying notions of social distancing, became conspicuous as the pragmatic implications for the post-pandemic healthcare centers.
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13
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Pre-COVID-19 cognitive social capital and peri-COVID-19 depression: A prospective cohort study on the contextual moderating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, 2016–2020. Health Place 2023; 82:103022. [PMCID: PMC10073591 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Social capital could protect mental health. We examined whether the COVID-19 context and province-level COVID-19 situation altered the longitudinal association between cognitive social capital (generalized trust, trust in neighbors, trust in local government officials, and reciprocity) and depression. Results from multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models showed that trust in neighbors, trust in local government officials, and reciprocity were more crucial in longitudinally reducing depression in 2020 than in 2018. Also, as compared with provinces where the COVID-19 situation was less poor, trust in local government officials in provinces with a worse COVID-19 situation in 2018 was more crucial in reducing depression in 2020. Therefore, cognitive social capital should be taken into account for pandemic preparedness and mental health resilience.
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14
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Gaspar T, Raimundo M, de Sousa SB, Barata M, Cabrita T. Relationship between Burden, Quality of Life and Difficulties of Informal Primary Caregivers in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Contributions of Public Policies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5205. [PMID: 36982114 PMCID: PMC10048817 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to characterize and understand the difficulties experienced by informal caregivers from a bio-psychosocial and environmental perspective, taking into account the socio-demographic and health characteristics of the informal caregiver and the person cared for, quality of life, perceived burden, social support, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the informal caregiver and the person cared for. The participants were 371 informal primary caregivers, 80.9% female, aged between 25 and 85 years, mean 53.17 (SD = 11.45) years. Only 16.4% of the informal caregivers benefited from monitoring and training for informal caregiver skills; 34.8% received information on the rights of the person being cared for; 7.8% received advice or guidance on the rights and duties of the informal caregiver; 11.9% of the caregivers benefited from psychological support; and 5.7% participated in self-help groups. A convenience sample was used, and data were collected via an online questionnaire. The main findings show that the major difficulties experienced by caregivers are related to social constraints, the demands of caring, and the reactions of the person cared for. The results reveal that the burden of the main informal caregivers is explained by the level of education, quality of life, level of dependence of the person cared for, level of difficulties, and social support. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted caregiving by increasing the perceived difficulty of accessing support services, such as consultations, services, and support; causing distress feelings in the caregiver, such as, anxiety and worry; increasing the needs and symptoms of the person cared for; and increasing the degree of isolation, for both, the informal caregiver and the person cared for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Gaspar
- SPIC, Hei-Lab, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- ISAMB, Medicine Faculty, Lisbon University, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Raimundo
- SPIC, Psychology and Life Sciences School, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Aventura Social Associação, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sofia Borges de Sousa
- SPIC, Psychology and Life Sciences School, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Aventura Social Associação, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Barata
- SPIC, Psychology and Life Sciences School, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
- Aventura Social Associação, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tulia Cabrita
- CLISSIS, Psychology Institute, Lusiada University, 1349-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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15
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Xia Z, Stewart K. A counterfactual analysis of opioid-involved deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic using a spatiotemporal random forest modeling approach. Health Place 2023; 80:102986. [PMID: 36774811 PMCID: PMC9902297 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.102986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been linked to adversely impacting individuals with opioid use disorder in the United States. This study focuses on analyzing opioid-involved mortality in the context of COVID-19 in the U.S. from a geospatial perspective. We investigated spatiotemporal patterns of opioid-involved deaths during 2020 and compared the spatiotemporal pattern of these deaths with patterns for the previous three years (2017-2019) to understand changes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A counterfactual analysis framework together with a space-time random forest (STRF) model were used to estimate the increase in opioid-involved deaths related to the pandemic. To gain further insight into the relationship between opioid deaths and COVID-19-related factors, we built a space-time random forest model for the City of Chicago, that experienced a steep increase in opioid-related deaths during 2020. High ranking indicators identified by the model such as the number of positive COVID-19 cases adjusted by population and the change in stay-at-home dwell time during the pandemic were used to generate a vulnerability index for opioid overdoses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chicago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyue Xia
- Department of Geographical Sciences, Center for Geospatial Information Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 20742, MD, USA.
| | - Kathleen Stewart
- Department of Geographical Sciences, Center for Geospatial Information Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 20742, MD, USA
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16
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Carter H, Dennis A, Williams N, Weston D. Identity-based social support predicts mental and physical health outcomes during COVID-19. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 62:845-865. [PMID: 36372928 PMCID: PMC9877754 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Kingdom implemented physical distancing measures to minimize viral transmission, which may have adversely impacted health and wellbeing. Evidence suggests that social support may be key to mitigating against adverse health impacts of such measures, particularly when such social support is identity-based. In this longitudinal study, we examined the role of social identity and perceived social support in mental and physical health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed a survey at 4 time points during the first year of the pandemic: May/June 2020 (T1; N = 443); September/October 2020 (T2; N = 235); December 2020/January 2021 (T3; N = 243); and April 2021 (T4; N = 206). Results showed that at each time point, social support was predicted by identification with multiple groups before COVID-19, identity continuity, and identification with communities. Higher identity continuity and identification with communities both predicted greater mental and physical health at the same time point, mediated by perceived social support. Interestingly, higher identity continuity and identification with communities predicted higher social support at the same time point, which in turn predicted worse mental and physical health outcomes at the subsequent time point. Findings are discussed in relation to the context of the first year of the pandemic and the changing nature of societal restrictions across the four survey time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Carter
- Behavioural Science and Insights UnitUK Health Security AgencySalisburyUK
| | - Amelia Dennis
- Behavioural Science and Insights UnitUK Health Security AgencySalisburyUK
| | - Natalie Williams
- Behavioural Science and Insights UnitUK Health Security AgencySalisburyUK
| | - Dale Weston
- Behavioural Science and Insights UnitUK Health Security AgencySalisburyUK
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17
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Wang Q, Liu X, Wang T, Zhu Z, Yang L, Guo S, Li H, Sun Q. Primary care provider's job satisfaction and organizational commitment after COVID-19 restrictions ended: A mixed-method study using a mediation model. Front Psychol 2022; 13:873770. [PMID: 36312180 PMCID: PMC9606785 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.873770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives More and more countries have decided to cancel most or even all COVD-19 restrictions. However, it is unclear how ending of restrictions will affect primary care providers' job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Our objectives are to explore the current status and possible change in primary care providers' job satisfaction and organizational commitment after massive restriction policies ended in China. Methods This was a mixed-method study that utilized structured questionnaires and semi-structured qualitative individual interviews. The 20-item Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and 25-item organizational commitment survey were adopted to assess job satisfaction and organization commitment. Descriptive statistics and mediation models, as well as inductive thematic analysis, were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Results A total of 18 interviews and 435 valid survey responses were included in our analysis. The average scores for job satisfaction and organizational commitment were 80.6 and 90.8. The thematic analysis revealed one major theme: ethical and moral responsibility to provide care as primary care providers, on which we established a mediation model. The mediation analysis revealed that normative commitment could positively affect the other four dimensions of organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The direct effect of affective commitment on job satisfaction was significant (LLCI = 0.11, ULCI = 0.31), and the mediators were identified to have a partial mediating effect instead of a total mediating effect. Conclusion After COVID-19 restrictions end, the job satisfaction and organizational commitment of primary care providers will return to levels before the pandemic and during this estimated process, a brief rise in resignation is predictable. The normative commitment positively affects the other four dimensions of organizational commitment and job satisfaction for primary care providers, which suggests a possible way to motivate primary care providers when restrictions end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wang
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ting Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zemeng Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine Science, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shasha Guo
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Li
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Center for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Sun
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18
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Bekiros S, Jahanshahi H, Munoz-Pacheco JM. A new buffering theory of social support and psychological stress. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275364. [PMID: 36223401 PMCID: PMC9555651 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A dynamical model linking stress, social support, and health has been recently proposed and numerically analyzed from a classical point of view of integer-order calculus. Although interesting observations have been obtained in this way, the present work conducts a fractional-order analysis of that model. Under a periodic forcing of an environmental stress variable, the perceived stress has been analyzed through bifurcation diagrams and two well-known metrics of entropy and complexity, such as spectral entropy and C0 complexity. The results obtained by numerical simulations have shown novel insights into how stress evolves with frequency and amplitude of the perturbation, as well as with initial conditions for the system variables. More precisely, it has been observed that stress can alternate between chaos, periodic oscillations, and stable behaviors as the fractional order varies. Moreover, the perturbation frequency has revealed a narrow interval for the chaotic oscillations, while its amplitude may present different values indicating a low sensitivity regarding chaos generation. Also, the perceived stress has been noted to be highly sensitive to initial conditions for the symptoms of stress-related ill-health and for the social support received from family and friends. This work opens new directions of research whereby fractional calculus might offer more insight into psychology, life sciences, mental disorders, and stress-free well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Bekiros
- LSE Health Centre & Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Economics &Management (FEMA), University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- * E-mail: , ,
| | - Hadi Jahanshahi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jesus M. Munoz-Pacheco
- Faculty of Electronics Sciences, Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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19
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Salir Adelante: Social capital and resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic in Argentina. Health Place 2022; 77:102870. [PMID: 35933852 PMCID: PMC9296513 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has stimulated new appraisals of how social cohesion, including neighborhood-level social capital, fosters resilience in the face of crisis. Several studies suggest better health outcomes in neighborhoods with higher level of social capital, in general and during the pandemic. Building on a growing body of research which suggests that those who live in close-knit neighborhoods have fared better during the pandemic, this article analyzes how social capital influences individual and collective perceptions and attitudes about the experiences of the Covid-19 pandemic in Tucumán, Argentina. To assess this question, we used a mixed-methods approach, combining focus groups, semi-structured interviews, and an online survey (n = 701 respondents) conducted in September 2021. We find widespread experiences of resilience in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, in spite of difficult socioeconomic conditions and perceived poor government performance. Results from logistic regression analysis indicate that perceptions of high neighborhood social capital are associated with more positive outcomes in many dimensions, including personal resilience, ability to cope with uncertainty, perceptions of community solidarity, and reported compliance with public health measures. We further argue that conceptualizations of social cohesion need to be adjusted to local or national-level cultural norms to accurately capture the experience of countries of the Global South.
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20
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Rania N, Coppola I, Brucci M, Pinna L. Enhancing empowerment in young adults during the COVID-19 era in Italy through the Photovoice technique. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-14. [PMID: 36061979 PMCID: PMC9428381 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03635-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 has led to increasingly stringent containment measures. After the first period of lockdown, there has been an easing of measures worldwide. However, this choice has helped bring about a second wave to be faced by many states. The present research was conducting during the period in which it was necessary for the population to find strategies for living with COVID-19. The proposed action research envisaged the use of Photovoice and, due to social distancing, was carried out online. A total of 250 young adults were involved with the aim of bringing out individual and community solutions for effective coexistence with COVID-19. The data, collected through a triangulation process, were analysed on the basis of grounded theory and the support of NVivo 12. The results highlight how online Photovoice is an effective tool for implementing individual and community empowerment and for identifying solutions to live with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Rania
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Coppola
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marta Brucci
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Pinna
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Wei L, Ying X, Zhai M, Li J, Liu D, Liu X, Yu B, Yan H. The association between peritraumatic distress, perceived stress, depression in pregnancy, and NR3C1 DNA methylation among Chinese pregnant women who experienced COVID-19 lockdown. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966522. [PMID: 36091061 PMCID: PMC9453447 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress can affect pregnant women in an epigenetic way during the critical period of conception of their offspring. The study aims to investigate the relationship between peritraumatic distress, prenatal perceived stress, depression, and glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) DNA methylation among pregnant women who experienced COVID-19 lockdown in China. Study data were collected from 30 pregnant women in Wuhan and Huanggang, China. The Peritraumatic Distress Inventory was used to measure peritraumatic distress, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms, and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure perceived stress. DNA methylation in the exon 1F promoter region of NR3C1 gene from the venous blood mononuclear cell genome was characterized by bisulfite sequencing. Correlation and linear regression were used for data analysis. The mean level of peritraumatic distress, perceived stress, and depression was 6.30 (SD = 5.09), 6.50 (SD = 5.41), and 6.60 (SD = 4.85), respectively, with 23.33% of pregnant women being depressed. The mean NR3C1 methylation was 0.65 (SD = 0.22). Prenatal depression was positively correlated with the degree of methylation in venous blood from the mother (r = 0.59, p = 0.001), and depression predicted methylation of NR3C1 gene at the CpG 8 site (β = 0.05, p = 0.03). No association was found between peritraumatic distress as well as perceived stress and methylation of NR3C1. NR3C1 gene was susceptible to epigenetic modification of DNA methylation in the context of prenatal stress, and maternal depression was associated with increased NR3C1 methylation among women who experienced COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohong Ying
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengxi Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Population and Health Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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22
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Green Space for Mental Health in the COVID-19 Era: A Pathway Analysis in Residential Green Space Users. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11081128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Residential green space is among the most accessible types of urban green spaces and may help maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is insufficiently understood how residents use residential green space for exercise during the epidemic. The pathways between residential green space and mental health also merit further exploration. Therefore, we conducted an online study among Chinese residents in December 2021 to capture data on engagement with urban green space for green exercise, the frequency of green exercise, perceived pollution in green space, perceptions of residential green space, social cohesion, depression, and anxiety. Among the 1208 respondents who engaged in green exercise last month, 967 (80%) reported that green exercise primarily occurred in residential neighborhoods. The rest (20%) reported that green exercise occurred in more distant urban green spaces. The most common reasons that respondents sought green exercise in urban green spaces were better air and environmental qualities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was then employed to explore the pathways between the perceived greenness of residential neighborhoods and mental health among respondents who used residential green space for exercise. The final model suggested that residential green space was negatively associated with anxiety (β = −0.30, p = 0.001) and depression (β = −0.33, p < 0.001), mainly through indirect pathways. Perceived pollution and social cohesion were the two mediators that contributed to most of the indirect effects. Perceived pollution was also indirectly associated with green exercise through less social cohesion (β = −0.04, p = 0.010). These findings suggest a potential framework to understand the mental health benefits of residential green space and its accompanying pathways during the COVID-19 era.
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23
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Lai SA, Pang KY, Siau CS, Chan CMH, Tan YK, Ooi PB, Ridzuan MIBM, Ho MC. Social support as a mediator in the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia: An Investigation among Malaysian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-8. [PMID: 35669207 PMCID: PMC9159896 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the mediating role of social support in the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia among Malaysian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with N = 547 university students. Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire measuring nomophobia, social support, and perceived stress. Exploratory analyses were conducted using partial least square structural equation modelling. We found that perceived stress was positively associated with nomophobia during the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst social support partially mediated the relationship between perceived stress and nomophobia. The results of this study indicated that stress may be buffered by social support in individuals with higher levels of nomophobia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Arielle Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khong Yun Pang
- School of Medical & Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Ching Sin Siau
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Caryn Mei Hsien Chan
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Yee Kee Tan
- Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Pei Boon Ooi
- School of Medical & Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | | | - Meng Chuan Ho
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, UCSI University, No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Faculty of Education, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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24
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Liu H, Liang Z, Zhang S, Liu L. Sociodemographic and Policy Factors Associated with the Transmission of COVID-19: Analyzing Longitudinal Contact Tracing Data from a Northern Chinese City. J Urban Health 2022; 99:582-593. [PMID: 35641716 PMCID: PMC9154201 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To examine how sociodemographic characteristics and non-pharmaceutical interventions affect the transmission of COVID-19, we analyze patient profiles and contact tracing data from almost all cases in an outbreak in Shijiazhuang, China, from January to February 2021. Because of universal testing and digital tracing, the data are of high quality. Results from negative binomial models indicate that the counts of close contacts and secondary infections vary with the cases' age and occupation. Notably, cases under age 18 are causing an increased infection rate among their close contacts and leading to more within-neighborhood secondary infections than adults aged 18-49. Also, county-wide interventions and lockdown are found to be effective at containing the spread of COVID-19. These measures can reduce the number of close contacts that each case has and largely restrict the remaining infections to the case's neighborhood. These results suggest that transmission risks of COVID-19 are associated with the case's sociodemographic characteristics and can be reduced with interventions at the county level. Implications on mitigation measures and reopening plans are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Department of Sociology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
| | - Zai Liang
- Department of Sociology, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12222, USA.
- Department of Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Science of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Shiyong Zhang
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- Shijiazhuang Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China.
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25
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Aguilar-Latorre A, Oliván-Blázquez B, Porroche-Escudero A, Méndez-López F, García-Gallego V, Benedé-Azagra B, Magallón-Botaya R. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on depression sufferers: a qualitative study from the province of Zaragoza, Spain. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:780. [PMID: 35436858 PMCID: PMC9015282 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose The impact of COVID-19 and its control measures have exacerbated existing mental health conditions. Although the deleterious effects of mental health problems are well known, fewer studies have examined the links between the Social Determinants of Health (SDHs) and depression. This study provides insights into the relationship between SDHs and depression during the first strict lockdown in Spain, which lasted for a period of 7 weeks. Methods Fifty-two structured interviews were conducted with people diagnosed with depression during June 2020 in the province of Zaragoza (Spain). Interviews were conducted by telephone due to lockdown constraints. Inductive thematic content analysis was used to explore, develop, and define emergent categories of analysis, which were mapped against the SDH framework. Results Listening to people’s experiences of living with depression during lockdown provided insights into their concerns and coping strategies, which are greatly influenced by the conditions in which they live, their job and their age. Examples of these factors include access to and quality of physical spaces, including housing conditions and public spaces for socialising, social support, adverse working conditions which include caring responsibilities, and access to digital technologies and healthcare services. Conclusion SDHs have played a fundamental role in shaping people’s health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this study has shown that they have a considerable effect on depression outcomes. Governments should consider implementing social welfare programs to tackle both psychosocial problems and material need during crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain. .,Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | | | | | - Belén Benedé-Azagra
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosa Magallón-Botaya
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragonese Healthcare Service (SALUD), Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Dermatology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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DiRago NV, Li M, Tom T, Schupmann W, Carrillo Y, Carey CM, Gaddis SM. COVID-19 Vaccine Rollouts and the Reproduction of Urban Spatial Inequality: Disparities Within Large US Cities in March and April 2021 by Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Composition. J Urban Health 2022; 99:191-207. [PMID: 35118595 PMCID: PMC8812364 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-021-00589-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Rollouts of COVID-19 vaccines in the USA were opportunities to redress disparities that surfaced during the pandemic. Initial eligibility criteria, however, neglected geographic, racial/ethnic, and socioeconomic considerations. Marginalized populations may have faced barriers to then-scarce vaccines, reinforcing disparities. Inequalities may have subsided as eligibility expanded. Using spatial modeling, we investigate how strongly local vaccination levels were associated with socioeconomic and racial/ethnic composition as authorities first extended vaccine eligibility to all adults. We harmonize administrative, demographic, and geospatial data across postal codes in eight large US cities over 3 weeks in Spring 2021. We find that, although vaccines were free regardless of health insurance coverage, local vaccination levels in March and April were negatively associated with poverty, enrollment in means-tested public health insurance (e.g., Medicaid), and the uninsured population. By April, vaccination levels in Black and Hispanic communities were only beginning to reach those of Asian and White communities in March. Increases in vaccination were smaller in socioeconomically disadvantaged Black and Hispanic communities than in more affluent, Asian, and White communities. Our findings suggest vaccine rollouts contributed to cumulative disadvantage. Populations that were left most vulnerable to COVID-19 benefited least from early expansions in vaccine availability in large US cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas V. DiRago
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Box 951551, 264 Haines Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1551 USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Box 957236, 4284 Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7236 USA
| | - Meiying Li
- Department of Sociology, University of Southern California, 851 Downey Way, Hazel & Stanley Hall 314, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1059 USA
| | - Thalia Tom
- Department of Sociology, University of Southern California, 851 Downey Way, Hazel & Stanley Hall 314, Los Angeles, CA 90089-1059 USA
| | - Will Schupmann
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Box 951551, 264 Haines Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1551 USA
| | - Yvonne Carrillo
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Box 951551, 264 Haines Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1551 USA
| | - Colleen M. Carey
- Department of Economics, Cornell University, 109 Tower Road, 404 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-2501 USA
| | - S. Michael Gaddis
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Box 951551, 264 Haines Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1551 USA
- California Center for Population Research, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Box 957236, 4284 Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7236 USA
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Zhang A, Yang H, Wu X, Luo X, Gao J. Development and Validation of the Coping Capacity Measurement Scale of Public Health Emergencies in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:94. [PMID: 35010353 PMCID: PMC8751145 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Public health emergency coping capacity has been an important direction in crisis research in recent years. The use of the public health emergency coping capacity scale to evaluate the public's response and feelings regarding public health emergencies is one of the essential ways to improve the effectiveness of public health emergency response. Based on literature research, this paper constructed the theoretical dimension of public health emergency coping ability and completed the development of the items of the initial scale in China. After using SPSS 22.0-conducted exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability test, the scale dimensions and items were deleted and optimized. The final public health emergency coping capacity measurement scale in China included 12 items and four dimensions. The results showed that the developed scale has high reliability and validity, which is helpful for the relevant personnel to understand the level of public health emergency coping ability and provides an essential basis for timely and accurate emergency prevention and control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Zhang
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; (A.Z.); (X.W.); (J.G.)
| | - Hao Yang
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; (A.Z.); (X.W.); (J.G.)
| | - Xiang Wu
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; (A.Z.); (X.W.); (J.G.)
| | - Xiaowei Luo
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Jingqi Gao
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; (A.Z.); (X.W.); (J.G.)
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28
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Ta M, Shankardass K. Piloting the Use of Concept Mapping to Engage Geographic Communities for Stress and Resilience Planning in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010977. [PMID: 34682722 PMCID: PMC8535682 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The physical and social characteristics of urban neighborhoods engender unique stressors and assets, contributing to community-level variation in health over the lifecourse. Actors such as city planners and community organizations can help strengthen resilience in places where chronic stress is endemic, by learning about perceived stressors and assets from neighborhood users themselves (residents, workers, business owners). This study piloted a methodology to identify Toronto neighborhoods experiencing chronic stress and to engage them to identify neighborhood stressors, assets, and solutions. Crescent Town was identified as one neighborhood of interest based on relatively high levels of emotional stress in Twitter Tweets produced over two one-year periods (2013–2014 and 2017–2018) and triangulation using other neighborhood-level data. Using concept mapping, community members (n = 23) created a ten-cluster concept map describing neighborhood stressors and assets, and identified two potential strategies, a Crescent Town Residents’ Association and a community fair to promote neighborhood resources and build social networks. We discuss how this knowledge has circulated through the City of Toronto and community-level organizations to date, and lessons for improving this methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Ta
- Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada;
| | - Ketan Shankardass
- Department of Health Sciences, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1T8, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Jin L, Chen X, Lin F, Zou Y, Gao H. Does education matter for psychological recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? Evidence from a panel survey in Hubei, China. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2021; 35:101-110. [PMID: 34550829 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2021.1978431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little has been done to examine socioeconomic differences in the trajectory of psychological well-being during a disaster. This paper investigates educational differences in the changes in psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the mechanisms of the differences. METHODS The data were obtained from a unique two-wave panel survey conducted during the peak and waning phases of the pandemic in Hubei province, the epicenter of the pandemic in China. RESULTS At the peak of the pandemic, individuals with different levels of education reported high and similar levels of psychological distress. As the pandemic subsided, the psychological well-being of people of all educational levels rebounded, but the recovery was greater and faster for those with tertiary education. Mediation analysis shows that neighborhood social support and evaluation of the performance of grassroots government partially explained the advantage of the more highly educated. CONCLUSION This study reveals how social differentiation is translated into health disparities when a disaster strikes. It may also inform public policy by identifying segments of the population at heightened risk of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Department of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Centre for Health Systems and Policy Research, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Lin
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchun Zou
- Institute of Sociology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Gao
- Institute of Sociology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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30
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Si R, Yao Y, Zhang X, Lu Q, Aziz N. Investigating the Links Between Vaccination Against COVID-19 and Public Attitudes Toward Protective Countermeasures: Implications for Public Health. Front Public Health 2021; 9:702699. [PMID: 34368065 PMCID: PMC8333618 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.702699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is spreading globally at an unprecedented rate. To protect the world against this devastating catastrophe, vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been produced following consistent clinical trials. However, the durability of a protective immune response due to vaccination has not been confirmed. Moreover, COVID-19 vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is not 100% guaranteed, as new variants arise due to mutations. Consequently, health officials are pleading with the public to take extra precautions against the virus and continue wearing masks, wash hands, and observe physical distancing even after vaccination. The current research collected data from 4,540 participants (1,825 vaccinated and 2,715 not vaccinated) in China to analyze this phenomenon empirically. The propensity score matching (PSM) model is employed to analyze the impact of vaccination against COVID-19 on participants' attitudes toward protective countermeasures. The findings showed that gender, age, education level, occupation risk, individual health risk perception, public health risk perception, social responsibility, peer effect, and government supervision are the main drivers for participants to be vaccinated with COVID-19's vaccines. The results further show that vaccination lessened participants' frequency of hand washing by 1.75 times and their compliance frequency intensity of observing physical distancing by 1.24 times. However, the rate of mask-wearing did not reduce significantly, implying that China's main countermeasure of effective mask-wearing effectively controls COVID-19. Moreover, the findings indicate that a reduction in the frequency of hand washing and observing physical distance could cause a resurgence of COVID-19. In conclusion, factors leading to the eradication of SARS-CoV-2 from the world are complex to be achieved, so the exploration of COVID-19 vaccination and people's attitude toward protective countermeasures may provide insights for policymakers to encourage vaccinated people to follow protective health measures and help in completely defeating the COVID-19 from the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruishi Si
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Yumeng Yao
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueqian Zhang
- School of Public Administration, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Lu
- College of Economics and Management, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
| | - Noshaba Aziz
- College of Economics and Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
The article describes the risks for the mental health and wellbeing of urban-dwellers in relation to changes in the spatial structure of a city that could be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A year of lockdown has changed the way of life in the city and negated its principal function as a place of various meetings and social interactions. The danger of long-term isolation and being cut-off from an urban lifestyle is not only a challenge facing individuals, but it also creates threats on various collective levels. Hindered interpersonal relations, stress, and the fear of another person lower the quality of life and may contribute to the development of mental diseases. Out of fear against coronavirus, part of the society has sought safety by moving out of the densely populated city centres. The dangerous results of these phenomena are shown by research based on the newest literature regarding the influence of COVID-19 and the lockdown on mental health, urban planning, and the long-term spatial effects of the pandemic such as the urban sprawl. The breakdown of the spatial structure, the loosening of the urban tissue, and urban sprawl are going to increase anthropopressure, inhibit access to mental health treatment, and will even further contribute to the isolation of part of the society. In addition, research has shown that urban structure loosening as a kind of distancing is not an effective method in the fight against the SARS-COV pandemic. Creating dense and effective cities through the appropriate management of development during and after the pandemic may be a key element that will facilitate the prevention of mental health deterioration and wellbeing. It is also the only possibility to achieve the selected Sustainable Development Goals, which as of today are under threat.
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