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Midzi N, Mutsaka-Makuvaza MJ, Charimari LS, Mangwiro P, Manengureni T, Mugadza G. Factors affecting hand hygiene practice during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Zimbabwean population: a qualitative study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:385. [PMID: 38594631 PMCID: PMC11003113 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09277-1] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practicing hand hygiene is recommended as one of the key preventive measures for reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious agents. However, it is often not practiced frequently enough or correctly by the public. We aimed to identify barriers to and facilitators of hand hygiene in the Zimbabwean population during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted with a purposive sample of health workers, village health workers, church leaders, traditional healers, teachers, youth leaders and the general population selected from ten districts across the country from September to October 2022. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 key informant interviews per site. In addition, one homogenous focus group discussion was also conducted per site using a focus group discussion guide. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. All the analyses were performed manually using thematic analysis. RESULTS Two themes were identified as facilitators of hand hygiene. These include individual factors (knowledge of hand hygiene practices and how they are performed) and access-related factors (access to hand washing infrastructure, soap, and sanitizers). Among the barriers to hand hygiene, four themes were identified: individual factors (knowledge gaps in proper hand washing, lack of conviction about hand hygiene, and habitual behaviour), access-related factors (lack of access to hand washing infrastructure, soap, and sanitizers), safety concerns (concern about the side effects of sanitizers), and sociocultural and religious factors (social customs, cultural beliefs, values, and religious practices). CONCLUSION During public health emergencies, there is a need for people to access uninterrupted, on-premises water supplies to promote compliance with hand hygiene. The provision of clean water and hand washing facilities is critical for vulnerable communities to afford them the opportunity to improve quality of life and facilitate resilience in the event of future pandemics. Community engagement is important for identifying vulnerability factors to provide appropriate mitigatory measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Midzi
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Masceline Jenipher Mutsaka-Makuvaza
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Butare, Rwanda.
| | | | | | - Tonderai Manengureni
- National Institute of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gladys Mugadza
- University of Zimbabwe, College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Titi M, Keval A, Martinez E, Dickson-Gomez J, Young S, Meurer J. Fight COVID Milwaukee protective behaviors and risk communications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22949. [PMID: 38135690 PMCID: PMC10746720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49829-0] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on society, causing significant disruptions to everyday life. Risk communication strategies can play an important role in risk management as they allow individuals to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies appropriately. The aim of this study is to investigate public risk behaviors, perceptions of risk and risk communication, and experiences with COVID-19 to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on our community and to better inform public health decisions about communicating and reducing personal risk. Nine virtual focus groups were conducted with 79 residents of Milwaukee County. Audio transcripts of focus group recordings were qualitatively analyzed using MAXQDA. Predominant themes identified include public risk protective behaviors, the emotional toll associated with lockdown measures, and risk communication. Our findings provide a better understanding of how adults, African American and Hispanic groups in particular, viewed the risk communications and protective behaviors associated with COVID-19, how their lives were impacted by the pandemic, and how to effectively communicate public information about personal risk. These findings can help guide risk communication efforts and public health policy interventions for potential infection outbreaks in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Titi
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
| | - Aliyah Keval
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emma Martinez
- Georgetown University, 3700 O St NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Julia Dickson-Gomez
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Staci Young
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - John Meurer
- Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
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How reported outbreak data can shape individual behavior in a social world. J Public Health Policy 2022; 43:360-378. [PMID: 35948617 PMCID: PMC9365202 DOI: 10.1057/s41271-022-00357-7] [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] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Agencies reporting on disease outbreaks face many choices about what to report and the scale of its dissemination. Reporting impacts an epidemic by influencing individual decisions directly, and the social network in which they are made. We simulated a dynamic multiplex network model—with coupled infection and communication layers—to examine behavioral impacts from the nature and scale of epidemiological information reporting. We explored how adherence to protective behaviors (social distancing) can be facilitated through epidemiological reporting, social construction of perceived risk, and local monitoring of direct connections, but eroded via social reassurance. We varied reported information (total active cases, daily new cases, hospitalizations, hospital capacity exceeded, or deaths) at one of two scales (population level or community level). Total active and new case reporting at the population level were the most effective approaches, relative to the other reporting approaches. Case reporting, which synergizes with test-trace-and-isolate and vaccination policies, should remain a priority throughout an epidemic.
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Fulone I, Barreto JOM, Barberato-Filho S, Bergamaschi CDC, Lopes LC. Improving the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the community: Evidence brief for policy. Front Public Health 2022; 10:894958. [PMID: 35979464 PMCID: PMC9376604 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.894958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To identify evidence-based strategies to improve adherence to the preventive measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the community level. Method This is an evidence brief for policy, combining research evidence specific to contextual knowledge from stakeholders. A systematic search was performed in 18 electronic databases, gray literature, and a handle search, including only secondary and tertiary studies that focused on the adherence of the general population to COVID-19 preventive measures in the community. Two reviewers, independently, performed the study selection, data extraction, and assessment of the quality of the studies. Relevant evidence has been synthesized to draft evidence-based strategies to improve adherence. These strategies were circulated for external endorsement by stakeholders and final refinement. Endorsement rates >80%, 60-80% and <60% were considered high, moderate, and low respectively. Results Eleven studies, with varying methodological qualities were included: high (n = 3), moderate (n = 3), low (n = 1), and critically low (n = 4). Three evidence based strategies were identified: i. Risk communication; ii. Health education to the general public, and iii. Financial support and access to essential supplies and services. The rates of endorsement were: 83% for risk communication, 83% for health education, and 92% for financial support and access to essential supplies and services. The evidence showed that an increase in knowledge, transparent communication, and public awareness about the risks of COVID-19 and the benefits of adopting preventive measures results in changes in people's attitudes and behavior, which can increase adherence. In addition, the guarantee of support and assistance provides conditions for people to adopt and sustain such measures. Conclusions These strategies can guide future actions and the formulation of public policies to improve adherence to preventive measures in the community during the current COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Fulone
- Graduate Course in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Luciane Cruz Lopes
- Graduate Course in Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, Brazil
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Concerns and coping mechanisms during the first national COVID-19 lockdown: an online prospective study in Portugal. Public Health 2022; 207:24-27. [PMID: 35483164 PMCID: PMC8971114 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Study design Methods Results Conclusions
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Johnstone SL, Page NA, Groome MJ, Madhi SA, Mutevedzi P, Thomas J. Identifying gaps in hand hygiene practice to support tailored target audience messaging in Soweto: A cross-sectional community survey. S Afr J Infect Dis 2022; 37:339. [PMID: 35399561 PMCID: PMC8991282 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v37i1.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective risk communication is essential for outbreak mitigation, as recently highlighted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Hand hygiene is one of the proposed public health interventions to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) acquisition and transmission along with social distancing, improved ventilation, environmental cleaning, and wearing of masks. Improving hand hygiene practices in the community requires an understanding of the socio-behavioural context. This cross-sectional community survey in Soweto identified gaps in hand hygiene, which can inform appropriate messaging at the community level. Only 42% of survey respondents practiced adequate hand hygiene. Tailored educational messaging should be targeted at young adults in particular, and the importance of soap for hand hygiene must be emphasised for all age groups. Risk communication should expand to focus on preventing multiple infectious diseases during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan L Johnstone
- Centre for Enteric Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicola A Page
- Centre for Enteric Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Michelle J Groome
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shabir A Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Portia Mutevedzi
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Juno Thomas
- Centre for Enteric Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Resnick D, Schapira MM, Andrews ME, Essoka-Lasenberry A, Davis-Voge A, Bauermeister JA, Wood SM. "I Think That I Have a Good Understanding of How to Protect Myself": A Qualitative Study About HIV Risk Perceptions Among Men and Gender Diverse Individuals Who Have Sex With Men. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2022; 34:82-S5. [PMID: 35192391 PMCID: PMC8992390 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2022.34.1.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to determine how men and gender diverse individuals who have sex with men describe their perceived risk of HIV and what factors influence this risk assessment. We conducted in-depth, virtual interviews with 18 HIV-negative individuals from Philadelphia, eligible for or taking PrEP. The interviews assessed the participants' understanding of their HIV risk, using thematic analysis to deductively code and extract themes. Three themes emerged: (1) participants expressed both deliberative and affective risk perception before and after sexual encounters; (2) participants linked HIV knowledge to risk perception and stigma; (3) participants connected intrinsic and extrinsic factors to risk perception differently. Participants endorsed low overall risk perception, while also describing moments of high affective risk perception after sexual encounters in which they were not able to implement their preferred prevention strategies. Future research should explore helping individuals transform affective risk perception into empowerment around sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Resnick
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta GA
| | - Marilyn M Schapira
- The Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Michael J Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia PA
| | - Mary E. Andrews
- Annenberg School of Communication, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
| | - Amadi Essoka-Lasenberry
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
| | - Annet Davis-Voge
- HIV Research Prevention Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - José A. Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia PA
| | - Sarah M Wood
- Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia PA
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Chionis D, Karanikas N. Risk Perception and Risk Communication from a Systems Perspective: a Study on Safety Behavioural Intervention Frameworks and Functions. SYSTEMIC PRACTICE AND ACTION RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11213-022-09590-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Khan S, Mishra J. Critical gaps and implications of risk communication in the global agreements-SFDRR, SDGs, and UNFCCC: 3 select case studies from urban areas of tropics in South Asia. NATURAL HAZARDS (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 111:2559-2577. [PMID: 35125650 PMCID: PMC8800833 DOI: 10.1007/s11069-021-05148-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
There has been a consistent rise in urban disasters, particularly in developing countries located in tropical areas. Among various challenges of disaster risk management and climate change impacts, it is noted that most residents are poorly informed about their risk exposure or apposite response. The paper is based on the premise that one important cause for this gap is inadequate emphasis on risk communication at different levels of planning and agreements. Accordingly, it highlights some important gaps in the risk communication across international agreements including Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and evaluates their impacts at the local level. It brings three selected urban case studies located in the tropical areas of the South Asia region that illustrate gaps in risk communication that result in enhanced vulnerability and deviations in response. The findings are based on secondary data and literature focusing on global agreements, risk communication, and disaster response. The paper argues that even though global strategies address urban risks, the fragmented nature of risk communication results in poor response and contributes to losses that occur in disasters. Three critical gaps noted in risk communication include (i) it not prioritized at different levels, (ii) inadequate structures to measure its impacts and stakeholders inclusiveness, and (iii) indifference to cultural diversity and integration. Further, it is suggested that there is a need to redefine risk communication at the global scale that extends beyond warning generation and considers multiple factors influencing response including interlinked vulnerabilities and variations in perceptions emerging from varied geographical, socio-cultural, economic, and political processes.
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