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Bick S, White S, Hasund Thorseth A, Friedrich MND, Gavin I, Prasad Gautam O, Dreibelbis R. Measuring the frequency and determinants of COVID-19 prevention behaviours: a cross-sectional assessment of large-scale programmes in seven countries, late 2020. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082419. [PMID: 39153783 PMCID: PMC11331854 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This multicountry analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of key hygiene prevention behaviours and their determinants, associated with international non-governmental organisation (WaterAid) hygiene behaviour change programmes for COVID-19 prevention. The goal of this analysis is to inform future outbreak preparedness and pandemic response in low and middle-income countries. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Households in seven countries where WaterAid implemented a first-phase COVID-19 response programme in 2020 (Ethiopia, Ghana, Nepal, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia). PARTICIPANTS 3033 adults (1469 men and 1564 women, alternately sampled from one household to the next to maintain gender balance) in specific programme areas (211 villages) surveyed between October and November 2020. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported primary outcomes were: a composite measure of HWWS for prevention of respiratory infection/COVID-19 (total of 5 key moments); respondent increased HWWS behaviour after the COVID-19 pandemic; respondent always wears a mask in public spaces; respondent always practices physical distancing in public spaces. RESULTS Most respondents (80%) reported increasing their handwashing behaviour after the pandemic, but practice of HWWS at COVID-19-specific prevention moments was low. Mask wearing (58%) and physical distancing (29%) varied substantially between countries. Determinants of key behaviours were identified, including age and socioeconomic status, perceived norms, self-regulation and the motive of protecting others. Incidence rate ratios or odds ratios and 95% CIs for a range of psychosocial determinants for each of the four primary outcomes are reported. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight that leveraging behaviour-specific emotional drivers and norms, reducing common barriers and promoting targeted messages about specific behaviours and actions individuals can take to reduce risk are necessary to support large-scale behaviour change. Learning from the COVID-19 response to more effectively integrate novel behaviours into existing health promotion will be vital for disease prevention and outbreak resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bick
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sian White
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Robert Dreibelbis
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Amoah A, Asare-Nuamah P, Limantol AM, Alhassan ARM. COVID-19 and climate change concerns: Matters arising. JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (WESTON, MASS.) 2024; 22:63-69. [PMID: 38573730 DOI: 10.5055/jem.0802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Until the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, developing countries, especially countries in the African continent, battled with the impact of climate change on the food value-chain systems and general livelihood. In this study, we discuss climate change concerns post-COVID-19 and argue that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the vulnerabilities of most developing and emerging economies. This has heightened political tensions and unrest among such developing nations. We suggest enhancement and intensification of efficient and effective locally engineered adaptation strategies in the post-COVID-19 era for countries that have been susceptible to the impact of climate change and other recent shocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Amoah
- School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, PMB Somanya, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | - Peter Asare-Nuamah
- School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, PMB Somanya, Eastern Region, Ghana. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3122-909X
| | - Andrew Manoba Limantol
- School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, PMB Somanya, Eastern Region, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Rauf Malimanga Alhassan
- School of Sustainable Development, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, PMB Somanya, Eastern Region, Ghana
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Abu Hatab A, Krautscheid L, Amuakwa-Mensah F. COVID-19 risk perception and public compliance with preventive measures: Evidence from a multi-wave household survey in the MENA region. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283412. [PMID: 37428731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the association between individuals' concern about contracting COVID-19 and their compliance with recommended preventive and mitigation measures, namely wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing and handwashing, in the context of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The empirical analysis is based on a panel dataset from the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household Survey, which was carried out in Jordan, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia and Egypt. Applying a probit estimation technique, a positive and statistically significant association was found between the level of COVID-19 worries and individuals' compliance with the mitigation measures. Notably, the results revealed that this association followed a "first-up-then-down" trend, showing that compliance with the three mitigation measures rose as individuals' worries about contracting the virus increased, and then markedly decreased after they had been infected. Socio-demographic characteristics contributing to lower levels of compliance included being male, being over 60, having lower levels of education and having a lower household income. A cross-country analysis revealed remarkable differences between the five countries, with the strongest association between COVID-19 concerns and adherence to mitigation measures observed in Tunisia and Sudan, and the weakest association seen in Jordan and Morocco. Policy implications are outlined for effective risk communication and management during disease outbreaks and public health emergencies to encourage appropriate public health behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assem Abu Hatab
- Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Krautscheid
- Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering LTH, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah
- Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Social Sciences, Technology and Arts, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden
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Kyei-Arthur F, Agyekum MW, Afrifa-Anane GF, Larbi RT, Kisaakye P. Perceptions about COVID-19 preventive measures among Ghanaian women. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284362. [PMID: 37043460 PMCID: PMC10096443 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the advent of COVID-19 vaccines has significantly reduced severe morbidity and mortality, infection rates continue to rise. Therefore, adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures remains essential in the fight against the pandemic, particularly in Africa, where vaccination rates remain low. However, the perceived risk associated with COVID-19 and public education and awareness campaigns has waned over time. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is consistently high among women globally. This study, therefore, assessed the facilitators, and barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among Ghanaian women. Twenty-seven in-depth interviews were conducted with women in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim into English. The data were analysed using NVivo 10 software. While some participants found the use of face masks as the easiest, others found it as the most difficult. In addition, institutional and policy decisions such as access to water and the use of public transport impacted individual level adherence to preventive measures. In conclusion, the fight against COVID-19 is not over; hence public education and the provision of facilities that would enhance compliance with preventive measures should continue to be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Kyei-Arthur
- Department of Environment and Public Health, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Martin Wiredu Agyekum
- Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies, University of Education Winneba, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Grace Frempong Afrifa-Anane
- Department of Environment and Public Health, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Reuben Tete Larbi
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Peter Kisaakye
- Department of Population Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Joseph K, Chan PSF, Fang Y, Chen S, Mo PKH, Wang Z. Knowledge and practice of personal protective measures against COVID-19 in Africa: a systematic review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e44051. [PMID: 37058578 DOI: 10.2196/44051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic being a newly evolving disease, its response measures largely depend on the practice of and compliance with personal protective measures (PPMs). OBJECTIVE This systematic review aimed to examine the knowledge and practice of COVID-19 PPMs in African countries, as documented in the published literature. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases using appropriate keywords and predefined eligibility criteria for the selection of relevant studies. Only population-based original research studies (including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies) done in Africa, and published in the English language were included. The screening process and data extraction were performed according to a pre-registered protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42022355101) and followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool. Thematic analysis was used to systematically summarise the studies into four predefined domains: i) knowledge and perception about PPMs, ii) mask use, iii) social/physical distancing, and iv) hand washing/hygiene, including their respective levels and associated factors. RESULTS A total of 58 studies across 12 African countries were included, and these were published between 2019 and 2022. African communities, including various population groups, had varying levels of knowledge and practice of COVID-19 PPMs, with lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) (mainly face masks), and side effects (among health care workers) being the major reasons for poor compliance. Lower rates of handwashing/ hygiene were particularly noted in several African countries, especially among the urban poor and slum-dwellers, with the main barrier being the lack of safe and clean water. Various cognitive (knowledge and perception), socio-demographic and economic factors were associated with the practice of COVID-19 PPMs. Moreover, there were evident research inequalities on the regional level, where East Africa contributed 36.2%, West Africa 20.7%, North Africa 17.2%, Southern Africa 6.9%, and no single-country study from Central Africa. Nonetheless, the overall quality of the included studies was generally good, as they satisfied most of the quality assessment criteria. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to enhance local capacity to produce and supply PPE. Consideration of various cognitive, demographic and socioeconomic differences, with extra focus on the most vulnerable, is crucial for inclusive and more effective strategies against the pandemic. Moreover, more focus and involvement in community behavioral research are needed to fully understand and address the dynamics of the current pandemic in Africa. CLINICALTRIAL The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022355101).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawuki Joseph
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, Room 508, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital,, Shatin, N.T., HK
| | - Paul Shing-Fong Chan
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, Room 508, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital,, Shatin, N.T., HK
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Health and Physical Education, the Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, New Territories, HK
| | - Siyu Chen
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, Room 508, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital,, Shatin, N.T., HK
| | - Phoenix K H Mo
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, Room 508, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital,, Shatin, N.T., HK
| | - Zixin Wang
- Centre for Health Behaviours Research, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, Room 508, School of Public Health, Prince of Wales Hospital,, Shatin, N.T., HK
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Ekanayake A, Rajapaksha AU, Hewawasam C, Anand U, Bontempi E, Kurwadkar S, Biswas JK, Vithanage M. Environmental challenges of COVID-19 pandemic: resilience and sustainability - A review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114496. [PMID: 36257453 PMCID: PMC9576205 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of novel respiratory disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a public health emergency worldwide and perturbed the global economy and ecosystem services. Many studies have reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in different environmental compartments, its transmission via environmental routes, and potential environmental challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. None of these studies have comprehensively reviewed the bidirectional relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the environment. For the first time, we explored the relationship between the environment and the SARS-CoV-2 virus/COVID-19 and how they affect each other. Supporting evidence presented here clearly demonstrates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in soil and water, denoting the role of the environment in the COVID-19 transmission process. However, most studies fail to determine if the viral genomes they have discovered are infectious, which could be affected by the environmental factors in which they are found.The potential environmental impact of the pandemic, including water pollution, chemical contamination, increased generation of non-biodegradable waste, and single-use plastics have received the most attention. For the most part, efficient measures have been used to address the current environmental challenges from COVID-19, including using environmentally friendly disinfection technologies and employing measures to reduce the production of plastic wastes, such as the reuse and recycling of plastics. Developing sustainable solutions to counter the environmental challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic should be included in national preparedness strategies. In conclusion, combating the pandemic and accomplishing public health goals should be balanced with environmentally sustainable measures, as the two are closely intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Ekanayake
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka; Instrument Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka.
| | - Choolaka Hewawasam
- Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Uttpal Anand
- Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben Gurion, 8499000, Israel
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sudarshan Kurwadkar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, California State University, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Jayanta Kumar Biswas
- Department of Ecological Studies & International Centre for Ecological Engineering, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia, 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka; Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248007, India
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Lestari PW, Agestika L, Dewi GK. Predisposing, Enabling, and Reinforcing Factors of COVID-19 Prevention Behavior in Indonesia: A Mixed-methods Study. J Prev Med Public Health 2023; 56:21-30. [PMID: 36746419 PMCID: PMC9925286 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.22.340] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), behaviors such as mask-wearing, social distancing, decreasing mobility, and avoiding crowds have been suggested, especially in high-risk countries such as Indonesia. Unfortunately, the level of compliance with those practices has been low. This study was conducted to determine the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors of COVID-19 prevention behavior in Indonesia. METHODS This cross-sectional study used a mixed-methods approach. The participants were 264 adults from 21 provinces in Indonesia recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a Google Form and in-depth interviews. Statistical analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Furthermore, qualitative data analysis was done through content analysis and qualitative data management using Atlas.ti software. RESULTS Overall, 44.32% of respondents were non-compliant with recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, low-to-medium education level, poor attitude, insufficient involvement of leaders, and insufficient regulation were also associated with decreased community compliance. Based on in-depth interviews with informants, the negligence of the Indonesian government in the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the unpreparedness of the community to face the pandemic, as people were not aware of the importance of preventive practices. CONCLUSIONS Education level is not the only factor influencing community compliance with recommended COVID-19 prevention behaviors. Changing attitudes through health promotion to increase public awareness and encouraging voluntary community participation through active risk communication are necessary. Regulations and role leaders are also required to improve COVID-19 prevention behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Putri Winda Lestari
- Corresponding author: Putri Winda Lestari, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Binawan University, Kalibata City Street No. 25-30, East Jakarta 13630, Indonesia E-mail:
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Rahman Zuthi MF, Hossen MA, Pal SK, Mazumder MH, Hasan SMF, Hoque MM. Evaluating knowledge, awareness and associated water usage towards hand hygiene practices influenced by the current COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. GROUNDWATER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2022; 19:100848. [PMID: 36164324 PMCID: PMC9493147 DOI: 10.1016/j.gsd.2022.100848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hand hygiene is considered as one of the most effective ways for preventing transmissible diseases, especially for preventing virus-borne diseases. The study has been conducted to evaluate changes in knowledge, awareness and practices of hand hygiene due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Bangladesh. The potential factors influencing human behaviours for maintaining hand hygiene have also been explored. Moreover, a probable increase in daily water demand associated with the changed situation has been assessed. An online survey was performed among a total of 367 Bangladeshi residents about their practices of hand hygiene during pre-corona, corona, and of their perceived future practices at post-corona period. It has been observed that a significant percentage (62.1%) of the respondents have received basic hygiene education at any level of their academic education. Nevertheless, their hygiene practices were very poor before the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the COVID-19 has reinforced their previous knowledge and greatly influenced their behavioural changes towards practicing hand hygiene as per World Health Organization guidelines for preventing the virus outbreak. The changes, however, have created increased water demand. The estimated water usage is found to be 2.68 times (9.15 L/c/d) and 2.52 times (8.59 L/c/d) higher in the corona and post-corona period respectively than that of the pre-corona situation (3.41 L/c/d). The principal component analysis (PCA) elucidated that an individual's practice of hand hygiene was associated with income, level of academic and hygiene education, and the COVID-19 outbreak itself. Moreover, the influence of hygiene education and COVID-19 outbreak affecting the duration of handwashing are found highly significant (p-value < 0.001) from the regression analysis. Raising awareness towards behavioural change of an individual about water usage, improvement of academic curriculum regarding hand hygiene and provision of water pricing are recommended to attain sustainable development goals of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mst Farzana Rahman Zuthi
- Center for Environmental Science & Engineering Research (CESER), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Md Arif Hossen
- Center for Environmental Science & Engineering Research (CESER), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Sudip Kumar Pal
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Maruful Hasan Mazumder
- Department of Disaster Engineering and Management, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - S M Farzin Hasan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
| | - Md Muzamamel Hoque
- Department of Civil Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chattogram, 4349, Bangladesh
- Southern University Bangladesh, Chattogram, 4000, Bangladesh
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Amuakwa-Mensah F, Amuakwa-Mensah S, Klege RA, Adom PK. Stockpiling and food worries: Changing habits and choices in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PLANNING SCIENCES 2022; 82:101181. [PMID: 34744190 PMCID: PMC8562977 DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2021.101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Albeit, governments have instituted strong containment measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns of continuous local spread and economic impact of the virus are impacting global food chains and food security. This paper investigates the effect of concern about the i) local spread and ii) economic impact of COVID-19, on the change in the amount of food and necessities bought in twelve Sub-Sahara African countries. In addition, we examine if these effects are channeled through food worries. The study uses a unique survey dataset by GeoPoll collected in April 2020 (first round) and May 2020 (second round) and employs a multinomial logit and generalized structural equation models. We find significant effect of concern about COVID-19 on change in the package size of food and necessities bought, which is heterogeneous across gender group and rural-urban divide. Our results reveal that concerns of COVID-19 might be promoting stockpiling behavior among females and those with no food worries (due to having sufficient money or resources). This if not properly managed could in the medium to long-term affect the food supply chain, food waste and exacerbate food worries problem especially for already food deprived homes. We discuss the policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah
- Environment for Development, University of Gothenburg, Box 645, SE 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Salome Amuakwa-Mensah
- Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Afua Klege
- School of Economics, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, 7701, Cape Town, South Africa
- Henry J Austin Health Center, 321 N. Warren Street, Trenton, 08618, New Jersey, USA
| | - Philip Kofi Adom
- Department of Development Policy, School of Public Service and Governance, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Ghana
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Household Water and Energy Consumption Changes during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdowns: Cases of the Kazakhstani Cities of Almaty, Shymkent, and Atyrau. BUILDINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings11120663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the daily behaviors of people by forcing them to spend the majority of their time in their residences, particularly during social distancing measures. The increased time spent at home is expected to influence, among other things, the daily consumption of utilities: specifically, water and energy. A prolonged presence of residents at home during COVID-19 lockdowns might increase strain on water and energy resources, which are mostly from non-renewable sources in several countries, including Kazakhstan; however, such potentially important effects have not yet been studied for the country. The present research aims to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns have affected the water and energy consumption in residential housings in cities of varying sizes in Kazakhstan, providing a novel understanding of the effect of pandemic lockdowns on household energy and water consumption. Energy and water consumption data of Almaty, Shymkent, and Atyrau have been first obtained from the local service companies, and then, the usage behavior was analyzed for the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. After, statistical tests were conducted to check the hypotheses regarding the effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on the consumption of energy and water. The findings indicate that residential energy and water consumption increased during the lockdown periods in large and medium cities. Nevertheless, this growth is not highly significant compared to similar non-pandemic timeframes. This result could indicate a particular risk for sustainable resources consumption and put pressure on the supply companies. Moreover, in case of further lockdown measures, current building systems are at risk of increased pressure, and eventually, of failure.
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Chiwona-Karltun L, Amuakwa-Mensah F, Wamala-Larsson C, Amuakwa-Mensah S, Abu Hatab A, Made N, Taremwa NK, Melyoki L, Rutashobya LK, Madonsela T, Lourens M, Stone W, Bizoza AR. COVID-19: From health crises to food security anxiety and policy implications. AMBIO 2021; 50:794-811. [PMID: 33606247 PMCID: PMC7893840 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Like the rest of the world, African countries are reeling from the health, economic and social effects of COVID-19. The continent's governments have responded by imposing rigorous lockdowns to limit the spread of the virus. The various lockdown measures are undermining food security, because stay at home orders have among others, threatened food production for a continent that relies heavily on agriculture as the bedrock of the economy. This article draws on quantitative data collected by the GeoPoll, and, from these data, assesses the effect of concern about the local spread and economic impact of COVID-19 on food worries. Qualitative data comprising 12 countries south of the Sahara reveal that lockdowns have created anxiety over food security as a health, economic and human rights/well-being issue. By applying a probit model, we find that concern about the local spread of COVID-19 and economic impact of the virus increases the probability of food worries. Governments have responded with various efforts to support the neediest. By evaluating the various policies rolled out we advocate for a feminist economics approach that necessitates greater use of data analytics to predict the likely impacts of intended regulatory relief responses during the recovery process and post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Caroline Wamala-Larsson
- Institute of Computer and Systems Sciences -SPIDER, DSV, Stockholm University, Postbox 7003, 164 07, Kista, Sweden
| | - Salome Amuakwa-Mensah
- Department of Business Administration, Technology and Social Sciences, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Assem Abu Hatab
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7012, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Economics & Rural Development, Arish University, Al-Arish, Egypt
| | - Nolwandle Made
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7012, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Nathan Kanuma Taremwa
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Lemayon Melyoki
- University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Thulisile Madonsela
- Faculty of Law Trust Chair in Social Justice, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marna Lourens
- Faculty of Law Trust Chair in Social Justice, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wendy Stone
- Faculty of Law Trust Chair in Social Justice, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alfred R. Bizoza
- College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
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