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Lin Y, Liu X. Media Dependency Among South Korean Sojourners in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Approach. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 39:1404-1411. [PMID: 37246401 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2215907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study employs the media system dependency theory to explore both macro- and micro-level dependencies between South Korean sojourners and Chinese media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through semi-structured interviews with 25 South Korean sojourners in Beijing, we find that under the influence of Confucianism and collectivistic culture, South Korean sojourners are hard to identify with China's media environment and rely on Chinese media. Apart from Chinese television meeting South Korean sojourners' goal of play, other traditional media outlets, new media, and interpersonal communication with Chinese people fail to fulfill their goals of understanding, orientation, and play. These findings suggest that future research should take cultural factors into account to understand media dependency theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Lin
- School of Journalism and Communication, Shandong University
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- School of Foreign Languages, Ludong University
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2
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Lackner CL, Wang CH. Predictors of Intention to Vaccinate or Continue to Vaccinate Children Against SARS-CoV-2 During the Fifth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the USA. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231219644. [PMID: 38019902 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231219644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The Centre for Disease Control recommends vaccination of children against SARS-CoV-2 to reduce the severity of COVID-19 disease and reduce the likelihood of associated complications. Vaccination of children requires the consent of parents or guardians, and levels of consent may ebb and flow over the course of the pandemic. This exploratory study examines predictors of parental intentions to vaccinate their children and the speed with which they would have them vaccinated during the fifth wave of the pandemic when vaccines were just being approved for use in children using a convenience sample of 641 parents reporting on 962 children. Multi-level regression analyses demonstrated regional differences in likelihood, with those in the Northeast reporting higher likelihood than those in the West. Parents with a conservative belief system were less likely to want to have their children vaccinated. Parents were more likely to have their child vaccinated if the child had COVID-19-related health risks, their child had a more complete vaccination history, and COVID-19 was perceived to be a greater threat to oneself and one's family. Faster intended vaccination speed was associated with regional urbanicity, liberal belief systems, more complete vaccination histories, and parental COVID-19 vaccination history. Higher levels of parental anxiety and lower levels of perceived vaccine danger were associated with increased speed. The severity of the COVID-19 pandemic within one's county was marginally related to speed, but not likelihood. These results underscore the importance of regular assessment of parental intentions across the pandemic, for practitioners to probe parental anxiety levels when discussing vaccination, to explicitly address risk/benefit analyses when communicating with parents, and to target previously routine unvaccinated parents and those in more rural areas to increase vaccine uptake. Comparisons are made with Galanis et al.'s (2022) recent meta-analysis on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles H Wang
- Performance and Analytics, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center, Halifax, NS, Canada
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3
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Tippins E, Ysseldyk R, Peneycad C, Anisman H. Believing in science: Linking religious beliefs and identity with vaccination intentions and trust in science during the COVID-19 pandemic. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2023; 32:1003-1020. [PMID: 37278005 PMCID: PMC10247686 DOI: 10.1177/09636625231174845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite evidence supporting numerous scientific issues (e.g. climate change, vaccinations) many people still doubt the legitimacy of science. Moreover, individuals may be prone to scepticism about scientific findings that misalign with their ideological beliefs and identities. This research investigated whether trust in science (as well as government and media) and COVID-19 vaccination intentions varied as a function of (non)religious group identity, religiosity, religion-science compatibility beliefs, and/or political orientation in two online studies (N = 565) with university students and a Canadian community sample between January and June 2021. In both studies, vaccination intentions and trust in science varied as a function of (non)religious group identity and beliefs. Vaccine hesitancy was further linked to religiosity through a lack of trust in science. Given the ideological divides that the pandemic has exacerbated, this research has implications for informing public health strategies for relaying scientific findings to the public and encouraging vaccine uptake in culturally appropriate ways.
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4
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Li J, Chen J. Media exposure, trustworthiness of sources and the health information literacy knowledge gap: a study in China. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad129. [PMID: 37837409 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Health information literacy (HIL), as an essential part of the wellbeing of citizens, is a crucial indicator used to measure a country's primary public health level. The present study collected 1051 samples in southern China to examine the factors predicting HIL. The results showed that males, those less educated, and older adults had lower HIL. Television exposure, unofficial Internet exposure, trust in government and trust in doctors and medical institutions were positively associated with HIL. In contrast, newspapers, radio exposure and trust in web celebrities were negatively associated with HIL. Official Internet media exposure helps to bridge the HIL knowledge gap generated by differences in education level, while trust in celebrities-especially web celebrities-could widen the HIL knowledge gap. This study extends the knowledge gap theory in health communication in the Chinese context and provides pathways for future health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxu Li
- Department of Communication and Journalism, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Juan Chen
- School of Journalism and Communication, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Lin Y, Liu X. Trust Associated with South Korean Sojourners' Chinese COVID-19 Vaccination Intent and Concerns: A Qualitative Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:435-443. [PMID: 37261712 PMCID: PMC10234244 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00123-2] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
People's willingness to get vaccinated determines whether the campaigns against the COVID-19 pandemic can be successful in part. Considering the fact that both foreigners and its nationals are exposed to the risk of infection in China, the Chinese government has taken measures favorable to foreigners in terms of the vaccination, yet South Korean sojourners were reluctant to get China-developed COVID-19 vaccines. This study employed the trust in institutions and trust in media as a theoretical framework and seeks to analyze how these two affect South Korean sojourners' intention to get Chinese COVID-19 vaccines. 25 South Korean sojourners living in Beijing participated in semi-structured interviews. The results showed that the mistrust South Korean sojourners have in China's institutions and media, both traditional and social media, led to their reluctance to get Chinese COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, South Korean sojourners' higher interpersonal trust in their peers also influenced their willingness to get vaccines. This study further interpreted such results from the perspective of cultural traits and national properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Lin
- School of Journalism and Communication, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- School of Foreign Languages, Ludong University, Yantai, China
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6
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Goidel K, Callaghan T, Washburn DJ, Nuzhath T, Scobee J, Spiegelman A, Motta M. Physician Trust in the News Media and Attitudes toward COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HEALTH POLITICS, POLICY AND LAW 2023; 48:317-350. [PMID: 36441631 DOI: 10.1215/03616878-10358696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Previous research has established the importance of primary care physicians in communicating public health directives. The implicit assumption is that, because of their expertise, doctors provide accurate and up-to-date information to their patients independent of partisan affiliation or media trust. METHODS The authors conducted an online survey of 625 primary care physicians and used the results to test (1) whether physician trust in media outlets is consistent with their political partisanship, and (2) whether trust in media outlets influences (a) personal concern that someone in their family will get sick, (b) perceptions about the seriousness of the pandemic as portrayed in the media, and (c) trust in federal government agencies and scientists. FINDINGS Physicians are better positioned to critically evaluate health-related news, but they are subject to the same biases that influence public opinion. Physicians' partisan commitments influence media trust, and media trust influences concern that a family member will get sick, perceptions regarding the seriousness of the pandemic, and trust in federal government agencies and scientists. CONCLUSIONS Physician trust in specific media outlets shapes their understanding of the pandemic, and-to the extent that they trust conservative media outlets-it may limit their effectiveness as health policy messengers.
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Odunsi IA, Farris KL. Predicting College Students’ Preventative Behavior During a Pandemic: The
Role of the Health Belief Model, Source Credibility, and Health Literacy. THE AMERICAN BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST 2023:00027642231164044. [PMCID: PMC10186130 DOI: 10.1177/00027642231164044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the effects of perceived source credibility of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and college student health literacy in predicting the likelihood of enacting preventative behaviors related to mitigating COVID-19. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM) as an explanatory tool, we analyzed how perceived source credibility and health literacy levels predict college students’ likelihood to enact preventative behaviors during a public health crisis. Sample population entirely consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in a basic communication course at a large, southern university. The participants completed survey questionnaires about their perceived health literacy, health beliefs, trust in the CDC, perceptions of COVID-19, and demographic measures during the fall 2020 semester. A multiple regression analysis revealed that (a) HBM predictors, health literacy and CDC source credibility accounted for 44% of the variance in likelihood of enacting preventative health behaviors, and (b) health literacy, CDC source credibility, and perceived severity were all positive predictors of enacting preventative health behaviors, while (c) perceived barriers negatively predicted enactment of preventative health behaviors. Perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits were not significant predictors of college student risk mitigation. Our data suggests the importance of health literacy and source credibility in predicting college students’ likelihood to enact preventative behaviors during public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen Leblanc Farris
- Department of Communication Studies, College
of Fine Art and Communication, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
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Piltch-Loeb R, James R, Albrecht SS, Buttenheim AM, Dowd JB, Kumar A, Jones M, Leininger LJ, Simanek A, Aronowitz S. What Were the Information Voids? A Qualitative Analysis of Questions Asked by Dear Pandemic Readers between August 2020-August 2021. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 28:25-33. [PMID: 37390014 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2214986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
In the current infodemic, how individuals receive information (channel), who it is coming from (source), and how it is framed can have an important effect on COVID-19 related mitigation behaviors. In light of these challenges presented by the infodemic, Dear Pandemic (DP) was created to directly address persistent questions related to COVID-19 and other health topics in the online environment. This is a qualitative analysis of 3806 questions that were submitted by DP readers to a question box on the Dear Pandemic website between August 30, 2020 and August 29, 2021. Analyses resulted in four themes: the need for clarification of other sources; lack of trust in information; recognition of possible misinformation; and questions on personal decision-making. Each theme reflects an unmet informational need of Dear Pandemic readers, which may be reflective of the broader informational gaps in our science communication efforts.This study highlights the role of an ad hoc risk communication platform in the current environment and uses questions submitted to the Dear Pandemic question box to identify informational needs of DP readers over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings may help clarify how organizations addressing health misinformation in the digital space can contribute to timely, responsive science communication and improve future communication efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Piltch-Loeb
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Sandra S Albrecht
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison M Buttenheim
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Beam Dowd
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aparna Kumar
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malia Jones
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Community & Environmental Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lindsey J Leininger
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Amanda Simanek
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Foundational Sciences, Chicago Medical School and Michael Reese Foundation Center for Health Equity Research, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shoshana Aronowitz
- DearPandemic.org, Madison, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Schäfer M, Stark B, Werner AM, Mülder LM, Reichel JL, Heller S, Schwab L, Rigotti T, Beutel ME, Simon P, Letzel S, Dietz P. Informiert = Geimpft? Das Informationsverhalten und die COVID-19-Impfentscheidung bei Studierenden. PUBLIZISTIK 2023. [PMCID: PMC9879251 DOI: 10.1007/s11616-023-00779-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Eine zu geringe Impfbereitschaft zählt zu den größten globalen Gesundheitsgefahren und war in der COVID-19-Pandemie auch in Deutschland eine der großen Herausforderungen der öffentlichen Gesundheit. Die Identifikation potenzieller Einflussfaktoren auf das Impfverhalten ist deshalb für eine zielgruppengerechte Gesundheitskommunikation von großer Bedeutung. Studierende sind eine besonders wichtige Zielgruppe der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. Der Beitrag geht mit Hilfe einer Online-Befragung der Studierenden einer westdeutschen Universität (n = 1398) im Sommersemester 2021 den Fragen nach, inwieweit sich geimpfte und ungeimpfte Studierende mit hoher bzw. niedrigerer Impfintention hinsichtlich a) ihrer Medien- und Informationsnutzung und b) ihres Vertrauens in Medien und Informationsquellen in der COVID-19-Pandemie unterschieden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen z. T. deutliche Differenzen. Während geimpfte Studierende sich intensiver informierten und hierfür auch stärker auf klassische Medienangebote zurückgriifen, vertrauten insbesondere ungeimpfte Studierende mit niedrigerer Impfintention u. a. mehr auf alternative Nachrichtenseiten und Blogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schäfer
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Publizistik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Jakob-Welder-Weg 12, 55128 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Birgit Stark
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Publizistik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Jakob-Welder-Weg 12, 55128 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Antonia M. Werner
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Lina M. Mülder
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Arbeits‑, Organisations- und Wirtschaftspsychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Wallstraße 3, 55122 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Jennifer L. Reichel
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Sebastian Heller
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Lisa Schwab
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Albert Schweitzer Straße 22, 55128 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Rigotti
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Arbeits‑, Organisations- und Wirtschaftspsychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Wallstraße 3, 55122 Mainz, Deutschland ,grid.509458.50000 0004 8087 0005Leibniz Institut für Resilienzforschung, Wallstr. 7a, 55122 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Manfred E. Beutel
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Perikles Simon
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Sportwissenschaft, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Albert Schweitzer Straße 22, 55128 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Letzel
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
| | - Pavel Dietz
- grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Institut für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Str. 67, 55131 Mainz, Deutschland
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Morstead T, Zheng J, Sin NL, DeLongis A. Perceived threat and coping responses during the COVID-19 pandemic: Prospective associations with vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine 2022; 40:7586-7592. [PMID: 36369099 PMCID: PMC9633616 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.10.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of identifying factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Disease threat and coping responses are central to health behavior engagement and present potential alterable targets for intervention. PURPOSE To examine the roles of perceived threat of COVID-19 and coping in vaccine hesitancy, we examined how coping strategies involving approach and avoidance interact with perceived threat of COVID-19 to predict vaccine hesitancy. METHODS We used data from 1570 North American participants who reported their vaccine hesitancy as part of a longitudinal study assessing psychosocial responses to the pandemic. We used logistic regression models and mean scores of perceived threat of COVID-19, approach coping, and avoidance coping from prior timepoints to predict vaccine hesitancy in December 2020, when COVID-19 vaccines were first being approved for use in North America. RESULTS Low perceived threat of COVID-19 was associated with greater likelihood of being vaccine hesitant. However, approach coping moderated this association, such that people who engaged in more approach coping were less likely to be vaccine hesitant even when they did not feel personally threatened by COVID-19. In contrast, avoidance coping was associated with greater likelihood of vaccine hesitancy regardless of perceived threat of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Our results illustrate the contributions of approach and avoidance coping to vaccine hesitancy and in doing so, provide preliminary evidence for coping behavior to serve as a target for intervention to reduce vaccine hesitancy.
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Hunt MG, Chiarodit D, Tieu T, Baum J. Using core values and social influence to increase mask-wearing in non-compliant college students. Soc Sci Med 2022; 314:115446. [PMID: 36274455 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115446] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Determining the best way to increase public health behaviors like mask-wearing in non-compliant individuals remains an important problem. In this two-part study, we examined the correlates of mask non-compliance in undergraduates at a selective East Coast university, and then developed an intervention designed to appeal to individuals with those traits. We found that being politically conservative and favoring the core values of respect for authority and in-group loyalty were associated with mask non-compliance. We then developed two novel public service announcement (PSA) videos. One featured peer campus leaders (e.g. the president of the College Republicans) to appeal to both social influence and the core values of authority and loyalty. The other featured national and local health care authorities. We found that (a) conservative students rated the two videos as equally authoritative, while liberal students rated the health authority PSA to be significantly more authoritative; (b) conservative participants significantly increased their self-reported mask-wearing rates compared to baseline, narrowing the gap in compliance substantially; and (c) the two PSAs were equally effective for conservative students at increasing mask-wearing. This study shows that public health interventions that target the values and beliefs associated with non-compliance may best influence behavior.
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Galdikiene L, Jaraite J, Kajackaite A. Trust and vaccination intentions: Evidence from Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278060. [PMID: 36417427 PMCID: PMC9683578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, we study the relationship between trust and COVID-19 vaccination intentions. Vaccinating a large share of the population is essential for containing the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many individuals refuse to get vaccinated, which might be related to a lack of trust. Using unique survey data from Lithuania during the COVID-19 pandemic, we show that trust in government authorities, science, and pharmaceutical companies are important predictors of individual vaccination intentions. We do not find evidence that trust in strangers, the healthcare system, or the media predict intentions to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Galdikiene
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jurate Jaraite
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Agne Kajackaite
- WZB Berlin Social Science Center, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
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13
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Lee KW, Yap SF, Ong HT, Pheh KS, Lye MS. Anxiety and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of staff and students from a tertiary education center in Malaysia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:936486. [PMID: 36276401 PMCID: PMC9583838 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.936486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim We examined the anxiety levels and coping strategies among staff and students of a tertiary educational institution during the COVID-19 pandemic and determined the association between anxiety level and coping strategies. Method Through an online survey, we used Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) to measure the level of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 crisis and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) to assess the coping responses adopted to handle stressful life events. Coping strategies were classified as adaptive and maladaptive, for which the aggregate sores were calculated. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors of anxiety adjusted for potentially confounding variables. Results from 434 participants were available for analysis. Results The mean score (SD) of the CAS was 1.1 (1.8). The mean scores of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies were 35.69 and 19.28, respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed that maladaptive coping [Adjusted B coefficient = 4.106, p-value < 0.001] and presence of comorbidities [Adjusted B coefficient = 1.376, p-value = 0.025] significantly predicted anxiety. Conclusion Maladaptive coping and presence of comorbidities were the predictors of coronavirus anxiety. The apparent lack of anxiety in relation to COVID-19 and movement restriction is reflective of the reported high level of satisfaction with the support and services provided during the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia. Adaptive coping strategies were adopted more frequently than maladaptive. Nevertheless, public education on positive coping strategies and anxiety management may be still be relevant to provide mental health support to address the needs of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wei Lee
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia,Centre for Research on Communicable Diseases, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Malaysia
| | - Sook Fan Yap
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia,Centre for Research on Communicable Diseases, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Sook Fan Yap
| | - Hooi Tin Ong
- Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kai Shuen Pheh
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Munn Sann Lye
- Department of Population Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang, Malaysia
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14
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Lu H, Xie J, Cheng Y, Chen Y. Modeling the formation of the public's information needs in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. ASLIB J INFORM MANAG 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ajim-04-2022-0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to investigate how the public formed their need for information in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Exploring the formation of information needs can reveal why the public's information needs differ and provide insights on targeted information service during health crises at an essential level.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 46 participants and analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Concepts, sub-categories and categories were developed, and a model was built to examine how the public formed the need for information about the pandemic.FindingsThe authors found that participants were stimulated by information asymmetry, severity of the pandemic and regulations to control the pandemic, which triggered their perceptions of information credibility, threat and social approval. After the participants perceived that there was a threat, it activated their basic needs and they actively formed the need for information based on cognitive activities. Moreover, information delivered by different senders resulted in a passive need for information. Participants' individual traits also influenced their perceptions after being stimulated.Research limitations/implicationsLong-term follow-up research is needed to help researchers identify more detailed perspectives and do comparative studies. Besides, this study conducted interviews through WeChat voice calls and telephone calls, and might be limited compared with face-to-face interviews.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study provide theoretical contributions to the information needs research and practical implications for information services and public health management.Originality/valueThere is little systematic research on how the public formed information needs in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.
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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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16
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Rossi C, De Salve F, Agliati M, Oasi O. Coping strategies and mental health: A web-based survey among the Italian population dealing with COVID-19. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, PROCESS AND OUTCOME 2022; 25. [PMID: 35796596 PMCID: PMC9422317 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2022.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to be a highly stressful event with a major impact on psychological mental health worldwide. The use of different coping strategies may change the perception of psychological well-being during the pandemic. The present study aims to explore psychological mental health in relation to sociodemographic variables and to analyze the coping strategies of the Italian population in dealing with COVID-19. Implications for clinical interventions are reported. A total of 537 individuals (>18) participated in the survey completing measures of sociodemographic data, general psychological well-being, and coping strategies. Results found that females, students, and unmarried people reported the lowest levels of well-being. Specifically, the coping strategy called positive attitude was positively correlated with psychological well-being, whereas avoidance and social support strategies negatively influenced well-being. Understanding beneficial coping strategies is central to optimally manage the long-lasting of the current COVID-19 situation and may be useful for mental health professionals in treating patients suffering psychologically from the pandemic.
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17
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Niu Z, Qin Z, Hu P, Wang T. Health Beliefs, Trust in Media Sources, Health Literacy, and Preventive Behaviors among High-Risk Chinese for COVID-19. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1004-1012. [PMID: 33557620 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1880684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) broke out in China in January 2020 and has been effectively controlled in April 2020 after China's relentless efforts. People's engagement in disease-related preventive behaviors is crucial in containing such infectious disease. Vulnerable populations often have higher chances of developing severe illness from COVID-19 and the mortality rate is also higher. Thus, at-risk populations for COVID-19 request extra attention. The current study conducted a national online survey among vulnerable populations in China in early February 2020 to examine their engagement in coronavirus-related preventive health behaviors (e.g., frequent handwashing) and the potential determinants including factors from the Health Belief Model, trust in different media sources, and health literacy. The results suggested that the vulnerable populations' engagement in coronavirus-related preventive behaviors were significantly associated with barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, trust in doctors' social media, and trust in TV for COVID-19-related information. Besides, barriers, benefits, self-efficacy, trust in doctors' social media, and trust in TV mediated the effects of health literacy on preventive behaviors. Our findings provided directions for future health promotions and interventions targeting vulnerable populations to enhance their preventive behaviors in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomeng Niu
- Section of Behavioral Sciences, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
| | - Zhou Qin
- School of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
| | | | - Tingting Wang
- Lingnan (University) College, Sun Yat-Sen University
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18
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Melki J, Tamim H, Hadid D, Farhat S, Makki M, Ghandour L, Hitti E. Media Exposure and Health Behavior during Pandemics: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Knowledge and Fear on Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention Measures. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:586-596. [PMID: 33327785 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1858564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research has examined the role of media coverage of diseases in influencing people's health behavior, particularly their compliance with prevention measures. This study examines whether increased media exposure to COVID-19 news and interpersonal communication about the disease positively relate to people's abidance by prevention measures, and whether perceived knowledge and fear mediate this relationship. The study focuses on Lebanon, whose government and media responses led to a successful containment of COVID-19 in its first phase, although the country was experiencing a severe economic crisis, widespread political unrest, and a massive influx of refugees. It examines both legacy media (Television) and social media, as well as interpersonal communication, through a cross-sectional researcher-administered phone survey of 1,536 adults and a nationally representative probability sample. The fieldwork was conducted between March 27 and April 23, 2020, and resulted in a 51.6% response rate. The findings support the hypotheses that increased media exposure to COVID-19 news positively relates to people's abidance by prevention measures and that perceived knowledge and fear mediate this relationship. However, the same hypotheses for interpersonal communication were not supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Melki
- Institute of Media Research and Training, Department of Communication Arts, Lebanese American University
| | - Hani Tamim
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center
| | - Dima Hadid
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center
| | - Sally Farhat
- Institute of Media Research and Training, Department of Communication Arts, Lebanese American University
| | - Maha Makki
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center
| | - Lara Ghandour
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center
| | - Eveline Hitti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center
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19
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Jiang X, Hwang J, Shah DV, Ghosh S, Brauer M. News Attention and Social-Distancing Behavior Amid COVID-19: How Media Trust and Social Norms Moderate a Mediated Relationship. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:768-777. [PMID: 33438450 PMCID: PMC9107940 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2020.1868064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the fact that social distancing is an effective mean to slow the spread of COVID-19, individuals often fail to practice this behavior. Major US news media provided information to the public about social distancing after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, potentially spurring this preventative health practice. Using data from a representative sample of US residents, this study aims to understand the relationship between news media attention and social-distancing behavior via three potential mediators: perceived effectiveness of social distancing, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, and perceived negative consequences of infection. Media trust and social norms concerning social distancing were included as potential moderators of these relationships, along with political ideology. With multiple regression and mediation analyses, we found that news media attention was positively associated with social-distancing behavior during this period. Perceived effectiveness of social distancing mediated this relationship, while perceived susceptibility and negative consequences of COVID-19 did not. Notably, media trust negatively moderated news attention's impact on the perceived effectiveness of social distancing, with the relationship being more pronounced among those who have lower trust in media. Political ideology did not moderate the relationship between news attention and perceived effectiveness. Further, social norms negatively moderated the relationship between perceived effectiveness and social-distancing behavior, with this relationship growing stronger among those uncertain about the adoption of social-distancing norms in their circle. Overall, the study found news media to have an important role in promoting social-distancing behavior when they emphasized safety measures across the ideological spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Jiang
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Juwon Hwang
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Dhavan V. Shah
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Shreenita Ghosh
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Markus Brauer
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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20
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Leigh JP, Brundin-Mather R, Soo A, FitzGerald E, Mizen S, Dodds A, Ahmed S, Burns KEA, Plotnikoff KM, Rochwerg B, Perry JJ, Benham JL, Honarmand K, Hu J, Lang R, Stelfox HT, Fiest K. Public perceptions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: a demographic analysis of self-reported beliefs, behaviors, and information acquisition. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:699. [PMID: 35397530 PMCID: PMC8994420 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
We explored associations between sociodemographic factors and public beliefs, behaviors, and information acquisition related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to identify how the experiences of subpopulations in Canada may vary.
Methods
We administered a national online survey through Ipsos Incorporated to adults residing in Canada. Sampling was stratified by population age, sex, and regional distributions. We used descriptive statistics to summarize responses and test for differences based on gender, age, educational attainment, and household income using chi-squared tests, followed by weighted logistic regression.
Results
We collected 1996 eligible questionnaires between April 26th and May 1st, 2020. Respondents mean age was 50 years, 51% were women, 56% had a post-secondary degree, and 72% had a household income <$100,000. Our analysis found differences within the four demographic groups, with age effects most acutely evidenced. Respondents 65 years and older were more likely to perceive the pandemic as very serious, less likely to report declines in overall health, and more likely to intend to get vaccinated, compared to 18–29 year olds. Women overall were more likely to report negative outcomes than men, including stress due to the pandemic, and worsening social, mental/emotional, and spiritual health. Respondents 45 and older were more likely to seek and trust information from traditional Canadian news sources, while 18-29 year olds were more likely to seek and trust information on social media; overall, women and respondents with a post-secondary degree were more likely to access and trust online information from public health sites.
Conclusion
This study found important demographic differences in how adults living in Canada perceived the COVID-19 pandemic, the impacts on their health, and their preferences for information acquisition. Our results highlight the need to consider demographic characteristics in tailoring the format and information medium to improve large scale acceptance and uptake of mitigation and containment measures.
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21
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Pritchard AJ, Silk MJ, Carrignon S, Bentley RA, Fefferman NH. Balancing timeliness of reporting with increasing testing probability for epidemic data. Infect Dis Model 2022; 7:106-116. [PMID: 35509716 PMCID: PMC9046562 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Pritchard
- NIMBioS, National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
| | - Matthew J Silk
- NIMBioS, National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter Penryn Campus, UK
| | - Simon Carrignon
- Department of Anthropology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Nina H Fefferman
- NIMBioS, National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA
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22
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Media Exposure and Media Credibility Influencing Public Intentions for Influenza Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040526. [PMID: 35455275 PMCID: PMC9024633 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the low rate of influenza vaccination in China, this study explores the factors influencing the Chinese public’s influenza vaccination intentions. Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study builds a theoretical model to examine the factors influencing Chinese public intentions toward influenza vaccination. We define media exposure and media credibility as external variables and the perceived characteristics of influenza vaccines as intermediate variables in the proposed model. A total of 597 valid questionnaires were collected online in this study. Combined with structural equation modeling (SEM), SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 17.0 were used to conduct empirical research, supporting the proposed research hypotheses. The results show that media exposure and media credibility have no direct effects on the audience’s intention to take the influenza vaccine. However, media exposure positively influences media credibility, influencing vaccination intentions through perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). Furthermore, PU and PEOU significantly positively influence behavioral intentions, and PEOU significantly affects PU. This paper has proven that media with better credibility gained more trust from the audience, indicating a new perspective for the promotion of influenza vaccination. This study suggests releasing influenza-related information via media with great credibility, further improving public acceptance of becoming vaccinated.
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23
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Liu R, Huang YHC, Sun J, Lau J, Cai Q. A Shot in the Arm for Vaccination Intention: The Media and the Health Belief Model in Three Chinese Societies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3705. [PMID: 35329392 PMCID: PMC8955867 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This large-sample study of three Chinese societies-Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong-demonstrates the importance of media exposure for people's vaccination intentions during the COVID-19 pandemic. By employing two constructs (i.e., perceived susceptibility and severity) in the health belief model (HBM), the study identifies significant indirect effects of media exposure on individuals' vaccination intention in all three Chinese societies. That said, media trust negatively moderated the path from perceived severity to vaccination intention in Mainland China and Taiwan. In these two societies, the higher an individual's trust in media, the less influence of perceived severity on his/her vaccination intention. It suggests that the level of trust in media is a contextual factor in explaining individuals' decision-making on health issues. Generally, the combination of the HBM and media trust has been proven to be useful for understanding individuals' vaccination intentions. These findings provide practical considerations for governmental agencies, public institutions, and health campaign designers to promote vaccination in the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yi-Hui Christine Huang
- Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (R.L.); (J.S.); (J.L.); (Q.C.)
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24
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Ouyang H, Ma X, Wu X. The prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the age of infodemic. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2013694. [PMID: 35172676 PMCID: PMC8920136 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2013694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Communication and media environments are potential drivers of vaccine hesitancy. It is worthwhile to examine the relationship between social media use and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Objective This study aims to understand the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Methods Questionnaires were administered to 463 participants in mainland China. Factor analysis, correlation analysis, and linear regression models were utilized to examine the prevalence and influencing factors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in China, as well as the relationship between social media use, media trust, health information literacy, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Results Lack of confidence and risk were identified as factors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Age, occupation status and income levels were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. In addition, we observed that frequency of social media use, diversity of social media use, media trust and health information literacy were significantly correlated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion Increased frequency and diversity of social media use, media trust and health information literacy can mitigate COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and promote COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ouyang
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaohan Ma
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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25
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Anisman H, Kusnecov AW. Adopting healthy behaviors: Toward prevention and cures. Cancer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91904-3.00019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Zimand-Sheiner D, Kol O, Frydman S, Levy S. To Be (Vaccinated) or Not to Be: The Effect of Media Exposure, Institutional Trust, and Incentives on Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12894. [PMID: 34948501 PMCID: PMC8702102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 vaccine has become a strategic vehicle for reducing the spread of the pandemic. However, the uptake of the vaccine by the public is more complicated than simply making it available. Based on social learning theory, this study examines the role of communication sources and institutional trust as barriers and incentives as motivators of people's attitudes toward vaccination and actual vaccination. Data were collected via an online panel survey among Israelis aged 18-55 and then analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings show that social media trust negatively mediates the effect of exposure to information on the vaccine on attitudes toward vaccination. However, mass media trust and institutional trust positively mediate this relationship. Incentives were effective motivators for forming positive attitudes and moderating the effect of institutional trust on attitude toward vaccination. This study facilitates a deeper understanding of health communication theory in pandemics and makes important recommendations for practitioners and policy makers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ofrit Kol
- School of Communication, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
| | - Smadar Frydman
- Doctoral School, Jaume I University, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain;
| | - Shalom Levy
- Department of Economics and Business Administration, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
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27
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Students' Views on Vaccination against COVID-19 Virus and Trust in Media Information about the Vaccine: The Case of Serbia. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9121430. [PMID: 34960176 PMCID: PMC8704984 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mass immunization of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia began in January 2021. Information on the significance, manner, advantages and consequences of this process was intensively distributed through all communication channels, with the media playing a key role. According to the data of the official institutions for the public health of Serbia, by July 2021 the lowest percentage of vaccinated population was among those between the ages of 18 and 24—only 15% of this demographic had received the vaccine by this point. Given the low turnout of young people for vaccination, in this paper we investigated the general attitude of students in Serbia, as a special category of young people, towards the vaccine against the COVID-19 virus, as well as their attitude regarding information about vaccination in the media. Research was conducted on a sample of 345 students at the University of Novi Sad. The results of the research showed that 42% of students had not been vaccinated and did not plan to do so, 37.4% had received at least one dose of vaccine and 20.6% had not been vaccinated even though they planned to do so. Students who were vaccinated had more confidence in information provided through media channels than those who were not vaccinated. Therefore, it can be concluded that encouraging students to decide in favor of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus should come from the universities where they study as well as the media.
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28
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Abstract
This article reviews the current state of knowledge and promising new directions concerning the psychology of pandemics. Pandemics are disease outbreaks that spread globally. Historically, psychological factors have been neglected by researchers and health authorities despite evidence that pandemics are, to a large extent, psychological phenomena whereby beliefs and behaviors influence the spreading versus containment of infection. Psychological factors are important in determining (a) adherence to pandemic mitigation methods (e.g., adherence to social distancing), (b) pandemic-related social disruption (e.g., panic buying, racism, antilockdown protests), and (c) pandemic-related distress and related problems (e.g., anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, prolonged grief disorder). The psychology of pandemics has emerged as an important field of research and practice during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As a scholarly discipline, the psychology of pandemics is fragmented and diverse, encompassing various psychological subspecialties and allied disciplines, but is vital for shaping clinical practice and public health guidelines for COVID-19 and future pandemics. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 18 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
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29
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Spanish-Language News Consumption and Latino Reactions to COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189629. [PMID: 34574561 PMCID: PMC8467893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
While the literature on infectious disease outbreaks has examined the extent to which communication inequalities during public health emergencies exacerbate negative outcomes among disadvantaged individuals, the implications of ethnic media consumption among minority groups during these crises are underexplored. Making use of the first nationally representative survey of US Latinos (N = 1200) on the impact and reactions to COVID-19, this study examines the implications of Spanish-language news media consumption on source credibility and attitude formation during the COVID-19 pandemic among Latinos and immigrants from Latin America. Through a series of statistical analyses, this study finds that ethnic news consumption is strongly associated with trust in Spanish-language journalists, whereas mainstream media consumption is not associated with trust in English-language journalists. More importantly, this study finds that source credibility, particularly in Spanish-language journalists, matters for Latinos as it is associated with more positive assessments of state and local officials providing adequate information about COVID-19. This study illuminates the importance of non-traditional media among racial minorities, who account for almost 40% of the US population, and highlights the importance of shared backgrounds in source credibility among linguistically diverse groups in the United States during a public health crisis.
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30
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Sun Y, Hu Q, Grossman S, Basnyat I, Wang P. Comparison of COVID-19 Information Seeking, Trust of Information Sources, and Protective Behaviors in China and the US. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2021; 26:657-666. [PMID: 34702136 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2021.1987590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing amount of new information that is emerging about COVID-19, traditional and web-based information sources are commonly used to spread and seek information. This study compared differences in information seeking, trust of information sources, and use of protective behaviors (e.g., mask wearing) among individuals in the US and China during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 722 valid responses in the US and 493 valid responses in China were collected via online surveys in May 2020. Pearson's Chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and multiple linear regressions were used to conduct the analyses. Results showed that US respondents accessed significantly fewer COVID-19 information sources, rated significantly lower levels of trust in these sources, and reported significantly lower levels of protective behaviors than the Chinese respondents. In both countries, trust in newspapers, radio/community broadcasting, and news portals were significantly positively correlated with protective behaviors. While trust of TV was significant in both populations, in China it was positively correlated, whereas in the US was negatively correlated, with protective behaviors. Findings from this study showed that coordinated and consistent messages from governmental officials, health authorities, and media platforms are important to promote and encourage protective behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Sun
- School of Public Administration and Policy, Renmin University of China, Beijing, P.R. China
- Research Center for Social Development and Social Risk Control, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Qixi Hu
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Suzanne Grossman
- College of Health and Behavioral Studies, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- Global Affairs & Department of Communication, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Business, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
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31
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Psychological Variables Associated with HPV Vaccination Intent in Romanian Academic Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18178938. [PMID: 34501527 PMCID: PMC8430846 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate (1) the female medical students’ knowledge about HPV infection; (2) the associations between the HPV vaccination intent and coping strategies, health locus of control (HLOC), and sense of coherence; and (3) the specific differences between preclinical and clinical students in terms of the vaccination intent. Participants included 1243 female medicine students (mean age = 21.526, SD = 2.007), who completed The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC)—Form A, the Brief COPE Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), and two questionnaires measuring the knowledge about the HPV infection and the HPV vaccination intent. Results show a good knowledge about HPV, which progressively increased during the study cycles. Still, the main contributors to vaccination intent are represented by coping strategies and health locus of control. Refusal of vaccination is associated to behavioral disengagement and the use of religion, precontemplation and contemplation to denial, and preparation to planning, positive reframing, and the powerful others component of HLOC. Sense of coherence did not predict vaccination intent. In clinical years, active coping outweighs HLOC in making the decision to get vaccinated. These results could be helpful in designing personalized strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy in academic communities.
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32
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Maftei A, Holman AC. SARS-CoV-2 Threat Perception and Willingness to Vaccinate: The Mediating Role of Conspiracy Beliefs. Front Psychol 2021; 12:672634. [PMID: 34489791 PMCID: PMC8417247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.672634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current exploratory study, we investigated the willingness of participants to vaccinate against the novel coronavirus [severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)] that has shaken up the world since the beginning of 2020. More specifically, we tested the mediating role of conspiracy beliefs (CBs) on the relationship between threat perception (TP) and willingness of participants to vaccinate against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), along with a series of associated demographic variables. Overall, 40% of our sample expressed total rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine. Our results suggested no significant differences in gender, age, educational level, and vaccine acceptance or hesitancy of participants. The results also indicated that CBs partially mediated the relationship between TP and willingness of participants to vaccinate. The current findings are discussed within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework and their importance for public health communication and practices and building public trust within the global fight against COVID-19. We considered the present results as a valuable starting point in understanding the psychological constructs related to the extended model of TPB and other personal factors and addressed the attitudinal roots that shape the acceptance and rejection of COVID-19 vaccination.
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Lackner CL, Wang CH. Demographic, psychological, and experiential correlates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination intentions in a sample of Canadian families. Vaccine X 2021; 8:100091. [PMID: 33778480 PMCID: PMC7983323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2021.100091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing for close to a year, with second waves occurring presently and many viewing vaccine uptake as the most likely way to curb successive waves and promote herd immunity. Reaching herd immunity status likely necessitates that children, as well as their parents, receive a vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2. In this exploratory study, we investigated the demographic, experiential, and psychological factors associated with the anticipated likelihood and speed of having children receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in a sample of 455 Canadian families (858 children; parents' mean age = 38.2 ± 6.82 years). Using linear mixed-effects and proportional odds logistic regression models, we demonstrated that older parental age, living in the Prairies (relative to Central Canada), more complete child vaccination history, and a greater tendency to prioritise the risks of the disease relative to the risks of side effects (i.e. lower omission bias) were associated with higher likelihoods of intention to vaccinate participants' children, with trend-level associations with lower perceived danger of the vaccine and higher psychological avoidance of the pandemic. Faster speed of intended vaccination was predicted by a similar constellation of variables with an additional predictor of a child in the family having a COVID-19 related health risk being associated with slower intended speed. Results are discussed concerning public health knowledge mobilisation and the unique Canadian health landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L. Lackner
- Psychology Department, Mount St. Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M2J6, Canada
| | - Charles H. Wang
- Performance and Analytics, Nova Scotia Health Authority (Central Zone), Charter Place Offices Suite 404, 1465 Brenton Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J3T4, Canada
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Kazemian S, Fuller S, Algara C. The role of race and scientific trust on support for COVID-19 social distancing measures in the United States. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254127. [PMID: 34242275 PMCID: PMC8270185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pundits and academics across disciplines note that the human toll brought forth by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States (U.S.) is fundamentally unequal for communities of color. Standing literature on public health posits that one of the chief predictors of racial disparity in health outcomes is a lack of institutional trust among minority communities. Furthermore, in our own county-level analysis from the U.S., we find that counties with higher percentages of Black and Hispanic residents have had vastly higher cumulative deaths from COVID-19. In light of this standing literature and our own analysis, it is critical to better understand how to mitigate or prevent these unequal outcomes for any future pandemic or public health emergency. Therefore, we assess the claim that raising institutional trust, primarily scientific trust, is key to mitigating these racial inequities. Leveraging a new, pre-pandemic measure of scientific trust, we find that trust in science, unlike trust in politicians or the media, significantly raises support for COVID-19 social distancing policies across racial lines. Our findings suggest that increasing scientific trust is essential to garnering support for public health policies that lessen the severity of the current, and potentially a future, pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Kazemian
- Department of Political Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Sam Fuller
- Department of Political Science, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Carlos Algara
- Division of Politics & Economics, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, California, United States of America
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González-Castro JL, Ubillos-Landa S, Puente-Martínez A, Gracia-Leiva M. Perceived Vulnerability and Severity Predict Adherence to COVID-19 Protection Measures: The Mediating Role of Instrumental Coping. Front Psychol 2021; 12:674032. [PMID: 34295285 PMCID: PMC8289891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.674032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease has caused thousands of deaths worldwide and required the rapid and drastic adoption of various protective measures as main resources in the fight to reduce the spread of the disease. In the present study we aimed to identify socio cognitive factors that may influence adherence to protective measures toward COVID-19 in a Spanish sample. This longitudinal study analyzes the predictive value of perceived severity and vulnerability of infection, self-efficacy, direct exposure to the virus, and instrumental focused coping style for adhering to infection protection behaviors during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also tests sex and age differences in these factors and changes over time. A two-wave longitudinal study (N = 757) was conducted in March and April 2020 starting the day after a strict national lockdown was decreed in Spain. A path analysis was used to test direct and indirect effects between vulnerability and the adherence to protective behaviors. Results suggest that individuals' perceived severity and vulnerability to COVID-19 and instrumental coping strategies are related to the use of more protective behaviors. This coping strategy mediates the effect of perceived vulnerability on engaging in protective behaviors, and this effect depends on direct exposure to COVID-19 and perceived self-efficacy moderators. Results suggest that recognizing one's own abilities to engage in instrumental actions may facilitate adherence to protective measures in people who had not been directly exposed to COVID-19. Therefore, adopting instrumental coping strategies to manage an individual's perceived vulnerability to infection may positively impact the adherence to protective behaviors, especially during the onset of an unexpected threat and when there is no prior direct experience with the situation.
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O'Brien WH, Wang S, Varga AV, Xu H, Sims T, Horan K, Lim CX. Predicting personal protective equipment use, trauma symptoms, and physical symptoms in the USA during the early weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown (April 9-18, 2020). JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2021; 21:37-47. [PMID: 34031641 PMCID: PMC8133802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic created a complex psychological environment for Americans. In this study, 450 MTurk workers completed measures of sociodemographic characteristics, perceived risk for COVID-19, general perceived vulnerability to disease, intolerance of uncertainty, and psychological flexibility. These variables were used to predict COVID-19 preventive health behaviors (PPE use), psychological distress, and physical symptoms. The surveys were completed between April 9, 2020 and April 18, 2020 which is a period that corresponded to the first 2-3 weeks of lockdown for most participants. A demographically diverse sample of participants was recruited. A substantial number of participants reported a reduction employment status and 69% were in self-isolation. Participants reported a high degree of perceived vulnerability to COVID-19. PPE mask wearing was variable: 16% "not at all," 20% "some of the time," 42% "a good part of the time," and 26 "most of the time." Using clinical cutoff on the post-trauma scale, 70% of the sample would be considered to have symptoms consistent with PTSD. Physical symptom reporting was also high. Intolerance of uncertainty and psychological inflexibility were significant predictors of psychological distress and physical symptoms. Psychological flexibility moderated the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological distress/physical symptoms. The relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and psychological distress/physical symptoms was stronger among participants with lower levels of psychological flexibility. These findings indicate psychological flexibility can reduce distress associated with COVID-19. Additionally, these results support the workability of the Unified Flexibility and Mindfulness Model as a framework for studying health behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shan Wang
- Duke Kunshan University, Suzhou, China
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Pettinicchio D, Maroto M, Lukk M. Perceptions of Canadian Federal Policy Responses to COVID-19 among People with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions. CANADIAN PUBLIC POLICY. ANALYSE DE POLITIQUES 2021; 47:231-251. [PMID: 36039315 PMCID: PMC9400824 DOI: 10.3138/cpp.2021-012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study examines how people with disabilities and chronic health conditions-members of a large and diverse group often overlooked by Canadian public policy-are making sense of the Canadian federal government's response to COVID-19. Using original national online survey data collected in June 2020 (N = 1,027), we investigate how members of this group view the government's overall response. Although survey results show broad support for the federal government's pandemic response, findings also indicate fractures based on disability type and specific health condition, political partisanship, region, and experiences with COVID-19. Among these, identification with the Liberal party and receipt of CERB stand out as associated with more positive views. Further examination of qualitative responses shows that these views are also linked to differing perspectives surrounding government benefits and spending, partisan divisions, and other social and cultural cleavages.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pettinicchio
- Department of Sociology and Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Maroto
- Department of Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Martin Lukk
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Melki J, Tamim H, Hadid D, Makki M, El Amine J, Hitti E. Mitigating infodemics: The relationship between news exposure and trust and belief in COVID-19 fake news and social media spreading. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252830. [PMID: 34086813 PMCID: PMC8177444 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Misinformation surrounding COVID-19 poses a global public health problem that adversely affects governments’ abilities to mitigate the disease and causes accidental deaths and self-harm due to false beliefs about the virus, prevention measures, vaccines and cures. We aim to examine the relationship between exposure to and trust in COVID-19 news (from Television, social media, interpersonal communication) and information sources (healthcare experts, government, clerics) and belief in COVID-19 myths and false information, as well as critical verification practices before posting on social media. Methods We use a cross-sectional researcher-administered phone survey of adults living in Lebanon between March 27 and April 23, 2020. Results The sample included 56.1% men and 43.9% women, 37.9% with a university degree, 63.0% older than 30, and 7% with media literacy training. Those who trust COVID-19 news from social media [95%CI:(1.05–1.52)] and interpersonal communication [95%CI:(1.25–1.82)], and those who trust information from clerics [95%CI:(1.25–1.82)] were more likely to believe in COVID-19 myths and false information. University graduates [95%CI:(0.25–0.51)] and those who trust information from government [95%CI:(0.65–0.89] were less likely to believe in myths and false information. Those who believe in COVID-19 myths and false information [95%CI:(0.25–0.70)] were less likely to engage in critical social media posting practices. Only those who underwent media literacy training [95%CI:(1.24–6.55)] were more likely to engage in critical social media posting practices. Conclusion Higher education and trust in information from government contributed to decreasing belief in COVID-19 myths and false information. Trust in news from social media, interpersonal communication and clerics contributed to increasing belief in COVID-19 myths and false information, which in turn contributed to less critical social media posting practices, thereby exacerbated the infodemic. Media literacy training contributed to increasing critical social media posting practices, thereby played a role in mitigating the infodemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Melki
- Department of Communication Arts, Institute of Media Research and Training, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hani Tamim
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dima Hadid
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maha Makki
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jana El Amine
- Department of Communication Arts, Institute of Media Research and Training, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Eveline Hitti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- * E-mail:
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Piltch-Loeb R, Savoia E, Goldberg B, Hughes B, Verhey T, Kayyem J, Miller-Idriss C, Testa M. Examining the effect of information channel on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251095. [PMID: 33979370 PMCID: PMC8116041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine remains high among the US population. Now that the vaccine is available to priority populations, it is critical to convince those that are hesitant to take the vaccine. Public health communication about the vaccine as well as misinformation on the vaccine occurs through a variety of different information channels. Some channels of information are more commonly found to spread misinformation. Given the expansive information environment, we sought to characterize the use of different media channels for COVID-19 vaccine information and determine the relationship between information channel and vaccine acceptance. We used quota sampling of vaccine priority groups [N = 2,650] between December 13 and 23, 2020 and conducted bivariate chi-squared tests and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses to determine the relative impact of channels of information on vaccine acceptance. We found traditional channels of information, especially National TV, National newspapers, and local newspapers increased the likelihood of vaccine acceptance. Individuals who received information from traditional media compared to social media or both traditional and social media were most likely to accept the vaccine. The implications of this study suggest social media channels have a role to play in educating the hesitant to accept the vaccine, while traditional media channels should continue to promote data-driven and informed vaccine content to their viewers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Piltch-Loeb
- Division of Policy Translation & Leadership Development, Emergency Preparedness Research Evaluation & Practice [EPREP] Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Elena Savoia
- Division of Policy Translation & Leadership Development, Emergency Preparedness Research Evaluation & Practice [EPREP] Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Beth Goldberg
- Jigsaw, Google LLC, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Brian Hughes
- Center for University Excellence [CUE] and Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab [PERIL], American University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Tanner Verhey
- Trust and Safety, Google LLC, Sunnyvale, California, United States of America
| | - Juliette Kayyem
- Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Miller-Idriss
- Center for University Excellence [CUE] and Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab [PERIL], American University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Marcia Testa
- Division of Policy Translation & Leadership Development, Emergency Preparedness Research Evaluation & Practice [EPREP] Program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Garbóczy S, Szemán-Nagy A, Ahmad MS, Harsányi S, Ocsenás D, Rekenyi V, Al-Tammemi AB, Kolozsvári LR. Health anxiety, perceived stress, and coping styles in the shadow of the COVID-19. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:53. [PMID: 33823945 PMCID: PMC8022303 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00560-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the case of people who carry an increased number of anxiety traits and maladaptive coping strategies, psychosocial stressors may further increase the level of perceived stress they experience. In our research study, we aimed to examine the levels of perceived stress and health anxiety as well as coping styles among university students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-based survey at the University of Debrecen during the official lockdown in Hungary when dormitories were closed, and teaching was conducted remotely. Our questionnaire solicited data using three assessment tools, namely, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). Results A total of 1320 students have participated in our study and 31 non-eligible responses were excluded. Among the remaining 1289 participants, 948 (73.5%) and 341 (26.5%) were Hungarian and international students, respectively. Female students predominated the overall sample with 920 participants (71.4%). In general, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between perceived stress and health anxiety. Health anxiety and perceived stress levels were significantly higher among international students compared to domestic ones. Regarding coping, wishful thinking was associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety among international students, while being a goal-oriented person acted the opposite way. Among the domestic students, cognitive restructuring as a coping strategy was associated with lower levels of stress and anxiety. Concerning health anxiety, female students (domestic and international) had significantly higher levels of health anxiety compared to males. Moreover, female students had significantly higher levels of perceived stress compared to males in the international group, however, there was no significant difference in perceived stress between males and females in the domestic group. Conclusion The elevated perceived stress levels during major life events can be further deepened by disengagement from home (being away/abroad from country or family) and by using inadequate coping strategies. By following and adhering to the international recommendations, adopting proper coping methods, and equipping oneself with the required coping and stress management skills, the associated high levels of perceived stress and anxiety could be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Garbóczy
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anita Szemán-Nagy
- Department of Personality and Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mohamed S Ahmad
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Harsányi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Ocsenás
- Department of Social and Work Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Human Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Viktor Rekenyi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ala'a B Al-Tammemi
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zs. krt. 22, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary
| | - László Róbert Kolozsvári
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary. .,Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Móricz Zs. krt. 22, Debrecen, 4032, Hungary.
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McBride O, Murphy J, Shevlin M, Gibson‐Miller J, Hartman TK, Hyland P, Levita L, Mason L, Martinez AP, McKay R, Stocks TVA, Bennett KM, Vallières F, Karatzias T, Valiente C, Vazquez C, Bentall RP. Monitoring the psychological, social, and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the population: Context, design and conduct of the longitudinal COVID-19 psychological research consortium (C19PRC) study. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2021; 30:e1861. [PMID: 33166018 PMCID: PMC7992290 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The C19PRC study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the adult population of the UK, Republic of Ireland, and Spain. This paper describes the conduct of the first two waves of the UK survey (the "parent" strand of the Consortium) during March-April 2020. METHODS A longitudinal, internet panel survey was designed to assess: (1) COVID-19 related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; (2) the occurrence of common mental health disorders as well as the role of (3) psychological factors and (4) social and political attitudes, in influencing the public's response to the pandemic. Quota sampling (age, sex, and household income) was used to recruit a nationally representative sample of adults. RESULTS Two thousand and twenty five adults were recruited at baseline, and 1406 were followed-up one-month later (69.4% retention rate). The baseline sample was representative of the UK population in relation to economic activity, ethnicity, and household composition. Attrition was predicted by key socio-demographic characteristics, and an inverse probability weighting procedure was employed to ensure the follow-up sample was representative of the baseline sample. CONCLUSION The C19PRC study data has strong generalizability to facilitate and stimulate interdisciplinary research on important public health questions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ryan McKay
- Royal HollowayUniversity of LondonLondonEngland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Richard P. Bentall
- University of SheffieldSheffieldEngland
- University of LiverpoolLiverpoolEngland
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Lieberoth A, Lin SY, Stöckli S, Han H, Kowal M, Gelpi R, Chrona S, Tran TP, Jeftić A, Rasmussen J, Cakal H, Milfont TL, Lieberoth A, Yamada Y, Han H, Rasmussen J, Amin R, Debove S, Gelpí R, Flis I, Sahin H, Turk F, Yeh YY, Ho YW, Sikka P, Delgado-Garcia G, Lacko D, Mamede S, Zerhouni O, Tuominen J, Bircan T, Wang AHE, Ikizer G, Lins S, Studzinska A, Cakal H, Uddin MK, Juárez FPG, Chen FY, Kowal M, Sanli AM, Lys AE, Reynoso-Alcántara V, González RF, Griffin AM, López CRC, Nezkusilova J, Ćepulić DB, Aquino S, Marot TA, Blackburn AM, Boullu L, Bavolar J, Kacmar P, Wu CKS, Areias JC, Natividade JC, Mari S, Ahmed O, Dranseika V, Cristofori I, Coll-Martín T, Eichel K, Kumaga R, Ermagan-Caglar E, Bamwesigye D, Tag B, Chrona S, Contreras-Ibáñez CC, Aruta JJBR, Naidu PA, Tran TP, Dilekler İ, Čeněk J, Islam MN, Ch'ng B, Sechi C, Nebel S, Sayılan G, Jha S, Vestergren S, Ihaya K, Guillaume G, Travaglino GA, Rachev NR, Hanusz K, Pírko M, West JN, Cyrus-Lai W, Najmussaqib A, Romano E, Noreika V, Musliu A, Sungailaite E, Kosa M, Lentoor AG, Sinha N, Bender AR, Meshi D, Bhandari P, Byrne G, Jeftic A, Kalinova K, Hubena B, Ninaus M, Díaz C, Scarpaci A, Koszałkowska K, Pankowski D, Yaneva T, Morales-Izquierdo S, Uzelac E, Lee Y, Lin SY, Hristova D, Hakim MA, Deschrijver E, Kavanagh PS, Shata A, Reyna C, De Leon GA, Tisocco F, Mola DJ, Shani M, Mahlungulu S, Ozery DH, Caniëls MCJ, Correa PS, Ortiz MV, Vilar R, Makaveeva T, Stöckli S, Pummerer L, Nikolova I, Bujić M, Szebeni Z, Pennato T, Taranu M, Martinez L, Capelos T, Belaus A, Dubrov D. Stress and worry in the 2020 coronavirus pandemic: relationships to trust and compliance with preventive measures across 48 countries in the COVIDiSTRESS global survey. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:200589. [PMID: 33972837 PMCID: PMC8074580 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVIDiSTRESS global survey collects data on early human responses to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic from 173 429 respondents in 48 countries. The open science study was co-designed by an international consortium of researchers to investigate how psychological responses differ across countries and cultures, and how this has impacted behaviour, coping and trust in government efforts to slow the spread of the virus. Starting in March 2020, COVIDiSTRESS leveraged the convenience of unpaid online recruitment to generate public data. The objective of the present analysis is to understand relationships between psychological responses in the early months of global coronavirus restrictions and help understand how different government measures succeed or fail in changing public behaviour. There were variations between and within countries. Although Western Europeans registered as more concerned over COVID-19, more stressed, and having slightly more trust in the governments' efforts, there was no clear geographical pattern in compliance with behavioural measures. Detailed plots illustrating between-countries differences are provided. Using both traditional and Bayesian analyses, we found that individuals who worried about getting sick worked harder to protect themselves and others. However, concern about the coronavirus itself did not account for all of the variances in experienced stress during the early months of COVID-19 restrictions. More alarmingly, such stress was associated with less compliance. Further, those most concerned over the coronavirus trusted in government measures primarily where policies were strict. While concern over a disease is a source of mental distress, other factors including strictness of protective measures, social support and personal lockdown conditions must also be taken into consideration to fully appreciate the psychological impact of COVID-19 and to understand why some people fail to follow behavioural guidelines intended to protect themselves and others from infection. The Stage 1 manuscript associated with this submission received in-principle acceptance (IPA) on 18 May 2020. Following IPA, the accepted Stage 1 version of the manuscript was preregistered on the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/g2t3b. This preregistration was performed prior to data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lieberoth
- School of Culture and Society (Interacting Minds Center), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish School of Education (DPU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shiang-Yi Lin
- Hong Kong Institute of Education, Education University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | | | - Hyemin Han
- Educational Psychology Program, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Marta Kowal
- Wroclaw University Institute of Psychology, Wroclaw 50-527, Poland
| | - Rebekah Gelpi
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stavroula Chrona
- Department of European and International Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thao Phuong Tran
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Alma Jeftić
- Peace Research Institute, International Christian University, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jesper Rasmussen
- Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Huseyin Cakal
- School of Psychology, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Andreas Lieberoth
- Aarhus University, Danish School of Educaction (DPU) and Interacting Minds Center (IMC), Denmark
| | - Yuki Yamada
- Kyushu University, Faculty of Arts and Science, Japan
| | - Hyemin Han
- University of Alabama, Educational Psychology Program, USA
| | | | - Rizwana Amin
- Bahria University Islamabad, Dept of Professional Psychology, Pakistan
| | | | - Rebekah Gelpí
- University of Toronto, Department of Psychology, Canada
| | - Ivan Flis
- Catholic University of Croatia, Department of Psychology, Croatia
| | | | - Fidan Turk
- University of Sheffield, Department of Psychology, UK
| | - Yao-Yuan Yeh
- University of St. Thomas, Houston, Center for International Studies, USA
| | - Yuen Wan Ho
- Northeastern University, Psychology Department, USA
| | - Pilleriin Sikka
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Finland; University of Skövde, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience and Philosophy, Sweden
| | | | - David Lacko
- Masaryk university, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Czech Republic
| | - Salomé Mamede
- University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Portugal
| | | | - Jarno Tuominen
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Finland
| | - Tuba Bircan
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Interface Demography, Belgium
| | | | - Gozde Ikizer
- TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Department of Psychology, Turkey
| | - Samuel Lins
- University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Portugal
| | - Anna Studzinska
- University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Faculty of Psychology, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Marta Kowal
- University of Wrocłąw, Institute of Psychology, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sibele Aquino
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tiago A. Marot
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jozef Bavolar
- Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Slovakia
| | - Pavol Kacmar
- Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Slovakia
| | | | - João Carlos Areias
- University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Portugal
| | | | | | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Vilius Dranseika
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania
| | - Irene Cristofori
- Department of Biology, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1/ Institute of Cognitive Sciences Marc Jeannerod CNRS UMR5229, France
| | - Tao Coll-Martín
- Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Kristina Eichel
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, United States of America
| | - Raisa Kumaga
- School of Health and Social Care,University of Essex, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stavroula Chrona
- King's College London, School of Politics and Economics, Department of European and International Studies (EIS), United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - İlknur Dilekler
- TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Department of Psychology, Turkey
| | - Jiří Čeněk
- Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Czech Republic
| | | | - Brendan Ch'ng
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Malaysia
| | | | - Steve Nebel
- Psychology of learning with digital media, Department of Media Research, Germany
| | - Gülden Sayılan
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Department of Psychology, Turkey
| | - Shruti Jha
- Somerville School (Lott Carey Baptist Mission in India), Greater NOIDA, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Nikolay R. Rachev
- Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria, Department of General, Experimental, Developmental, and Health Psychology, Bulgaria
| | | | - Martin Pírko
- Institute of Lifelong Learning at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic
| | - J. Noël West
- University of Sheffield, Department of Philosophy, United Kingdom
| | | | - Arooj Najmussaqib
- Department of Professional Psychology, Bahria University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Eugenia Romano
- King's College London, Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, UK
| | | | - Arian Musliu
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Kosovo
| | | | - Mehmet Kosa
- Tilburg University, Department of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence, Netherlands
| | - Antonio G. Lentoor
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, South Africa
| | - Nidhi Sinha
- Indian Institute of Technology, Hydera bad, India
| | - Andrew R. Bender
- Michigan State University, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, East Lansing, USA
| | - Dar Meshi
- Michigan State University, Department of Advertising and Public Relations, USA
| | - Pratik Bhandari
- Department of Psychology, and Department of Language Science and Technology, Saarland University, Germany
| | - Grace Byrne
- Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alma Jeftic
- Peace Research Institute, International Christian University, Japan
| | - Kalina Kalinova
- Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria, Department of General, Experimental, Developmental, and Health Psychology, Bulgaria
| | | | - Manuel Ninaus
- Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Alessia Scarpaci
- Independent Researcher, Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Italy/UK
| | | | - Daniel Pankowski
- University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Faculty of Psychology and University of Warsaw, Faculty of Psychology, Poland
| | - Teodora Yaneva
- Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria, Department of General, Experimental, Developmental, and Health Psychology, Bulgaria
| | | | - Ena Uzelac
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, Department of Psychology, Croatia
| | - Yookyung Lee
- The University of Texas at Austin, Educational Psychology, USA
| | - Shiang-Yi Lin
- the Education University of Hong Kong, Centre for Child and Family Sciences, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Moh Abdul Hakim
- Department of Psychology, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
| | - Eliane Deschrijver
- Ghent University, Department of Experimental Psychology, Belgium; University of New South Wales (UNSW), School of Psychology, Belgium; Australia
| | | | - Aya Shata
- University of Miami, School of Communication, Egypt
| | - Cecilia Reyna
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | | | - Franco Tisocco
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Psicología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora Jeanette Mola
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | | | - Samkelisiwe Mahlungulu
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine,
| | - Daphna Hausman Ozery
- California State University, Northridge, Department of Educational Psychology & Conseling, USA
| | | | - Pablo Sebastián Correa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - María Victoria Ortiz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Roosevelt Vilar
- Faculdades Integradas de Patos, Department of Psychology, Brazil
| | - Tsvetelina Makaveeva
- Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria, Department of General, Experimental, Developmental, and Health Psychology, Bulgaria
| | - Sabrina Stöckli
- Department Consumer Behavior, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Irina Nikolova
- Open University, Faculty of Management sciences, The Netherlands
| | - Mila Bujić
- Tampere University, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Finland
| | - Zea Szebeni
- University of Helsinki, Swedish School of Social Sciences, Finland
| | | | - Mihaela Taranu
- Aarhus University, Insitute for Culture and Society, Interacting Minds centre, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anabel Belaus
- Instituto de Investigaciones Psicológicas (IIPsi), Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Dmitrii Dubrov
- National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russian Federation
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Schäfer M, Stark B, Werner AM, Tibubos AN, Reichel JL, Pfirrmann D, Edelmann D, Heller S, Mülder LM, Rigotti T, Letzel S, Dietz P. Health Information Seeking Among University Students Before and During the Corona Crisis-Findings From Germany. Front Public Health 2021; 8:616603. [PMID: 33585388 PMCID: PMC7873736 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.616603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Health information-seeking behavior is the process of gathering information about health and disease and can be influential for health-related perception and behavior. University students are an important target group for prevention and health promotion and largely belong to an age group that is considered to play a leading role in propagating the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Germany. The paper deals with students' health information-seeking behavior before and during the corona crisis, aiming to give insights into its determinants and implications. Using the example of a large German comprehensive university and based on two cross-sectional surveys in the summer of 2019 (n = 4,351) and 2020 (n = 3,066), we investigate which information channels students use for health information, how information seeking changes during the course of the pandemic, and to what extent information seeking is associated with risk perception and risk behavior. For a subsample of participants that participated in both surveys (n = 443), we also trace developments at the individual level through a longitudinal analysis. The results show that students' health information seeking takes place primarily online and changed markedly during the corona crisis. The comparatively high relevance of sources that are largely based on unchecked user-generated content raises the concern whether students' health information-seeking behavior guarantees the necessary quality and reliability of health information. Significant correlations between the intensity of corona-related information seeking, risk perception, and actual risk behavior were found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schäfer
- Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Birgit Stark
- Department of Communication, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Antonia M. Werner
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ana Nanette Tibubos
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer L. Reichel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Pfirrmann
- Department Sport Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dennis Edelmann
- Department Sport Medicine, Rehabilitation and Disease Prevention, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Heller
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lina Marie Mülder
- Department of Work, Organizational, and Business Psychology, Institute for Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Rigotti
- Department of Work, Organizational, and Business Psychology, Institute for Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Letzel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pavel Dietz
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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44
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Alschuler KN, Roberts MK, Herring TE, Ehde DM. Distress and risk perception in people living with multiple sclerosis during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2020; 47:102618. [PMID: 33186805 PMCID: PMC7644263 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background People living with MS during COVID-19 are experiencing the disruptions of the pandemic and concerns that their health status may place them at greater risk for worse COVID-19 outcomes. Objective This study sought to understand how people living with MS in the United States experienced distress and perceived their COVID-19-related risk during the first surge of the pandemic. Methods This was a web-based, self-report survey of people with MS who were living in the United States during the early stage of COVID-19. Primary outcomes were depression, anxiety, and positive-affect and well-being. Participants (N = 491) also provided data on demographics, MS-related factors, COVID-19 factors, and psychological coping. Results Psychological distress was associated with age, psychological coping strategies, and having had symptoms consistent with COVID-19, but not with MS disease-related variables and COVID-19 risk factors. Perception of COVID-19-related risk was associated with age, MS disease severity, COVID-19-related factors, and anxiety. Conclusion This study demonstrated that even during COVID-19, distress and risk perception are primarily driven by psychological factors, experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and age, with minimal contribution from individual differences in health status, providing an impetus for continued efforts to optimize psychological interventions for people living with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin N Alschuler
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Michelle K Roberts
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tracy E Herring
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Dawn M Ehde
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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45
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Varón Sandoval A, González Calixto MB, Ramírez Salazar MDP. Colombia: innovation, trust and emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. MANAGEMENT RESEARCH: JOURNAL OF THE IBEROAMERICAN ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1108/mrjiam-05-2020-1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to reflect on some actions carried out in Colombia, both at the governmental and organizational levels, that can be considered collaborative innovations and that have emerged within this pandemic context seeking to generate an increase in trust and the awakening of others’ emotions, as well as manifestations or expressions of trust and emotions by the population.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a qualitative descriptive study, innovation strategies applied by different sectors to address the current situation of preventive isolation are identified, with the subsequent identification of manifestations resulting from the execution of the strategies and analyzes of the implications in terms of emotions and confidence as research constructs.
Findings
Actions taken by the public administration, instead of generating trust and instilling positive emotions, have generated the opposite and there is evidence of greater acceptance of actions when they come from the general population through strategies that can be assimilated into the application of open collaborative innovation.
Originality/value
This study raises future research challenges, in addition to the practical implications that it may have in terms of the vision of the role of the state and citizens and the impact of administrative decisions regarding the generation of trust and the presence of positive emotions in a crisis context.
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46
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Flesia L, Monaro M, Mazza C, Fietta V, Colicino E, Segatto B, Roma P. Predicting Perceived Stress Related to the Covid-19 Outbreak through Stable Psychological Traits and Machine Learning Models. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3350. [PMID: 33086558 PMCID: PMC7603217 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The global SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and subsequent lockdown had a significant impact on people's daily lives, with strong implications for stress levels due to the threat of contagion and restrictions to freedom. Given the link between high stress levels and adverse physical and mental consequences, the COVID-19 pandemic is certainly a global public health issue. In the present study, we assessed the effect of the pandemic on stress levels in N = 2053 Italian adults, and characterized more vulnerable individuals on the basis of sociodemographic features and stable psychological traits. A set of 18 psycho-social variables, generalized regressions, and predictive machine learning approaches were leveraged. We identified higher levels of perceived stress in the study sample relative to Italian normative values. Higher levels of distress were found in women, participants with lower income, and participants living with others. Higher rates of emotional stability and self-control, as well as a positive coping style and internal locus of control, emerged as protective factors. Predictive learning models identified participants with high perceived stress, with a sensitivity greater than 76%. The results suggest a characterization of people who are more vulnerable to experiencing high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This characterization may contribute to early and targeted intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Flesia
- Associazione Novilunio Onlus, 35020 Ponte San Nicolò (PD), Italy;
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (P.R.)
| | - Valentina Fietta
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
| | - Barbara Segatto
- Department of Political Science, Law, and International Studies, University of Padua, 35123 Padua, Italy;
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (P.R.)
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47
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Jeżewska-Zychowicz M, Plichta M, Królak M. Consumers' Fears Regarding Food Availability and Purchasing Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Importance of Trust and Perceived Stress. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092852. [PMID: 32957585 PMCID: PMC7551381 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate whether trust in circulating information and perceived stress are predictors of consumers’ fear of limited access to food as well as predictors of food purchase behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) technique was used to collect data from 1033 Polish adults in March 2020. Logistic regression was used to estimate the likelihood of fear of limited access to food and the likelihood of purchase of larger amounts of food than usual. The likelihood of experiencing fear of limited access to food increased by 16% with higher perceived stress, by 50% with higher trust in “Mass media and friends”, and by 219% with perceived changes in food availability in the previous month. Trust in “Polish government institutions” decreased the chance of experiencing such fears by 22%. The likelihood of purchasing larger quantities of food than usual increased by 9% with higher perceived stress, by 46% with higher trust in “Mass media and friends”, by 81% with perceived changes in food availability in the last month, and by 130% with fears of limited access to food as the pandemic spreads. Government institutions may have difficulty in disseminating pandemic-related recommendations through media, not only due to relatively low trust people have in media organizations but also due to the increasing likelihood of the occurrence of both fears regarding food availability and panic-stricken food-buying behaviors with increase in trust in this source of information. Therefore, it is necessary to develop interventions that will reduce perceived stress and improve the trust in information from reputable sources.
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48
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Singh P, Cumberland WG, Ugarte D, Bruckner TA, Young SD. Association Between Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scores and Online Activity Among US Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e21490. [PMID: 32841152 PMCID: PMC7485999 DOI: 10.2196/21490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from past pandemics suggests that fear, uncertainty, and loss of control during large-scale public health crises may lead to increased pandemic-related information seeking, particularly among persons predisposed to high anxiety. In such groups, a greater consumption of information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic may increase anxiety. OBJECTIVE In this study, we examine the association between online activity and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scores in the United States. METHODS We recruited participants for an online survey through advertisements on various platforms such as Google, Facebook, and Reddit. A total of 406 adult US participants with moderate to severe (≥10) GAD-7 scores met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. Anxiety levels measured using the GAD-7 scale formed our primary outcome. Our key independent variables were average daily time spent online and average daily time spent online searching about COVID-19 within the past 14 days. We used as controls potential confounders of the relation between our key independent variables and GAD-7 scores, namely, sleep quality, the COVID-19 Fear Inventory scale, binge drinking, substance use, prescription drug abuse, and sociodemographic attributes. RESULTS Linear multivariate regression analyses showed that GAD-7 scores were higher among those who spent >4 hours online (per day) searching for information about COVID-19 (coefficient 1.29, P=.002), controlling for all other covariates. The total time spent online was not statistically associated with GAD-7 scores. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study indicate that limiting pandemic-related online information seeking may aid anxiety management in our study population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvati Singh
- University of California Institute for Prediction Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - William G Cumberland
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dominic Ugarte
- School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tim-Allen Bruckner
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sean D Young
- University of California Institute for Prediction Technology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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49
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Thomas T, Wilson A, Tonkin E, Miller ER, Ward PR. How the Media Places Responsibility for the COVID-19 Pandemic-An Australian Media Analysis. Front Public Health 2020; 8:483. [PMID: 32974266 PMCID: PMC7472525 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Global pandemics are likely to increase in frequency and severity, and media communication of key messages represents an important mediator of the behavior of individuals in response to public health countermeasures. Where the media places responsibility during a pandemic is therefore important to study as blame is commonly used as a tool to influence public behavior but can also lead to the subjective persecution of groups. The aim of this paper is to investigate where the media places responsibility for COVID-19 in Australia. Specifically, we identify the key themes and frames that are present and observe how they changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to government actions and progression of the pandemic. Understanding media representations of the COVID-19 pandemic will provide insights into ways in which responsibility is framed in relation to health action. Newspaper articles from the Australian and the Sydney Morning Herald were sampled between January 20 and March 31 2020 on every second Monday. Factiva was used to identify and download newspaper articles using the following search criteria: "COVID-19" OR coronavirus OR "Wuhan virus" OR "corona virus" OR "Hebei virus" OR "wet market" OR (Wuhan AND virus) OR (market AND Wuhan and virus) or (China AND Virus) or (Novel AND Virus). Articles were imported into Nvivo and thematic and framing analyses were used. The results show that framing of the pandemic was largely based on societal issues with the theme of economic disruption prevalent throughout the study time period. Moral evaluations of the pandemic were infrequent initially but increased co-incident with the first signs of "flattening of the curve." Explicit examples of blame were very rare but were commonly implied based on the causal origin of the virus. The Australian printed media were slow to report on the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition they were reluctant to apportion blame until the end of the study period, after confirmed case rates had begun to slow. This is interpreted as being due to an evaluation of the pandemic risks as low by the media and therefore the tools of othering and blame were not used until after the study period when the actual risks had begun to abate, more consistent with an inquiry than a mediating mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Paul R. Ward
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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50
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Ko NY, Lu WH, Chen YL, Li DJ, Chang YP, Wang PW, Yen CF. Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Constructs of COVID-19 Health Beliefs: A Comparison Between Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Individuals in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124282. [PMID: 32549345 PMCID: PMC7345535 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This online survey study aimed to compare the cognitive, affective, and behavioral constructs of health beliefs related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals in Taiwan. In total, 533 sexual minority and 1421 heterosexual participants were recruited through a Facebook advertisement. The constructs pertaining to cognition (perceived relative susceptibility to COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 severity, having sufficient knowledge and information on COVID-19, and confidence in coping with COVID-19), affect (worry toward COVID-19), and behavior (adoption of health-protective behaviors) in relation to health beliefs about COVID-19 were compared between sexual minority and heterosexual participants. The results indicated that sexual minority participants had lower perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, greater self-confidence in coping with COVID-19, and lower worry about COVID-19 and were less likely to maintain good indoor ventilation and disinfect their household than heterosexual individuals. Sexual orientation is the modifying factor for the Health Belief Model in the COVID-19 pandemic and should be taken into consideration when medical professionals establish prevention programs for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Ying Ko
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Hsin Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City 60002, Taiwan;
- Department of Senior Citizen Service Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 71710, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Dian-Jeng Li
- Department of Addiction Science, Kaohsiung Municipal Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital, Kaohsiung 80276, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, NY 14214-3079, USA;
| | - Peng-Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 6822) (C.-F.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.Y.); Tel.: +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 6822) (C.-F.Y.)
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