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Jung HO, Han SW. Factors that influence happiness of nursing students according to COVID-19 infection status. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:588. [PMID: 39183292 PMCID: PMC11346277 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02237-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Happiness is a cognitive and emotional evaluation of one's life, and the upward approach affects satisfaction and happiness throughout life. Because nursing students must experience medical settings closely related to COVID-19 infection through clinical practice, they are vulnerable to exposure to infection and academic stress, and are also sensitive to personal life satisfaction and happiness. In this study, Korean nursing students who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during the COVID-19 endemic era were divided into nursing students infected with COVID-19 and non-infected nursing students. By identifying the effects of college life adaptation, leisure satisfaction from club activities, and family health on happiness, which are individual sub-factors of happiness, we intend to provide basic data for the development of intervention programs for promoting their happiness. METHODS Data were collected from October 4, 2023 to November 15, 2023. The subjects were 343 students enrolled in five nursing schools in four major cities (D, G, K, and Y) in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS For COVID+ students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and family strengths. This model had r2 = 0.401; i.e., it explained 40.1% of the variability in happiness. For COVID0 students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and subjective health status, with r2 = 0.346. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate the necessity of developing a happiness-promotion program for nursing students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ok Jung
- College of Nursing, The Research Institute of Nursing Science, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Han
- Department of Nursing, Kwangju Women's University, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, South Korea.
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2
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Alfasi Y. We only know that we don't know: attachment patterns and psychological coping during the COVID-19 pandemic - the mediation role of intolerance of uncertainty. THE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 163:806-825. [PMID: 35430955 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2022.2061326] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic created sudden changes in many areas of daily life and increased uncertainty about the future. Two studies examined the association between attachment patterns and mental well-being during the pandemic, the mediating role of intolerance of uncertainty (IOU), and factors related to social relationships and self-perceptions. The results of the first study, conducted at the outbreak of the pandemic, indicated that individuals with high levels of attachment anxiety experienced more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions at that time, and that IOU and perceived social support mediated these associations. The results of the second study, conducted several months into the pandemic, indicated an association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and perceived stress during the time of the pandemic. Results of Study 2 also indicated that IOU mediated the association between attachment anxiety and stress, and that sense of coherence (SOC) mediated the association between attachment anxiety and avoidance, and stress. These findings underscore the adverse psychological effects of uncertain situations, especially for individuals with a fragile foundation of interpersonal support, thus emphasizing the need for action to reduce uncertainty, especially in times of emergency.
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3
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Ben-Ezra M, Shacham M, Hamama-Raz Y, Palgi Y. Factors associated with ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder and complex posttraumatic stress disorder among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e49. [PMID: 37854413 PMCID: PMC10579674 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ICD-11 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD have been understudied in the older population. The study focused on the associations between traumatic exposure before the pandemic, COVID-19 worries, depression, and loneliness with current PTSD and CPTSD among older adults. A random sample of five hundred and twelve Israeli older adults (Mage = 72.67 ± 3.81, range 68-87) was recruited using a Web-based survey company (Ipanel, Israel). Participants completed questionnaires of demographic details, self-rated health, COVID-19 worries, trauma exposure, depressive symptoms, level of loneliness, PTSD, and CPTSD. Univariate logistic regression revealed that trauma exposure, COVID-19 worries, depression, and loneliness were associated with PTSD. Multinomial regression revealed that only trauma exposure was associated with PTSD among older adults with PTSD compared with those not reaching the PTSD cutoff level. In the comparison between older adults suffering from CPTSD with those not reaching the PTSD cutoff level, being married, higher levels of trauma exposure, COVID-19 worries, depression, and loneliness were associated with a higher risk of CPTSD. Results suggest that specific factors may be significant psychological correlates of CPTSD symptoms among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying these factors could assist practitioners in tailoring more effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maayan Shacham
- Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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4
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Bharti T, Mishra N, Ojha SC. Mindfulness and Subjective Well-Being of Indian University Students: Role of Resilience during COVID-19 Pandemic. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:bs13050353. [PMID: 37232590 DOI: 10.3390/bs13050353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is presently a global health issue that negatively affects the mental health and well-being of students globally. The latest investigations have recognized the role of mindfulness in individual subjective well-being. This study explores the mediating role of resilience in the overall relationship between mindfulness and subjective well-being among Indian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected between 10 August 2020 to 24 October 2020 via a self-administered questionnaire from 589 university students in India. Results revealed that resilience has a partial mediating role between mindfulness and subjective well-being. The results substantiate that resilience has an important role in mindfulness, exercising its advantageous effects on mental health of the students in higher education institutions. This research adds to the knowledge base of mindfulness and subjective well-being of university students, especially in contingent times. Lastly, the study contributes to the existing mindfulness theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teena Bharti
- Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, Bihar 823234, India
| | - Nidhi Mishra
- Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, Bihar 823234, India
| | - Satish Chandra Ojha
- School of Entrepreneurship and Management (formerly STEP-HBTI), Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur 208002, India
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5
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Padmanabhanunni A, Pretorius T. The Resilience of South African School Teachers in the Time of COVID-19: Coping with Risk of Infection, Loneliness, and Anxiety. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3462. [PMID: 36834157 PMCID: PMC9965853 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated an overall increase in the global prevalence of mental health disorders and psychological distress. However, against this backdrop, there was also evidence of adaptation and coping, which suggested the influence of protective factors. The current study aims to extend previous research on the role of protective factors by investigating the health-sustaining and mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between perceived vulnerability to disease, loneliness, and anxiety. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of schoolteachers (N = 355) who completed the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire, the short form of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, and the trait scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Scale, through an online link created with Google Forms. The results of path analysis indicated significant negative associations between resilience and both loneliness and anxiety. These results indicate the health-sustaining role of resilience. In addition, resilience mediated the relationships between germ aversion and perceived infectability, on the one hand, and loneliness and anxiety, on the other hand. The findings confirm that resilience can play a substantial role in counteracting the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tyrone Pretorius
- Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa
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6
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Tingvold M, Albert I, Hoffmann M, Murdock E, Nell J, Kornadt AE. Subjective age, worry and risk-related perceptions in older adults in times of a pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274293. [PMID: 36174067 PMCID: PMC9522013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
During the Covid-19 pandemic, older people have been in the spotlight of the public debate. Given their higher risk of severe outcomes of the disease, they have been described as especially vulnerable and as a burden to others and society. We thus wanted to investigate how older people’s perception of their own age, that is their subjective age, as well as their Covid-19 related risks and worries were related during the pandemic and whether these relationships varied according to participants’ subjective health. We used data from the longitudinal CRISIS study which was conducted in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg in June and October 2020. Participants were aged 60–98 and responded on questionnaires regarding their subjective age, worry of falling ill with Covid-19, perceived risk of contracting the virus, perceived risk of falling seriously ill if they contracted Covid-19, as well as their subjective health and covariates. Three cross-lagged panel models were constructed to explore the longitudinal, bidirectional relationships between the variables. Cross-sectionally, a higher subjective age was related to more perceived risk of a serious course of disease. Longitudinally, subjective age and worry did not show any significant association over time, and neither did subjective age and perceived risk of contracting the virus. However, subjective health significantly moderated the relationship of worry and subjective age, showing different trajectories in the relationship depending on whether subjective health was good or bad. Higher perceived risk of falling seriously ill increased subjective age over time. Again, subjective health moderated this relationship: the perceived risk of falling seriously ill affected subjective age only for those with better subjective health. Our findings show the interactive relationship between subjective age and Covid-19 related cognitions and emotions and provide guidance for identifying older people that are most susceptible for negative age-related communication during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiken Tingvold
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabelle Albert
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | | | - Elke Murdock
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Josepha Nell
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anna E. Kornadt
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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7
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Moon J, Woo S, Shim J, Lee WS. Antecedents of Subjective Health among Korean Senior Citizens Using Archival Data. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:315. [PMID: 36135119 PMCID: PMC9496000 DOI: 10.3390/bs12090315] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the determinants of subjective health among South Korean senior citizens. Secondary data for the year 2018 was used from the Senior Citizen Research Panel data collected by the Korea Employment Information Service. A total of 3822 valid observations were analyzed. The dependent variable was subjective health, and the independent variables were religion participation, social gathering participation, economic activity, food expenditure, leisure expenditure, travel frequency, and art watching frequency. Descriptive analysis, correlation matrix, and independent t-test were carried out for data analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed using assets, age, and gender as control variables to test the research hypotheses. The results indicate that all the proposed attributes have a significant positive impact on the subjective health of Korean senior citizens, with implications for policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonho Moon
- Department of Tourism Administration, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Seoryeon Woo
- Department of Tourism and Recreation, Kyonggi University, Seoul 03746, Korea
| | - Jimin Shim
- Department of Tourism and Recreation, Kyonggi University, Seoul 03746, Korea
| | - Won Seok Lee
- Department of Tourism and Recreation, Kyonggi University, Seoul 03746, Korea
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8
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Qiao S, Li Z, Liang C, Li X, Rudisill C. Three dimensions of COVID-19 risk perceptions and their socioeconomic correlates in the United States: A social media analysis. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2022:10.1111/risa.13993. [PMID: 35822654 PMCID: PMC9350290 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Social media analysis provides an alternate approach to monitoring and understanding risk perceptions regarding COVID-19 over time. Our current understandings of risk perceptions regarding COVID-19 do not disentangle the three dimensions of risk perceptions (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, and negative emotion) as the pandemic has evolved. Data are also limited regarding the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on COVID-19-related risk perceptions over time. To address these knowledge gaps, we extracted tweets regarding COVID-19-related risk perceptions and developed indicators for the three dimensions of risk perceptions based on over 502 million geotagged tweets posted by over 4.9 million Twitter users from January 2020 to December 2021 in the United States. We examined correlations between risk perception indicator scores and county-level SDOH. The three dimensions of risk perceptions demonstrate different trajectories. Perceived severity maintained a high level throughout the study period. Perceived susceptibility and negative emotion peaked on March 11, 2020 (COVID-19 declared global pandemic by WHO) and then declined and remained stable at lower levels until increasing once again with the Omicron period. Relative frequency of tweet posts on risk perceptions did not closely follow epidemic trends of COVID-19 (cases, deaths). Users from socioeconomically vulnerable counties showed lower attention to perceived severity and susceptibility of COVID-19 than those from wealthier counties. Examining trends in tweets regarding the multiple dimensions of risk perceptions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can help policymakers frame in-time, tailored, and appropriate responses to prevent viral spread and encourage preventive behavior uptake in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Big Data Health Science Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Address correspondence to Shan Qiao, Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, 915 Greene St Room 529, Columbia, SC 29208, USA; tel:+1803-777-6844;
| | - Zhenlong Li
- Geoinformation and Big Data Research Lab, Department of Geography, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Big Data Health Science Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Big Data Health Science Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Caroline Rudisill
- Department of Health Promotion Education and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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9
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Are Personal Resources and Perceived Stress Associated with Psychological Outcomes among Israeli Teachers during the Third COVID-19 Lockdown? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095634. [PMID: 35565027 PMCID: PMC9099812 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Teachers’ psychological responses during a pandemic, such as COVID-19, play an important role in their adaptation to the new routine. This research aimed to explore the association between personal resources (sense of control, social support), perceived stress, and three psychological outcomes (resilience, depression, loneliness) among teachers during the third COVID-19 lockdown in Israel. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 208 teachers. Significant associations were found between perceived stress, resilience, depression, and loneliness. Sense of control was significantly associated with perceived social support. The research model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling. The model yielded appropriate indices of fit (χ2(10) = 10.31, χ2/df = 1.03, p = 0.413, NFI = 0.970, NNFI = 0.997, CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.012, 95%CI RMSEA = 0.077), demonstrating that the model fits the data well. Findings suggest that in order to improve teachers’ psychological health during a virus outbreak, it is recommended to pay attention to their personal resources and perceived stress.
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10
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Ernst M, Beutel ME, Brähler E. Cancer as a risk factor for distress and its interactions with sociodemographic variables in the context of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2021. [PMID: 35132127 PMCID: PMC8821553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic poses a psychological challenge, especially for individuals with chronic illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of cancer with distress, including its interplay with further risk and protective factors. We conducted a representative survey of the German population (N = 2503, including N = 144 with a cancer diagnosis) during the first wave of the pandemic. In multiple linear and logistic regression analyses, we tested associations of cancer with depression and anxiety symptoms and suicidal ideation. We also investigated moderating effects of age, gender, income, living situation, marital status, and loneliness. Individuals with cancer were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (φ = .061), suicidal ideation (φ = .050), and loneliness (φ = .044) than other participants. In regression analyses that controlled for sociodemographic differences, cancer was still associated with anxiety symptoms. We also observed interaction effects, indicating that this relation was especially strong in men with cancer and that cancer survivors with a low income were particularly likely to report anxiety symptoms. The findings demonstrate that cancer survivors are a vulnerable group and that factors of different life domains interact in shaping well-being in the population, necessitating comprehensive risk assessment and support offers during the pandemic and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Ernst
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Manfred E Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Su L, Du J, Du Z. Government Communication, Perceptions of COVID-19, and Vaccination Intention: A Multi-Group Comparison in China. Front Psychol 2022; 12:783374. [PMID: 35126238 PMCID: PMC8814357 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.783374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Government communication has been playing an important role in mass vaccination to conduct the largest vaccination campaign of the world for COVID-19 and to counter vaccine hesitancy. This study employs the health belief model to examine the association between government communication and the COVID-19 vaccination intention. A survey of Chinese adults (N = 557) was conducted in March 2021, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the multi-construct relationships. The findings indicate that government communication has both direct positive association with vaccination intention and indirect association with vaccination intention through the mediation of perceived severity, benefits, and barriers. Multi-group comparisons suggest that individuals from private sectors are more easily mobilized to receive COVID-19 vaccination by government communication than those from public sectors. Similarly, the correlation between government communication and the vaccination intention of individuals with a good health status was stronger than that of those with a poor health status. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linsen Su
- School of Language and Communication, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Juana Du
- School of Communication and culture, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Zhitao Du
- School of Journalism and Communication, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS), Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zhitao Du,
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12
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Pasupuleti MK, Penmetsa GS, Gottumukkala SN, Vintha J, Santosh Vamsi E, Meghana G. Emotional Health Status of Postgraduate Students of Periodontics in India During COVID Health Crisis-A Questionnaire-Based Study. J Patient Exp 2021; 8:23743735211056436. [PMID: 34869837 PMCID: PMC8640310 DOI: 10.1177/23743735211056436] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dental students, especially postgraduate students present a higher risk of getting infected because of their close contact with the patients during this pandemic. The objectives of the study include (a) the reasons for postgraduate students’ altered emotional status during coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. (b) To assess the kind of infection protocols adopted. (c) To assess the impacts of postgraduate students’ emotional status on treating patients with periodontal problems during the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 2020 to December 2020. The emotional status of postgraduate students was assessed in 2 phases that are at the initial phase of COVID infection and lockdown and the second phase when the lockdown was prolonged. Questionnaires were distributed to the Postgraduate students of periodontics all over India to assess their level of awareness of COVID infection, type of infection control measures followed during the pandemic period, as well as the outpatient turnout during the lockdown period. Results of this study stated that more than 80% of students addressed the decline in the number of patients to surgical clinics, 76.3% of postgraduates were worried about themselves and their families due to the pandemic situation. Surprisingly, 74.3% of them even worried about losing their expertize or skills due to a long lockdown period. Dental postgraduates all over India are willing to treat their patients during the period of a pandemic but in strict compliance with infection control guidelines. This study assessed the emotional responses of the postgraduates during the pandemic through the questionnaire and concluded that all the professionals are ready to resume their clinical activities with adequate guidelines provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - G Meghana
- Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, India
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13
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Kaim A, Siman-Tov M, Jaffe E, Adini B. From Isolation to Containment: Perceived Fear of Infectivity and Protective Behavioral Changes during the COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6503. [PMID: 34208729 PMCID: PMC8296478 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, maintenance of protective behavior is a continued challenge in the effort to contain the spread of the virus. A cross-sectional study via an internet questionnaire was utilized to elucidate changes in compliance to protective behavior among the Israeli population (n = 1120), after the beginning of the vaccination campaign. Comparison was made between individuals who were previously infected with the virus, those who received one dose of inoculation with the vaccine, and individuals that were neither infected or vaccinated. The study results indicate that those who were previously infected with the COVID-19 virus were less careful about mask wearing (18.8%) and social distancing (29.7%), as compared to the other examined groups (regarding mask wearing, 8.2% and 11.6% respectively, and with regard to social distancing 12.8% and 19.2%), and may require targeted risk communication campaigns to address this population. Furthermore, the study revealed that those that were non-Jewish (as compared to Jewish study counterparts) or that were older (19+) were more vigilant in their protective behavior (29.6% vs. 11.2% respectively for social distancing and 29.6% vs. 11.1% respectively for mask wearing). Despite a successful initial vaccination campaign in Israel, public health officials need to engage all members of the public to unremittingly observe compliance to directed health guidelines, to ensure that the results of previous governmental efforts in fighting the pandemic (such as lockdowns) will be effectively sustained, and the road to containment will be hastened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Kaim
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel; (A.K.); (M.S.-T.)
- Israel National Center for Trauma & Emergency Medicine Research, The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 5266202, Israel
| | - Maya Siman-Tov
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel; (A.K.); (M.S.-T.)
- Public Relations, Training and Volunteers Division, Magen David Adom, Igal Alon 70, Tel Aviv 6706215, Israel;
| | - Eli Jaffe
- Public Relations, Training and Volunteers Division, Magen David Adom, Igal Alon 70, Tel Aviv 6706215, Israel;
| | - Bruria Adini
- Department of Emergency and Disaster Management, Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6139001, Israel; (A.K.); (M.S.-T.)
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14
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Shinan-Altman S, Levkovich I. Emotional reactions towards COVID-19 among persons with diabetes. Int Health 2021; 14:170-175. [PMID: 33974703 PMCID: PMC8136032 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emotional impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on populations at large is emerging in the literature. However, the emotional response of persons with diabetes to the pandemic is only now beginning to emerge. Therefore this study aimed to identify factors contributing to emotional reactions towards this pandemic among persons with diabetes. A total of 205 persons with diabetes participated in this cross-sectional online survey between 14 May and 22 June 2020. Participants completed measures of emotional reactions towards COVID-19, perceived diabetes status, perceived susceptibility, knowledge about COVID-19, sense of mastery and sociodemographic questionnaires. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and regression analysis. According to the results, the mean score of negative emotional reactions towards COVID-19 was 3.45 (standard deviation 1.11, range 1–5), meaning that the score was relatively high. Higher levels of negative emotional reactions towards COVID-19 were associated with higher perceived susceptibility, greater knowledge about COVID-19 and a lower sense of mastery. The study's findings emphasize the need to communicate ongoing knowledge regarding COVID-19 and diabetes as well as to provide persons with diabetes with the necessary emotional support related to coping with diabetes and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Shinan-Altman
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Inbar Levkovich
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Oranim Academic College of Education, Israel
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15
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Eder SJ, Steyrl D, Stefanczyk MM, Pieniak M, Martínez Molina J, Pešout O, Binter J, Smela P, Scharnowski F, Nicholson AA. Predicting fear and perceived health during the COVID-19 pandemic using machine learning: A cross-national longitudinal study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247997. [PMID: 33705439 PMCID: PMC7951840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
During medical pandemics, protective behaviors need to be motivated by effective communication, where finding predictors of fear and perceived health is of critical importance. The varying trajectories of the COVID-19 pandemic in different countries afford the opportunity to assess the unique influence of 'macro-level' environmental factors and 'micro-level' psychological variables on both fear and perceived health. Here, we investigate predictors of fear and perceived health using machine learning as lockdown restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were introduced in Austria, Spain, Poland and Czech Republic. Over a seven-week period, 533 participants completed weekly self-report surveys which measured the target variables subjective fear of the virus and perceived health, in addition to potential predictive variables related to psychological factors, social factors, perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD), and economic circumstances. Viral spread, mortality and governmental responses were further included in the analysis as potential environmental predictors. Results revealed that our models could accurately predict fear of the virus (accounting for approximately 23% of the variance) using predictive factors such as worrying about shortages in food supplies and perceived vulnerability to disease (PVD), where interestingly, environmental factors such as spread of the virus and governmental restrictions did not contribute to this prediction. Furthermore, our results revealed that perceived health could be predicted using PVD, physical exercise, attachment anxiety and age as input features, albeit with smaller effect sizes. Taken together, our results emphasize the importance of 'micro-level' psychological factors, as opposed to 'macro-level' environmental factors, when predicting fear and perceived health, and offer a starting point for more extensive research on the influences of pathogen threat and governmental restrictions on the psychology of fear and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Josephine Eder
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Steyrl
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michał Pieniak
- Institute of Psychology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Ondra Pešout
- Department of Psychology, Jan Evangelista Purkyne University, Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Binter
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Patrick Smela
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Scharnowski
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, University of Zürich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Zürich Center for Integrative Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew A. Nicholson
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Canada
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16
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Levkovich I, Shinan-Altman S, Essar Schvartz N, Alperin M. Depression and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Elderly Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel: A Cross-sectional Study. J Prim Care Community Health 2021; 12:2150132721995448. [PMID: 33576290 PMCID: PMC7883147 DOI: 10.1177/2150132721995448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aims to assess how optimism, social support, and perceived susceptibility are associated with depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life among elderly patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 256 participants age 60 through 95 completed the following self-administered questionnaires: Perceived Susceptibility, Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Symptoms of Depression (CES-D) and health-related quality of life (SF-12v2 Health Survey). Data were collected from June to July 2020, 3 months after the COVID-19 state of emergency was declared in Israel. Participants were interviewed by family medicine residents via telephone. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, t-tests between groups, regression analyses, and Hayes' PROCESS to analyze a moderated mediation model. RESULTS Of the elderly participants, 37.5% were classified as having depression. Optimism, social support and health-related quality of life were positively associated. Higher optimism and social support were related to lower perceived susceptibility and lower depression. Results of a multivariate regression explained 29% of the variance in depression and 19% of the variance in health-related quality of life. The relationships assessed by 4 Process models were significant, such that higher optimism and social support were related to lower perceived susceptibility, which in turn was related to higher depression and lower health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Optimism and social support may be effective in coping with challenges and buffering depression. Perceived susceptibility may mediate the association of optimism and social support with higher depression and lower health-related quality of life. The conclusions of this study underscore the need to treat depression among older adults during this period. Hence, healthcare providers should also support elderly patients living at home. In giving this type of help, healthcare providers should strive to increase social support and optimism among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mordechai Alperin
- Clalit Health Services, Haifa and Western Galilee District, Haifa, Israel
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