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Danaei Mehrabad S, Panahi S, Sedghi S, Aryankhesal A. Information and health literacy policies during pandemics: A narrative review. Health Info Libr J 2024. [PMID: 39101635 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled governments globally to formulate policies addressing the unique needs of their populations. These policies are critical in disseminating accurate information and enhancing health literacy during crises. OBJECTIVE This narrative review aims to identify and assess effective information and health literacy policies implemented during pandemics. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was performed across five electronic information sources (PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Emerald Insight, Scopus), supplemented by Google Scholar. The analysis employed Walt and Gilson's health policy triangle framework to categorize and evaluate the findings. RESULTS The review revealed that the policies could be grouped into several key categories: educational programs, laws and regulations, knowledge sharing, national programs, and different information sources. The development of these policies involved multifaceted processes influenced by political, scientific, economic, cultural and social factors, as well as the involvement of multiple stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This review offers significant insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. By understanding the dimensions and components of effective information and health literacy policies, stakeholders can better prepare for and respond to future pandemics and similar health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Danaei Mehrabad
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sirous Panahi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Sedghi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aidin Aryankhesal
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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2
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Greenhalgh T, MacIntyre CR, Baker MG, Bhattacharjee S, Chughtai AA, Fisman D, Kunasekaran M, Kvalsvig A, Lupton D, Oliver M, Tawfiq E, Ungrin M, Vipond J. Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0012423. [PMID: 38775460 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00124-23] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts-of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohana Kunasekaran
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda Kvalsvig
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Lupton
- Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matt Oliver
- Professional Standards Advocate, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Essa Tawfiq
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joe Vipond
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Tomassi A, Falegnami A, Romano E. Mapping automatic social media information disorder. The role of bots and AI in spreading misleading information in society. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303183. [PMID: 38820281 PMCID: PMC11142451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an analysis on information disorder in social media platforms. The study employed methods such as Natural Language Processing, Topic Modeling, and Knowledge Graph building to gain new insights into the phenomenon of fake news and its impact on critical thinking and knowledge management. The analysis focused on four research questions: 1) the distribution of misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation across different platforms; 2) recurring themes in fake news and their visibility; 3) the role of artificial intelligence as an authoritative and/or spreader agent; and 4) strategies for combating information disorder. The role of AI was highlighted, both as a tool for fact-checking and building truthiness identification bots, and as a potential amplifier of false narratives. Strategies proposed for combating information disorder include improving digital literacy skills and promoting critical thinking among social media users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tomassi
- Engineering Faculty, Uninettuno International Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Falegnami
- Engineering Faculty, Uninettuno International Telematic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elpidio Romano
- Engineering Faculty, Uninettuno International Telematic University, Rome, Italy
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Smith N, Donaldson M, Mitton C, Lee E. Communication in disasters to support families with children with medical complexity and special healthcare needs: a rapid scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1229738. [PMID: 38544735 PMCID: PMC10967951 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1229738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Disasters can disrupt normal healthcare processes, with serious effects on children who depend upon regular access to the health care system. Children with medical complexity (CMC) are especially at risk. These children have chronic medical conditions, and may depend on medical technology, like feeding tubes. Without clear, evidence-based processes to connect with healthcare teams, families may struggle to access the services and supports they need during disasters. There is limited research about this topic, which has been pushed forward in importance as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors therefore conducted a rapid scoping review on this topic, with the intention to inform policy processes. Both the peer-reviewed and gray literatures on disaster, CMC, and communication were searched in summer 2020 and spring 2021. Twenty six relevant articles were identified, from which four main themes were extracted: 1. Cooperative and collaborative planning. 2. Proactive outreach, engagement, and response. 3. Use of existing social networks to connect with families. 4. Return to usual routines. Based on this review, good practices appear to involve including families, professionals, other stakeholders, and children themselves in pre-disaster planning; service providers using proactive outreach at the outset of a crisis event; working with existing peer and neighborhood networks for support; employing multiple and two-way communication channels, including social media, to connect with families; re-establishing care processes as soon as possible, which may include virtual connections; addressing mental health issues as well as physical functioning; and prioritizing the resumption of daily routines. Above all, a well-established and ongoing relationship among children, their caregivers, and healthcare teams could reduce disruptions when disaster strikes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neale Smith
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Meghan Donaldson
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Craig Mitton
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Esther Lee
- Complex Care Program, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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5
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Gazibara T, Cvjetkovic S, Milic M, Dotlic J, Maksimovic N, Jovanovic V, Jeremic Stojkovic V. Preferences of COVID-19 Vaccines in the General Population in Belgrade, Serbia: A Qualitative Study. Behav Med 2024; 50:16-25. [PMID: 35672260 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2022.2085652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Few countries provided multiple COVID-19 vaccines for their citizens right from the start of mass immunization. In Serbia, four vaccines were available. Circumstances in which people had several options to choose from are unique. The purpose of this study was to identify motivators behind COVID-19 vaccination and the choice of COVID-19 vaccine among people who were immunized against COVID-19. Qualitative interviews with 35 vaccinated people aged > 18 years were conducted in May 2021 at the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, a reference institution for vaccination. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Four topics emerged: 1) Decision to receive COVID-19 vaccine; 2) Sources of information about the vaccine; 3) Choice of the COVID-19 vaccine and 4) Anti-vaccination sentiment around the vaccinated people. Participants were classified in two groups: those who were determined to receive the vaccine and those who were hesitant. People who were hesitant decided to receive the vaccine after reviewing the information collected from various sources, especially physicians. Although some participants accepted any vaccine regardless of their characteristics, there were others who had explicit preferences. These preferences stemmed mainly from their beliefs about particular vaccine's efficacy and safety, COVID-19 status (previous infection), living or lifestyle circumstances (residence or travel abroad), doctor's recommendation (underlying health status) or trust in expertise of that particular manufacturer's country of origin. Opting for appropriate vaccine was motivated by reasons specific to various individuals, which enabled them to make choices in line with their preferences and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Gazibara
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Smiljana Cvjetkovic
- Department of Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Milic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina temporarily seated in Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovska Mitrovica, Kosovo, Serbia
| | - Jelena Dotlic
- Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Maksimovic
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Verica Jovanovic
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr Milan Jovanovic Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
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6
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Silva P, Araújo R, Lopes F, Ray S. Nutrition and Food Literacy: Framing the Challenges to Health Communication. Nutrients 2023; 15:4708. [PMID: 38004102 PMCID: PMC10674981 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and food literacy are two important concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they are not synonymous. Nutrition refers to the study of how food affects the body, while food literacy refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make informed decisions about food and its impact on health. Despite the growing awareness of the importance of food literacy, food illiteracy remains a global issue, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. Food illiteracy has serious health implications as it contributes to health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. In addition, food literacy is a complex and multidisciplinary field, and there are numerous challenges to health communication that must be addressed to effectively promote food literacy and improve health outcomes. Addressing food illiteracy and the challenges to health communication is essential to promote health equity and improve health outcomes for all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Silva
- Laboratory of Histology and Embryology, Department of Microscopy, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (U.Porto), Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- iNOVA Media Lab, ICNOVA-NOVA Institute of Communication, NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1069-061 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Araújo
- Departamento de Artes e Humanidades, Escola Superior de Comunicação, Administração e Turismo, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus do Cruzeiro—Avenida 25 de Abril, Cruzeiro, Lote 2, Apartado 128, 5370-202 Mirandela, Portugal;
| | - Felisbela Lopes
- Centro de Estudos de Comunicação e Sociedade, Instituto de Ciências Sociais, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
| | - Sumantra Ray
- NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition & Health, Cambridge CB4 0WS, UK;
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University at Coleraine, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
- Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0DG, UK
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7
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Barbieri J, Recalcati ADS, Ramos AR, Santos AMD, Magalhães AMMD, Riquinho DL. Coping strategies for COVID-19 primary care: a mixed method study. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:2613-2623. [PMID: 37672451 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023289.16392022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This article aims to analyse the COVID-19 coping strategies adopted by municipal health managers in two regions. A mixed method study of the sequential explanatory type was carried out with municipal health managers and primary care coordinators. The quantitative stage was developed with the application of an instrument to 42 managers to identify coping actions and associations with demographic and epidemiological data of COVID-19 in the municipalities. The results aimed at the definition of 15 participants and the collection of data in the qualitative stage, enabling approximation of the meta inferences of the study. Of the actions implemented, there were immediate actions to monitor cases, organize new care flows and encourage the population to adopt nonpharmacological measures. Regional articulation was the device that allowed for expansion and municipal autonomy for testing, reducing contamination and deaths among citizens. Municipal coping strategies that focused on the surveillance of cases and expansion of testing showed positive outcomes in terms of the number of infections and deaths from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Barbieri
- Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110 Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
| | - Andrielli da Silveira Recalcati
- Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110 Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
| | - Adriana Roese Ramos
- Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110 Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
| | - Adriano Maia Dos Santos
- Instituto Multidiciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia. Vitória da Conquista BA Brasil
| | - Ana Maria Muller de Magalhães
- Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110 Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
| | - Deise Lisboa Riquinho
- Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. R. São Manoel 963, Rio Branco. 90620-110 Porto Alegre RS Brasil.
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Fadhel FH. Vaccine hesitancy and acceptance: an examination of predictive factors in COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daab209. [PMID: 34967862 PMCID: PMC8755351 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine hesitancy is a global health issue and can be affected by several variables. We explored the predictive factors and causes of vaccine hesitancy among adults in Saudi Arabia. An online survey method with multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors predicting of vaccine hesitancy in 558 adults (46.24% women and 53.76% men). The prevalence of vaccine hesitancy is 20.6%, with higher rates among females, young people and single people. About 70% of the participants believe that vaccine hesitancy is due to concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, a lack of information about the disease and vaccine or social media. The vaccine acceptance rate is 71.3%; 17.2% are not willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine and 11.5% are unsure. Males and married people are more accepting of the vaccine. The risk factors that predict vaccine hesitancy include age, gender, belief in conspiracy theories and psychosocial factors. Meanwhile, age, gender, belief in conspiracy theories, concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and psychosocial factors significantly predict vaccine acceptance. The high rate of vaccine hesitancy could undermine efforts to combat COVID-19. Factors predicting vaccine hesitancy can be used in interventions to address this issue during major epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahmi Hassan Fadhel
- Psychology Department, College of Education - King Khalid University- Saudi Arabia, Abha. Areej Street, Building No. 7273, Flat 1P. O. Box: 4113, Abha 61421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Hodeidah University, Zaied street, Hodeida, Hodeidah 967, Yemen
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Akrich M, Cochoy F. A Masked Truth? Public Discussions about Face Masks on a French Health Forum. MINERVA 2023; 61:1-20. [PMID: 37359301 PMCID: PMC10106318 DOI: 10.1007/s11024-023-09493-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
By analyzing the discussion on a health forum, we examine how wearing sanitary masks during the Covid-19 pandemic changed people's lives and what adjustments were required. During our review, we encountered theories referred to by participants as "conspiracy theories" that led to heated exchanges on the forum. Surprisingly, these interactions promoted, rather than prevented, collective exploration and resulted in a rich discussion of the issues related to wearing masks. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, we first analyze the dynamics of the discussion, its progression, and the conditions under which it was maintained over time, even given the radical expression of irreconcilable positions. Second, we examine the results of the discussion in terms of describing the problems triggered by the mask and the different authorities on which these descriptions were based. We conclude that the boundaries between science and non-science were occasionally blurred because of the wavering of scientific authorities and the uncertainty of the questions related to the pandemic, rather than because of a generalized distrust of science. We recognize that paradoxically, "conspiracist" theories contribute to the production of knowledge and that the adherence to these theories may stem more from the personal experiences of the individuals who profess them, rather than from the contaminating power of conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Akrich
- Mines Paris, Centre de Sociologie de l’Innovation (CSI), Université PSL, i3 UMR CNRS, 60 bd St Michel, Paris, 75006 France
| | - Franck Cochoy
- LISST (UMR CNRS) and Institut Universitaire de France, Maison de la Recherche, Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, 5 allées Antonio Machado 31058 TOULOUSE Cedex 9, Toulouse, France
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10
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Wall R, Evers J, Haydock D. An International Systematic Review Concerning the Effect of Social Media Exposure on Public Compliance with Infection Prevention and Control Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Infect Prev 2023; 24:103-112. [PMID: 37051306 PMCID: PMC9950031 DOI: 10.1177/17571774231159574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Effective health communication is crucial for achieving positive population health outcomes. This is important for infection prevention and control (IPC), which relies on widespread public compliance to be effective. Whilst social media (SM) platforms disseminate health information, there is conflicting evidence to suggest their influence on compliance with public health guidelines. Objective To appraise the available evidence and determine the extent to which social media exposure contributes to public compliance with IPC measures. Methods A systematic protocol based on the MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines was followed. Observational studies were identified through systematic searches of four electronic databases and a hand search. Following data extraction, eligible studies were quality assessed, and the findings were integrated using narrative synthesis. Findings 15 studies were included. The studies located presented heterogeneous designs and findings. A weak positive association was identified, with 60% of the studies observing a positive association between social media and compliance with IPC measures. 26.7% identified a negative correlation, and 13.3% identified no correlation. Several factors were identified to mediate the relationship, including knowledge and conspiracy beliefs. Discussion This systematic review identified a weak positive correlation between exposure to social media and public compliance with recommended IPC measures, suggesting that social media should be utilised in future IPC related communication strategies. Social media provides a cost-effective, publicly accessible platform to disseminate accurate information, and neutralise misinformation. Recommendations are made for further research to reduce the uncertainty created by the identification of heterogenous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Wall
- University of Chester, Riverside Campus Castle Drive Chester CH1 1SL United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Jean Evers
- University of Chester, Riverside Campus Castle Drive Chester CH1 1SL United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Deborah Haydock
- University of Chester, Riverside Campus Castle Drive Chester CH1 1SL United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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11
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Lupton D. Attitudes to COVID-19 Vaccines Among Australians During the Delta Variant Wave: A Qualitative Interview Study. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:7026242. [PMID: 36738451 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 globally, a range of vaccines has been developed and delivered to reduce viral transmission and prevent COVID cases. This article reports findings from a qualitative research project involving telephone interviews with a diverse group of 40 adult Australians about their experiences of the COVID crisis. Interviews were conducted in late 2021 when Australians were dealing with the Delta variant outbreak and following a major effort on the part of government authorities to improve COVID-19 vaccination supplies and take-up. Responses to a question about COVID vaccines revealed that attitudes to and acceptance of COVID vaccines among this group were overwhelmingly positive. All participants had received at least one vaccine dose and the majority expressed views in support of mass vaccination against COVID. People who were hesitant or cautious about accepting COVID vaccination referred to the vaccines' novelty and potential side effects. While many people were aware of debates about vaccine safety in the news media, trust in science and medical advice about COVID vaccines was strong. Participants wanted to protect themselves and others by accepting the recommended doses. Participants' locale was a major factor in shaping experiences and stances on vaccines. The setting of government targets and mandates for vaccination was a key motivating factor. The goal of 'getting back to normal' was expressed as another reason for accepting vaccination, particularly for those living in areas that had been badly affected by high COVID cases and prolonged lockdowns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Lupton
- Vitalities Lab, Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, Goodsell Building, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney 2052, Australia
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12
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Pranić SM, Vasanthan LT, Thompson JY, Mishra V, Kumar P, Ananda RA, Malih N, Chan KK. Protocol of a scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses about COVID-19 vaccines and associated adverse events from vaccination. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285442. [PMID: 37163502 PMCID: PMC10171674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous dissemination of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) literature can inform decision-makers and the public. Since the widespread use of COVID-19 vaccines, more systematic reviews have summarized the effectiveness and reported adverse events associated with vaccination. Previous systematic and scoping reviews on COVID-19 summarized various aspects surrounding COVID-19, however, a scoping review is needed to summarize the characteristics of COVID-19 vaccines and associated adverse events reported in systematic reviews and meta-analyses to provide comprehensive evidence for informed medical decision-making. We will conduct a scoping review concerning COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events from vaccines. We will search from December 2019 to present in Epistemonikos, Campbell Library, CINAHL (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus, CENTRAL (Ovid), Web of Science, WHO COVID-19 database, Joanna Briggs Institute of Excellence, and COVID-19 Evidence Reviews resource. We will include systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or both of randomized controlled trials and observational studies and exclude individual randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Abstracts and full-texts will be screened prior to selection. Investigators will independently use a calibrated quantitative and qualitative data extraction sheet and rate the quality of articles with AMSTAR, resolving disagreements to aim for good agreement (≥80%). An updated scoping review of the characteristics and safety of COVID-19 vaccines would highlight the accuracy of the evidence to inform decision-making concerning COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Melissa Pranić
- Department of Public Health, University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
- Cochrane Croatia, Split, Croatia
| | - Lenny T Vasanthan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Jacqueline Y Thompson
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Vinayak Mishra
- Department of Children's Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Narges Malih
- Global Health Research Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma, Spain
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ka-King Chan
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Zhou Y, Zhang A, Liu X, Tan X, Miao R, Zhang Y, Wang J. Protecting public's wellbeing against COVID-19 infodemic: The role of trust in information sources and rapid dissemination and transparency of information over time. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1142230. [PMID: 37139363 PMCID: PMC10149692 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1142230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examined how trust in the information about COVID-19 from social media and official media as well as how the information was disseminated affect public's wellbeing directly and indirectly through perceived safety over time. Methods Two online surveys were conducted in China, with the first survey (Time1, N = 22,718) being at the early stage of the pandemic outbreak and the second one (Time 2, N = 2,901) two and a half years later during the zero-COVID policy lockdown period. Key measured variables include trust in official media and social media, perceived rapid dissemination and transparency of COVID-19-related information, perceived safety, and emotional responses toward the pandemic. Data analysis includes descriptive statistical analysis, independent samples t-test, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling. Results Trust in official media, perceived rapid dissemination and transparency of COVID-19-related information, perceived safety, as well as positive emotional response toward COVID-19 increased over time, while trust in social media and depressive response decreased over time. Trust in social media and official media played different roles in affecting public's wellbeing over time. Trust in social media was positively associated with depressive emotions and negatively associated with positive emotion directly and indirectly through decreased perceived safety at Time 1. However, the negative effect of trust in social media on public's wellbeing was largely decreased at Time 2. In contrast, trust in official media was linked to reduced depressive response and increased positive response directly and indirectly through perceived safety at both times. Rapid dissemination and transparency of COVID-19 information contributed to enhanced trust in official media at both times. Conclusion The findings highlight the important role of fostering public trust in official media through rapid dissemination and transparency of information in mitigating the negative impact of COVID-19 infodemic on public's wellbeing over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Zhou
- School of Sociology and Ethnology, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
- Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Airong Zhang
- Health and Biosecurity, CSIRO, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Xiaoliu Liu
- Faculty of Ideological and Political Education and Moral Education, Beijing Institute of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyun Tan
- Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruikai Miao
- Mental Health Education Center, Shijiazhuang Tiedao University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junxiu Wang
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Institute of Sociology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Psychology, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot, China
- *Correspondence: Junxiu Wang,
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14
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Hill PW, Diamond J, Spiegel AN, VanWormer E, Leadabrand M, McQuillan J. Accuracy of COVID-19 relevant knowledge among youth: Number of information sources matters. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267871. [PMID: 36574374 PMCID: PMC9794086 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Can comics effectively convey scientific knowledge about COVID-19 to youth? What types and how many sources of information did youth have about COVID-19 during the pandemic? How are sources of information associated with accurate COVID-19 knowledge? To answer these questions, we surveyed youth in grades 5-9 in a Midwestern United States school district in the winter of 2020-2021. The online survey used measures of COVID-19 knowledge and sources, with an embedded experiment on COVID-19 relevant comics. Guided by an integrated science capital and just-in-time health and science information acquisition model, we also measured level of science capital, science identity, and utility of science for health and society. The school district protocol required parental consent for participation; 264 of ~15,000 youth participated. Youth were randomly assigned one of four comic conditions before receiving an online survey. Results indicate that, similar to knowledge gains in comic studies on other science topics, reading the comics was associated with 7 to 29% higher accuracy about COVID-19. We found that youth reported getting information about COVID-19 from between 0-6 sources including media, family, friends, school, and experts. The bivariate positive association of news versus other sources with accuracy of knowledge did not persist in the full model, yet the positive association of a higher number of sources and accuracy did persist in the multivariate models. The degree of valuing the utility of science for their health moderated the number of sources to accuracy association. Those with less value on science for health had a stronger positive association of number of sources and accuracy in COVID-19 knowledge. We conclude that during a pandemic, even with health and science information ubiquitous in the news media, increasing youth access to a variety of accurate sources of information about science and health can increase youth knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Wonch Hill
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America,* E-mail:
| | - Judy Diamond
- University Libraries & State Museum, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Amy N. Spiegel
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Meghan Leadabrand
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Julia McQuillan
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
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15
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Leung T, Sawchuk K. Double-Bind of Recruitment of Older Adults Into Studies of Successful Aging via Assistive Information and Communication Technologies: Mapping Review. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e43564. [PMID: 36563033 PMCID: PMC9823588 DOI: 10.2196/43564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two fields of research and development targeting the needs of the aging population of the world are flourishing, successful aging and assistive information and communication technologies (A-ICTs). The risks of ageist stereotypes emerging from how we communicate in both discourses are long known. This raises questions about whether using specific age criteria in the context of "aging deficits" can bias participation in, or compliance with, the research process by older adults who try to avoid age-related stigma. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine subject recruitment, study designs (based on age >65 years criteria), as well as discourses in research objectives and conclusions in health research on affordances of A-ICTs for older adults. METHODS A systematic mapping approach was used to characterize rationales, methods, stated objectives, and expected outcomes of studies indexed in PubMed and retrieved through the search logic (["Older Adults" OR Seniors OR Elderly] AND [ICT OR gerontechnology OR "Assistive Technology")] AND ("Healthy Aging" OR "Successful Aging" OR "healthy ageing" OR "successful ageing"). Inclusion criteria were as follows: the study should have recruited older participants (aged >65 years), been qualitative or quantitative research, and involved the introduction of at least one A-ICT for health-related improvements. Exclusion criteria were as follows: reviews, viewpoints, surveys, or studies that used information and communication technology for data collection instead of lifestyle interventions. Content, thematic, and discourse analyses were used to map the study characteristics and synthesize results with respect to the research question. RESULTS Of 180 studies that passed the search logic, 31 (17.2%) satisfied the inclusion criteria (6 randomized controlled trials, 4 purely quantitative studies, 9 focus groups, 2 observational studies, and 10 mixed methods studies). In all but one case, recruitment was pragmatic and nonrandom. Thematic analysis of rationales revealed a high likelihood of emphasis on the burdens of aging, such as rising costs of care (12/31, 39%) and age-related deficits (14/31, 45%). The objectives of the research fell under 4 categories: promotion of physical activity, acceptance and feasibility of robots and remote health monitoring systems, risk detection, and the future of A-ICTs in health care for older adults. Qualitative studies were more attentive to the nonageist research guidelines. Heterogeneity in the study results (both qualitative and quantitative) was not related to age but to individual agency, acceptance, and adherence. A combination of research strategies (participatory, longitudinal, playful, flexible, and need-based designs) proved successful in characterizing variations in study outcomes. Studies that documented recruitment dynamics revealed that fear of stigma was a factor that biased participants' engagement. CONCLUSIONS This review indicates that age is not an informative criterion for recruitment and retention of participants. Charting the dynamics of adoption of, and interaction with, A-ICTs is critical for advancing research and technology development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Sawchuk
- Ageing, Communication and Technology Lab, Department of Communication Studies, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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16
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Jalan M, Riehm K, Agarwal S, Gibson D, Labrique A, Thrul J. Burden of mental distress in the US associated with trust in media for COVID-19 information. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6835391. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, news and social media outlets have played a major role in dissemination of information. This analysis aimed to study the association between trust in social and traditional media and experiences of mental distress among a representative sample of US adults. Data for this study came from National Pandemic Pulse, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey that sampled participants on the Dynata platform. Participants included 6435 adults surveyed between 15–23 December 2020. Ordinal logistic regression analyses examined the associations of trust in (i) social media, (ii) print media, (iii) broadcast TV and (iv) cable TV, for COVID-19-related information with self-reported mental distress (4-item Patient Health Questionnaire), controlling for sociodemographics and census region. Compared with those who distrusted social media, those who trusted social media had 2.09 times (95% CI = 1.84–2.37) greater adjusted odds of being in a more severe category of mental distress. In contrast, compared with those who distrusted print media, those who trusted print media had 0.80 times (95% CI = 0.69–0.93) lower adjusted odds of being in a more severe category of mental distress. No significant associations were found between mental distress and trust in broadcast or cable TV for accessing news about COVID-19. Trust in different news outlets may be associated with mental distress during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies should explore mechanisms behind these associations, including adherence to best practices for crisis reporting among different media sources and exposure of individuals to misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Jalan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Kira Riehm
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Smisha Agarwal
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Dustin Gibson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Alain Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
| | - Johannes Thrul
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore, MD , USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins , Baltimore, MD , USA
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University , Melbourne , Australia
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17
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Tsamakis K, Tsiptsios D, Stubbs B, Ma R, Romano E, Mueller C, Ahmad A, Triantafyllis AS, Tsitsas G, Dragioti E. Summarising data and factors associated with COVID-19 related conspiracy theories in the first year of the pandemic: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:244. [PMID: 36320071 PMCID: PMC9623972 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00959-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Conspiracy theories can have particularly harmful effects by negatively shaping health-related behaviours. A significant number of COVID-19 specific conspiracy theories emerged in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic outbreak. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic (2020), to identify their prevalence, their determinants and their public health consequences. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in PubMed and PsycINFO to detect all studies examining any conspiracy theory related to COVID-19 between January 1st 2020, and January 10th 2021. Forty-three studies were included with a total of 61,809 participants. Between 0.4 and 82.7% of participants agreed with at least one conspiracy belief. Certain sociodemographic factors (young age, female gender, being non-white, lower socioeconomic status), psychological aspects (pessimism, blaming others, anger) and other qualities (political conservatism, religiosity, mistrust in science and using social media as source of information) were associated with increased acceptance of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy beliefs led to harmful health-related behaviours and posed a serious public health threat. Large-scale collaborations between governments and healthcare organizations are needed to curb the spread of conspiracy theories and their adverse consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsamakis
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.5216.00000 0001 2155 0800Second Department of Psychiatry, Attikon University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece ,grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XInstitute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Dimitrios Tsiptsios
- grid.12284.3d0000 0001 2170 8022Neurology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Brendon Stubbs
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Ruimin Ma
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eugenia Romano
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Christoph Mueller
- grid.13097.3c0000 0001 2322 6764Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, London, UK ,grid.37640.360000 0000 9439 0839South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Ayesha Ahmad
- grid.264200.20000 0000 8546 682XInstitute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Andreas S. Triantafyllis
- grid.414012.20000 0004 0622 6596Department of Cardiology, Asklepeion General Hospital Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Tsitsas
- grid.15823.3d0000 0004 0622 2843Counselling Centre, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena Dragioti
- grid.5640.70000 0001 2162 9922Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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18
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Camargo KRD. Science, health, and human rights. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3109-3118. [PMID: 34228586 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1950800] [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: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A solid knowledge base is one of the necessary conditions to assure health as a human right. The contemporary source of such knowledge are the sciences at large, which however presents a problem, since the scientific enterprise can - and has been - a source of human rights violations as well. The field of social studies of science (STS) takes an iconoclast approach to the science, providing much needed criticism of its claims of authority. Recently, however, when attacks from multiple sources attempt to undermine perfectly reasonable scientific developments, the STS approach may not provide the adequate tools to deal with such challenge, especially with regard to health issues. This essay explores, with examples, ways in which the critical stance of STS may be compatible with a defense of proper scientific knowledge - in fact, helping to define what that actually means - without falling in the trap of scientism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Rochel de Camargo
- Instituto de Medicina Social Hésio Cordeiro, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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19
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. The Use of Five Public Health Themes in Understanding the Roles of Misinformation and Education Toward Disparities in Racial and Ethnic Distribution of COVID-19. Cureus 2022; 14:e30008. [PMID: 36225248 PMCID: PMC9537595 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.30008] [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: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection across the historically marginalized populations in the United States (US) has consistently been inequitable. In addition, systemic racism and prejudice, which have existed for decades, have caused a lack of faith in public health and medical experts and have resulted in the epidemic of misinformation. To counteract the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread misinformation, the political establishment and public health experts must work collaboratively. And because they are closely associated, there had been a significant increase in the prevalence of the disease as well as a spike in the number of hospitalizations and fatalities. Public health professionals have investigated a number of epidemiological strategies to stop the spread of the virus and mitigate its effects, but false information released via various media sources has caused serious harm to a number of people. To create the framework and guidelines for protecting audiences from lies and deceit, and eradicating false information before taking root in society, it is essential to understand the types of misinformation that are being spread since the disadvantaged and uneducated communities suffer disproportionately as a result. According to studies, spreading false information could have a negative impact on a country's health outcomes, as well as its economic and social well-being, if not immediately refuted. Public health themes, such as evidence-based programs, health communication, and health policy, among others need to be evaluated and put into action in order to prevent the dissemination of incorrect information. This review examines a number of public health themes, such as policy and evidence-based strategies that might help in the fight against misinformation that has wreaked havoc on families and communities, particularly the underserved and uninformed populations.
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20
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Bottemanne H. Théories du complot et COVID-19 : comment naissent les croyances complotistes ? Encephale 2022; 48:571-582. [PMID: 35597682 PMCID: PMC8818386 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
La pandémie COVID-19 causée par le nouveau coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 a provoqué une crise mondiale sans précédent, associée à une prolifération de théories du complot. La prévalence de ces croyances complotistes a participé à affaiblir la crédibilité des mesures gouvernementales de santé publique, limiter l'accès des citoyens aux sources d’information fiables, et perturber la réponse des systèmes de santé face à la crise sanitaire. Plusieurs hypothèses ont été proposées en psychologie et en sciences sociales pour comprendre la genèse de ces croyances dans des contextes épidémiques, associant l’implication conjointe de facteurs psychologiques (comme la volonté de préserver sa sécurité, de maintenir une image de soi positive, ou encore de renforcer son rôle social) et sociodémographiques (comme les caractéristiques générationnelles, socioculturelles et politiques des individus). Toutefois, les découvertes récentes en sciences cognitives à propos des mécanismes élémentaires de traitement de l'information offrent un nouvel éclairage sur la génération des croyances conspirationnistes à travers les époques et les cultures. Dans cet article, nous proposons une définition de la théorie du complot et une classification des croyances complotistes pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Nous montrons comment les mécanismes de génération et de mise à jour des croyances permettent d'expliquer la genèse des théories du complot, et nous proposons plusieurs hypothèses étayées par les recherches contemporaines en sciences cognitives et en sciences sociales à propos des théories du complot.
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21
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Chavda VP, Sonak SS, Munshi NK, Dhamade PN. Pseudoscience and fraudulent products for COVID-19 management. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:62887-62912. [PMID: 35836045 PMCID: PMC9282830 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
As of now, the COVID-19 pandemic has become uncontrolled and is spreading widely throughout the world. Additionally, new variants of the mutated viral variants have been found in some countries that are more dangerous than the original strain. Even vaccines cannot produce complete protective immunity against the newer strains of SARS-CoV-2. Due to such a dreadful situation, lots of fear and depression have been created among the public. People are looking for the treatment of the disease at any cost and there is a race in the market to provide treatment and make money, whether it is effective or not! In such a condition, many fraud products, remedies, and myths have come into the market, which is falsely claimed to be effective for the disease and can harm the patients. Hence, FDA has banned such products and remedies. In this review, we have compiled all such fraudulent and pseudosciences identified for COVID-19. Currently, in the pandemic time, health agencies are approving the repurposed medicines based on the small-scale clinical data for emergency uses that become ineffective (most of the cases) after large randomized clinical studies. Proper vigilance strategies need to be defined by the regulatory agencies of the nation and routine awareness programs shall be arranged for educating the people and healthcare workers on routine updates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Shreya S Sonak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nafesa K Munshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pooja N Dhamade
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Bharati Vidyapeeth's Poona College of Pharmacy, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
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22
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Balakrishnan V, Ng WZ, Soo MC, Han GJ, Lee CJ. Infodemic and fake news - A comprehensive overview of its global magnitude during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021: A scoping review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 78:103144. [PMID: 35791376 PMCID: PMC9247231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The spread of fake news increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. This study aims to synthesize the extant literature to understand the magnitude of this phenomenon in the wake of the pandemic in 2021, focusing on the motives and sociodemographic profiles, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools developed, and the top trending topics related to fake news. A scoping review was adopted targeting articles published in five academic databases (January 2021-November 2021), resulting in 97 papers. Most of the studies were empirical in nature (N = 69) targeting the general population (N = 26) and social media users (N = 13), followed by AI-based detection tools (N = 27). Top motives for fake news sharing include low awareness, knowledge, and health/media literacy, Entertainment/Pass Time/Socialization, Altruism, and low trust in government/news media, whilst the phenomenon was more prominent among those with low education, males and younger. Machine and deep learning emerged to be the widely explored techniques in detecting fake news, whereas top topics were related to vaccine, virus, cures/remedies, treatment, and prevention. Immediate intervention and prevention efforts are needed to curb this anti-social behavior considering the world is still struggling to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimala Balakrishnan
- Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Zhen Ng
- Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mun Chong Soo
- Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gan Joo Han
- Faculty of Computer Science & Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Choon Jiat Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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23
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Gat I, Kedem A, Dviri M, Umanski A, Levi M, Hourvitz A, Baum M. Covid-19 vaccination BNT162b2 temporarily impairs semen concentration and total motile count among semen donors. Andrology 2022; 10:1016-1022. [PMID: 35713410 PMCID: PMC9350322 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of covid-19 vaccinations represents a notable scientific achievement. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised regarding their possible detrimental impact on male fertility OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of covid-19 BNT162b2 (Pfizer) vaccine on semen parameters among semen donors (SD). METHODS Thirty-seven SD from three sperm banks that provided 216 samples were included in that retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study. BNT162b2 vaccination included two doses, and vaccination completion was scheduled 7 days after the second dose. The study included four phases: T0 - pre-vaccination baseline control, which encompassed 1-2 initial samples per SD; T1, T2 and T3 - short, intermediate, and long terms evaluations, respectively. Each included 1-3 semen samples per donor provided 15-45, 75-125 and over 145 days after vaccination completion, respectively. The primary endpoints were semen parameters. Three statistical analyses were conducted: (1) generalized estimated equation model; (2) first sample and (3) samples' mean of each donor per period were compared to T0. RESULTS Repetitive measurements revealed -15.4% sperm concentration decrease on T2 (CI -25.5%-3.9%, p = 0.01) leading to total motile count 22.1% reduction (CI -35% - -6.6%, p = 0.007) compared to T0. Similarly, analysis of first semen sample only and samples' mean per donor resulted in concentration and total motile count (TMC) reductions on T2 compared to T0 - median decline of 12 million/ml and 31.2 million motile spermatozoa, respectively (p = 0.02 and 0.002 respectively) on first sample evaluation and median decline of 9.5 × 106 and 27.3 million motile spermatozoa (p = 0.004 and 0.003, respectively) on samples' mean examination. T3 evaluation demonstrated overall recovery without. Semen volume and sperm motility were not impaired. DISCUSSION This longitudinal study focused on SD demonstrates selective temporary sperm concentration and TMC deterioration 3 months after vaccination followed by later recovery verified by diverse statistical analyses. CONCLUSIONS Systemic immune response after BNT162b2 vaccine is a reasonable cause for transient semen concentration and TMC decline. Long-term prognosis remains good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itai Gat
- Sperm Bank and Andrology UnitShamir Medical CenterZrifinIsrael,IVF DepartmentShamir Medical CenterZrifinIsrael,Sackler Medical SchoolTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Alon Kedem
- IVF DepartmentShamir Medical CenterZrifinIsrael,Sackler Medical SchoolTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael,Sperm BankHerzliya Medical CenterHerzliyaIsrael
| | - Michal Dviri
- IVF DepartmentHerzliya Medical CenterHerzliyaIsrael
| | - Ana Umanski
- Sperm Bank and Andrology UnitShamir Medical CenterZrifinIsrael
| | - Matan Levi
- Sperm BankHerzliya Medical CenterHerzliyaIsrael
| | - Ariel Hourvitz
- IVF DepartmentShamir Medical CenterZrifinIsrael,Sackler Medical SchoolTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael
| | - Micha Baum
- Sackler Medical SchoolTel Aviv UniversityTel AvivIsrael,Sperm BankSheba Medical CenterRamat GanIsrael
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24
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Camargo Rubio RD. Bioética social, deberes del Estado derecho y deberes civiles en la vacunación COVID-19. REVISTA LATINOAMERICANA DE BIOÉTICA 2022. [DOI: 10.18359/rlbi.5615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
La industria biotecnológica ha desarrollado en tiempo récord varias vacunas que están a disposición de los Gobiernos para ser adquiridas, distribuidas y aplicadas a la sociedad civil para frenar la pandemia delCOVID-19. La población debe confiar en las vacunas como medio para adquirir la inmunidad de rebaño, de lo contrario tendremos que adquirir la inmunidad por contagio. La bioética centrada en la ética clínica amplía su visión a una bioética social que reconoce los derechos fundamentales a la salud, la vida y los deberes del Estado a la adquisición, distribución, acceso, aplicación y vigilancia de la vacunación durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Se reconocen el derecho a la autonomía y a las libertades individuales y los deberes civiles de responsabilidad, compromiso y solidaridad ante las políticas de salud pública. La bioética social es un actor dentro de la pandemia que se relaciona con las personas, las comunidades, el Estado y la salud pública y que se argumenta a través de la ética personal y de responsabilidad. El objetivo de este artículo es dar a conocer la importancia de la bioética social, integrada a los deberes del Estado, los derechos y deberes civiles en la vacunación contra la enfermedad COVID-19.
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Yu J, Meng S. Impacts of the Internet on Health Inequality and Healthcare Access: A Cross-Country Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:935608. [PMID: 35757602 PMCID: PMC9218541 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.935608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to information and resources through the Internet has become an increasingly critical aspect of contemporary life. Based on the WHO Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) and cross-country panel data, this paper investigates the effect of Internet access on health inequality across different income groups. The results indicate that access to the Internet significantly improves the average health condition and alleviates health inequality. In addition, employing cross-country data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, this paper further examines the social and economic determinants of access to healthcare. Specifically, it is found that Internet access significantly facilitates healthcare access and mitigates the negative impact of income inequality on healthcare access. Considered together, these findings shed light on the importance of the Internet in reducing health inequality and improving healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Yu
- Business School, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Meng
- School of International Trade and Economics, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China
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Zhao X, Basnyat I. Online information and support seeking during COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan: implications for health promotion. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6631491. [PMID: 35788308 PMCID: PMC9278205 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac057] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The lockdown that was deployed in Wuhan, China to combat the COVID-19 pandemic curbed the infection but also created great information challenges for people in social isolation. This resulted in surge in online health information seeking (OHIS) behaviors of the patients and their families. While the Internet has been widely used by Chinese public to access and search health information, there is relatively little research in the context of pandemic outbreaks, especially at the onset of a strong lockdown while many people were panicking. From a total of 10 908 ‘#COVID-19 Patient Seeking Help’ posts on Weibo in a period of 20 days when the lockdown policy was first initiated, we identified 1496 unique patients living in or with family in Wuhan, China. Using textual analysis, we explored OHIS behaviors at the onset of the pandemic. Many faced increased difficulties accessing offline healthcare services and such turned to social media for help and information. In particular, the findings highlight the following themes: ‘OHIS for medical treatment’, ‘OHIS to manage self-quarantine’, ‘OHIS for tangible support’ and ‘OHIS to navigate information discrepancy’. Overall, our findings provide important insights into health information seeking behaviors and the role of social media during a pandemic. Our findings also highlight the importance of considering people’s information need and challenges created due to the lockdown policies in the future pandemic communication and preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Zhao
- Research Center of Journalism and Social Development, School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Street, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- Global Affairs Program & Department of Communication, Horizon Hall, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Pandemic Experience of First Responders: Fear, Frustration, and Stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084693. [PMID: 35457559 PMCID: PMC9028623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are on the front lines of crises and emergencies, placing them at high risk of COVID-19 infection. A deeper understanding of the challenges facing first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary to better support this important workforce. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, asking about the impact of COVID-19. Data collected from our study interviews revealed that, despite large numbers of COVID-19 infections among the staff of police and fire departments, some—but not all—first responders were concerned about COVID-19. A similar divide existed within this group regarding whether or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Many first responders reported frustration over COVID-19 information because of inconsistencies across sources, misinformation on social media, and the impact of politics. In addition, first responders described increased stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused by factors such as the fear of COVID exposure during emergency responses, concerns about infecting family members, and frustration surrounding new work policies. Our findings provide insight into the impact of COVID-19 on first responders and highlight the importance of providing resources for education about COVID-19 risks and vaccination, as well as for addressing first responders’ mental health and well-being.
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Basch CH, Basch CE, Hillyer GC, Meleo-Erwin ZC. Social Media, Public Health, and Community Mitigation of COVID-19: Challenges, Risks, and Benefits. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e36804. [PMID: 35380539 PMCID: PMC9007231 DOI: 10.2196/36804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Shortly after the first case reports in 2019, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Early messages from trusted experts, which later proved to be inadequate or incorrect, highlight the need for continual adjustment of messages to the public as scientific knowledge evolves. During this time, social media exploded with greatly sought-after information, some of which was misinformation based on incomplete or incorrect facts or disinformation purposefully spread to advance a specific agenda. Because of the nature of social media, information, whether accurate or not at the time posted, lives on and remains accessible to the public even when its usefulness has been discredited. While the impact of mis/disinformation on COVID-19 risk-reducing behaviors is debatable, it is clear that social media has played a significant role in both extending the reach of COVID-19-related falsehoods and promoting evidence-based content. Over the last decade, social media has become a dominant source of information that consumers turn to for health information. A great deal of misinformation and disinformation has reached large numbers of social media users, which points to a need for the agencies of the US Public Health Service to create communications to convey accurate and current information and appeals that will actually be viewed. This viewpoint highlights the challenges, risks, and potential benefits that social media present in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey H Basch
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, United States
| | - Charles E Basch
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace C Hillyer
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Mental Health and Access to Information in Times of COVID-19: The Role of Social Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084483. [PMID: 35457350 PMCID: PMC9028801 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The confinements and limited social interactions that have derived from COVID-19 have aggravated the situation of people with previous pathologies. As a result, access to health and its rehabilitation or support resources has been limited and redirected toward online care. People with mental health problems have considerably suffered during the pandemic because, for many of them, accessing different information resources through telematic means proved to be a great difficulty in their everyday lives. This exploratory research work aims to establish which elements have successfully facilitated access to online information for people with mental health problems. This is especially urgent in times of COVID-19 when misinformation has significantly harmed this group. To do so, we followed the communicative methodology and held interviews with two professionals and nine users who participated in the case study. The main results show that, in developing digital communicative competencies in accessing information with this group, individualization of care to overcome barriers, the link with social workers as references of truthful information, and the importance of emotional work and interactions are critical elements.
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30
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Mohd Shukri NH, Mohd Sobri N, Mohd Shukri SR. The COVID-19 Infodemic Through Facebook: Comparison of Content and the Accuracy of Breastfeeding Information. Cureus 2022; 14:e23734. [PMID: 35509756 PMCID: PMC9057389 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the number of people seeking online support and information, particularly on social media. Nevertheless, the nature and trend of internet information, as well as its accuracy, are questionable. This study aimed to assess and compare the content, type/form, and degree of accuracy of breastfeeding information on Facebook before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 288/phase). Methodology The data were gathered from Malaysian public and group/page Facebook posts (n = 456). Keyword searches were conducted using Malay and English breastfeeding terms. The dataset was screened and entered into a structured codebook. The Delphi approach was used to assess the accuracy of posts’ content performed by breastfeeding experts. Results Sharing personal experience (53.2%) was the most common topic in breastfeeding-related posts, followed by seeking questions (39.3%) and knowledge (8.0%). Sharing personal stories and knowledge posts were higher during COVID-19 than before (p = 0.001), although the seeking questions category was higher before the pandemic (p = 0.001). Most information posted was in text form (94.5%). About half of the posts (46.5%) were misleading, while (43.7%) were accurate. There was a significant difference in the accuracy of online posts before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.001). Conclusions Compared to the pre-pandemic phase, forms/types of information on Facebook remained consistent, whereas the breastfeeding information content and its degree of accuracy differed during the pandemic.We need to explore other aspects of breastfeeding online content as well as its engagement, especially during a pandemic. Knowing the infant feeding-related topics that have been discussed and questioned on social media, as well as the accuracy of the data, allows policymakers and scientific communities to plan strategies for spreading credible breastfeeding information online. This includes creating interactive online media types of visual guidelines, web resources, and breastfeeding apps.
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Ribeiro TDS, Stechi G, Castro PCD, Viana AL. Comunicação em saúde sobre COVID-19 e Diabetes Mellitus em mídias sociais: verdadeiro e falso. ESCOLA ANNA NERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2177-9465-ean-2021-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Objetivos Identificar em canais de veiculação midiática, os assuntos verdadeiros e falsos relacionados à COVID-19 e às pessoas com diabetes mellitus. Método Pesquisa documental realizada em postagens no Twitter e nos sites da Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes e do Ministério da Saúde e submetidas à análise temática e discutidas à luz das evidências científicas sobre o tema. Resultados Das 110 postagens, 71 eram do Twitter, 31 do Ministério da Saúde e 8 da Sociedade Brasileira de Diabetes. As fake news correspondiam a 88 postagens; sete divulgavam informações sobre estudos não concluídos; seis eram notícias equivocadas; e nove verdadeiras. Os assuntos foram agrupados em alimentos e substâncias, condições de vida (socioeconômica e hábitos), medicações, COVID-19 e diabetes mellitus, gravidade e fatores de risco. Há excesso de desinformação com a finalidade de enganar e negar a realidade, dadas as disputas de saberes e poderes políticos, econômicos e ideológicos. Conclusão e implicações para a prática A maior parte das postagens eram fake news. Em sendo as mídias sociais um lugar para a fácil disseminação de informações verdadeiras ou falsas, os cientistas e profissionais de saúde precisam se aproximar das comunidades virtuais dessas mídias e usá-las como ferramentas aliadas da comunicação em saúde.
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Le Maréchal M, Batel A, Bouvier S, Mahdhaoui H, Margotton M, Vittoz JP, Brudieu E, Chevallier C, Bedouch P, Touati S, Epaulard O. "When did you decide to receive the Covid-19 vaccine?" Survey in a high-volume vaccination center. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5099-5104. [PMID: 35041799 PMCID: PMC8903941 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.2013081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly efficient and safe Covid-19 vaccines are available in Europe in amounts that theoretically allow for a high immune coverage. However, a notable proportion of the population is reluctant toward immunization. We aimed to determine, among people who chose to be vaccinated, when they made the decision and whether they would have preferred an earlier vaccination. A survey was conducted in a high-volume Covid-19 vaccination center in France from 28 May to 9 July 2021 through an anonymous questionnaire. The 2519 participants (54.1% males; median age 39 years) attributed lower efficacy and safety to Covid-19 vaccines than to vaccines in general. When asked when they decided to receive the vaccine, 15.5% and 16.0% answered "less than one month ago" and "less than one week ago," respectively; age <40 and female sex were independently associated with these responses. When asked whether they would have preferred to have been vaccinated earlier, 57.6% answered "definitely no," "rather no," or "neither yes nor no"; female sex (independently from age) was associated with these answers. When asked whether they would have preferred to receive the vaccine as early as January 2021, 65.2% answered "definitely no," "rather no," or "neither yes nor no"; age <40 and female sex were independently associated with these responses. In conclusion, one-third people had made the decision to be vaccinated only recently, while more than half would not have preferred an earlier vaccination, in particular women and those aged <40 years. Vaccine campaigns should take such short-term decision-making processes into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Le Maréchal
- Service des maladies infectieuses, Centre hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France,Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Amina Batel
- Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Stéphanie Bouvier
- Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Hajer Mahdhaoui
- Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Morgane Margotton
- Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Vittoz
- Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Etienne Brudieu
- Département de Pharmacie, Centre hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Christine Chevallier
- Département de Pharmacie, Centre hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierrick Bedouch
- Département de Pharmacie, Centre hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France,TIMC UMR 5525, Université Grenoble-Alpes/CNRS, Grenoble, France
| | - Saber Touati
- Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Epaulard
- Service des maladies infectieuses, Centre hospitalier universitaire Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France,Groupe de recherche en infectiologie clinique, CIC-1406, Inserm – CHUGA – Université Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France,Institut de biologie structurale, UMR 5075 – CEA-CNRS-UGA, Grenoble, France,CONTACT Olivier Epaulard Infectiologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, CS 10217, Grenoble38043, France
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COVID-19 Vaccine and Social Media in the U.S.: Exploring Emotions and Discussions on Twitter. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101059. [PMID: 34696167 PMCID: PMC8540945 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the public response to COVID-19 vaccines is the key success factor to control the COVID-19 pandemic. To understand the public response, there is a need to explore public opinion. Traditional surveys are expensive and time-consuming, address limited health topics, and obtain small-scale data. Twitter can provide a great opportunity to understand public opinion regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The current study proposes an approach using computational and human coding methods to collect and analyze a large number of tweets to provide a wider perspective on the COVID-19 vaccine. This study identifies the sentiment of tweets using a machine learning rule-based approach, discovers major topics, explores temporal trend and compares topics of negative and non-negative tweets using statistical tests, and discloses top topics of tweets having negative and non-negative sentiment. Our findings show that the negative sentiment regarding the COVID-19 vaccine had a decreasing trend between November 2020 and February 2021. We found Twitter users have discussed a wide range of topics from vaccination sites to the 2020 U.S. election between November 2020 and February 2021. The findings show that there was a significant difference between tweets having negative and non-negative sentiment regarding the weight of most topics. Our results also indicate that the negative and non-negative tweets had different topic priorities and focuses. This research illustrates that Twitter data can be used to explore public opinion regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Infodemic surrounding COVID-19: Can LIS students recognize and categorize “problematic information” types on social media? DIGITAL LIBRARY PERSPECTIVES 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/dlp-03-2021-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate Library and Information Science (LIS) students’ understanding of infodemic and related terminologies and their ability to categorize COVID-19-related problematic information types using examples from social media platforms.
Design/methodology/approach
The participants of this study were LIS students from a public-funded university located at the south coast of Bangladesh. An online survey was conducted which, in addition to demographic and study information, asked students to identify the correct definition of infodemic and related terminologies and to categorize the COVID-related problematic social media posts based on their inherent problem characteristics. The correct answer for each definition and task question was assigned a score of “1”, whereas the wrong answer was coded as “0”. The percentages of correctness score for total and each category of definition and task-specific questions were computed. The independent sample t-test and ANOVA were run to examine the differences in total and category-specific scores between student groups.
Findings
The findings revealed that students’ knowledge concerning the definition of infodemic and related terminologies and the categorization of COVID-19-related problematic social media posts was poor. There was no significant difference in correctness scores between student groups in terms of gender, age and study levels.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time an effort was made to understand LIS students’ recognition and classification of problematic information. The findings can assist LIS departments in revising and improving the existing information literacy curriculum for students.
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Factors That Shape People's Attitudes towards the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany-The Influence of MEDIA, Politics and Personal Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157772. [PMID: 34360063 PMCID: PMC8345618 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Misinformation that accompanied the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to an impaired risk perception, resulting in the refusal of personal protection measures, as well as a reduced willingness to receive a vaccination. In order to identify factors that might influence people's attitudes towards COVID-19 policies and engagement in mitigation measures, we carried out a cross-sectional study in Germany. Altogether, n = 808 participants completed our questionnaire concerning items on demographics, media consumption, risk perception, and trust in health authorities, as well as willingness to receive a vaccination. An overwhelming majority of our participants perceived SARS-CoV-2 as a health threat (85.7%), and almost two thirds (63.5%) mentioned they would get vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 when a vaccination was available. A greater likelihood of vaccination intention was associated with being male (71.5% male vs. 60% female, p < 0.05), left-wing voting, trusting health authorities, using public media as an information source about COVID-19, and, in particular, perceiving COVID-19 as a health threat. A better understanding of factors that contribute to vaccine hesitancy is indispensable in order to eliminate doubts, increase vaccination rates, and create herd immunity, to stop further virus transmission.
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Kumar V, Singh D, Kaur M, Damaševičius R. Overview of current state of research on the application of artificial intelligence techniques for COVID-19. PeerJ Comput Sci 2021; 7:e564. [PMID: 34141890 PMCID: PMC8176528 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until now, there are still a limited number of resources available to predict and diagnose COVID-19 disease. The design of novel drug-drug interaction for COVID-19 patients is an open area of research. Also, the development of the COVID-19 rapid testing kits is still a challenging task. METHODOLOGY This review focuses on two prime challenges caused by urgent needs to effectively address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, i.e., the development of COVID-19 classification tools and drug discovery models for COVID-19 infected patients with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) based techniques such as machine learning and deep learning models. RESULTS In this paper, various AI-based techniques are studied and evaluated by the means of applying these techniques for the prediction and diagnosis of COVID-19 disease. This study provides recommendations for future research and facilitates knowledge collection and formation on the application of the AI techniques for dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic and its consequences. CONCLUSIONS The AI techniques can be an effective tool to tackle the epidemic caused by COVID-19. These may be utilized in four main fields such as prediction, diagnosis, drug design, and analyzing social implications for COVID-19 infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Computer Science and Engineering Department, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Dilbag Singh
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bennett University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Manjit Kaur
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Bennett University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Robertas Damaševičius
- Faculty of Applied Mathematics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland
- Department of Applied Informatics, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Benis A, Seidmann A, Ashkenazi S. Reasons for Taking the COVID-19 Vaccine by US Social Media Users. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040315. [PMID: 33805283 PMCID: PMC8067223 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Political and public health leaders promoting COVID-19 vaccination should identify the most relevant criteria driving the vaccination decision. Social media is increasingly used as a source of vaccination data and as a powerful communication tool to increase vaccination. In December 2020, we performed a cross-sectional social media-based survey addressing personal sentiments toward COVID-19 vaccination in the USA. Our primary research objective is to identify socio-demographic characteristics and the reasons for the 1644 survey participants’ attitudes regarding vaccination. We present clear evidence that, contrary to the prevailing public perceptions, young audiences using social media have mostly a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination (81.5%). These younger individuals want to protect their families and their relatives (96.7%); they see vaccination as an act of civic responsibility (91.9%) and express strong confidence in their healthcare providers (87.7%). Another critical factor is the younger population’s fear of personal COVID-19 infection (88.2%); moreover, the greater the number of children the participants have, the greater is their intent to get the COVID-19 vaccine. These results enable a practical public-messaging pathway to reinforce vaccination campaigns addressing the younger population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arriel Benis
- Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Technology Management, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel
- Faculty of Digital Technologies in Medicine, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon 5810201, Israel
- Correspondence:
| | - Abraham Seidmann
- Department of Information Systems, Questrom Business School, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Health Analytics and Digital Health, Digital Business Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shai Ashkenazi
- School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
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Capps B, Joly Y, Mulvihill J, Lee WB. The Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Hum Genomics 2021; 15:12. [PMID: 33568209 PMCID: PMC7875157 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-021-00310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This letter is the Human Genome Organisation's summary reaction to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies key areas for genomics research, and areas in which genomic scientists can contribute to a global response to the pandemic. The letter has been reviewed and endorsed by the HUGO Committee on Ethics, Law and Society (CELS) and the HUGO Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Capps
- Department of Bioethics, Dalhousie University, 5849 University Avenue, CRC Building, Room C-312, PO Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | | | - John Mulvihill
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
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Thompson C, O’Brien KS. OUP accepted manuscript. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:i4-i17. [PMID: 35212364 PMCID: PMC8905961 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This article explores the impact of online Irish traditional singing sessions on health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing sessions are unique facets of Ireland’s music tradition that saw dramatic closure, interruption and digital transition in response to COVID-19 social distancing measures. This study highlights a gap in health promotion literature with regard to traditional singing sessions as a group singing activity and examines the potential for online group singing activities to have positive impacts on the health and well-being of participants. While traditional singing sessions foreground solo performances, they are quintessentially group activities, and include community engagement and active participation from singers and listeners alike. Through an online survey (n = 108), and ethnographic interviews (n = 3), this study explores potential health and well-being implications of online traditional singing sessions, and reveals four main areas of impact: social connection, enjoyment, cognitive motivation and timekeeping. The study suggests that online traditional singing sessions can promote health and well-being in participants, particularly during times of isolation. This article explores the impact of online Irish traditional singing sessions on health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Singing sessions are unique facets of Ireland’s music tradition which were forced to move online due to COVID-19 restrictions. This study used an online survey (n = 108), and interviews (n = 3), to explore the impact of these online sessions on the well-being of their participants. Findings showed the impacts to be overwhelmingly positive, particularly in four main areas: social connection, enjoyment, cognitive motivation, and timekeeping. This study highlights the value of traditional singing sessions as group singing activities for the purposes of health and well-being promotion, and suggests that online group singing activities can be beneficial, particularly during times of isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Thompson
- Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Kara Shea O’Brien
- Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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