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Sharan M, Sakthivel M, Rubeshkumar P, Nagarajan R, Venkatasamy V, Muthappan S, Raju M, Chadwick J, S. K, Krishna NS, Kaviprawin M, Gollapalli PK, Ramamurthy S, Ganeshkumar P, Jagadeesan M, Kaur P. Face mask use in the city of Chennai, India: Results from three serial cross-sectional surveys, 2021. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297909. [PMID: 38574080 PMCID: PMC10994359 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297909] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Government of Tamil Nadu, India, mandated wearing face masks in public places to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We established face mask surveillance and estimated the prevalence of appropriate mask use (covering the nose, mouth, and chin) in the slums and non-slums of Chennai at different time points in 2021. METHODS We conducted three serial cross-sectional surveys in the outdoors and indoors of Chennai in March, July, and October 2021. We observed the mask wearing among 3200 individuals in the outdoors and 1280 in the indoors. We divided the outdoor and indoor locations into slums and non-slums. In October 2021, we also surveyed 150 individuals from each of the 11 shopping malls in the city. We calculated the proportions and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the appropriate mask use in the outdoor, indoor, and malls by age, gender, region, and setting (slum and non-slum). RESULTS We observed 3200 individuals in the outdoor and 1280 individuals in the indoor setting, each from a slum and non-slum, during the three rounds of the study. In outdoor and indoors, males comprised three-fourths and middle-aged individuals were half the study population. Mask compliance changed significantly with time (p-value <0.001). Males consistently demonstrated better compliance in all rounds. The south region had the highest mask compliance in slums indoors and outdoors in rounds 4 and 5. Young adults had the highest mask compliance in both outdoor slums and non-slums in all rounds. Overall mask compliance in shopping malls was 57% (95% CI: 48-65). CONCLUSION The mask compliance in Chennai outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic was less than 50%, with variations across time points by gender, age groups, and geographical locations. We must develop more effective communication strategies for older age groups and crowded indoor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Sharan
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Polani Rubeshkumar
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramya Nagarajan
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vettrichelvan Venkatasamy
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sendhilkumar Muthappan
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Joshua Chadwick
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Navaneeth S. Krishna
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | | | - Parasuraman Ganeshkumar
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Prabhdeep Kaur
- Division of Noncommunicable Diseases, ICMR National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Griesi JM, Bernardes JM, Alonso M, Gómez-Salgado J, Ruiz-Frutos C, Fagundo-Rivera J, López-López D, Camacho-Vega JC, Dias A. Risk perception of healthcare workers in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25297. [PMID: 38352759 PMCID: PMC10861974 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25297] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To validate the items of the Emotional Impact Questionnaire coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) related to risk perception, estimating its degree, among healthcare workers in the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic, identifying possible associated factors.Methods: cross-sectional study in 1872 healthcare workers of Brazil. The population was characterized by sociodemographic and occupational information, knowledge about COVID-19, quality of information received, risk perception and preventive measures about the disease, and sense of coherence. Results Being divorced, having a chronic disease, spending more than 1 h per day getting informed about COVID-19, and always or almost always wearing a mask regardless of symptoms, as well as self-perception of health were associated with high-risk perception. An inverse association was found between risk perception, sense of coherence and not knowing if one has had occasional contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Conclusion Risk perception is influenced by emotions, experiences, and knowledge. Sense of coherence and resilience have a role in reducing risk perception. Understanding risk perception is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Muraguti Griesi
- Department of Public Health, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - João Marcos Bernardes
- Department of Public Health, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil
- Public (Collective) Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Melissa Alonso
- Public (Collective) Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Graduate Program, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, 092301, Ecuador
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Frutos
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, 21007, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Graduate Program, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, 092301, Ecuador
| | | | - Daniel López-López
- Health and Podiatry Group, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry. Industrial Campus of Ferrol, Universidade da Coruña, 15403, Ferrol, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Camacho-Vega
- Department of Building Construction II, Higher Technical School of Building Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Adriano Dias
- Department of Public Health, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil
- Public (Collective) Health Graduate Program, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University/UNESP, Botucatu, 18618-687, Brazil
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Martín Sánchez FJ, Martínez-Sellés M, Molero García JM, Moreno Guillén S, Rodríguez-Artalejo FJ, Ruiz-Galiana J, Cantón R, De Lucas Ramos P, García-Botella A, García-Lledó A, Hernández-Sampelayo T, Gómez-Pavón J, González Del Castillo J, Martín-Delgado MC, Bouza E. Insights for COVID-19 in 2023. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2023. [PMID: 36510683 DOI: 10.3701/req/059.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Predictions for a near end of the pandemic by the World Health Organization should be interpreted with caution. Current evidence indicates that the efficacy of a fourth dose of classical mRNA vaccines (BT162b2 or mRNA-1273) is low and short-lived in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in its predominant variant (Omicron). However, its efficacy is high against severe symptomatic infection, hospitalization and death. The new vaccines being introduced are bivalent and active against the Omicron variants. Potential new vaccines to be introduced in the coming year include a vaccine based on a recombinant protein that emulates the receptor binding domain of the Spike protein under development by the Spanish company Hipra, as well as vaccines for nasal or oral administration. Available information suggests that vaccines against COVID-19 can be administered in association with influenza vaccination without particular complications. New drugs against COVID-19, both antiviral and anti-inflammatory, are under investigation, but this does not seem to be the case with monoclonal antibodies. The indication to use masks in some circumstances will be maintained next year in view of the accumulation of scientific data on their efficacy. Finally, the long COVID or Post-COVID syndrome may continue to affect a very high proportion of patients who have had the disease, requiring combined diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - E Bouza
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense. CIBERES. Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias. Madrid, Spain.
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Ireri AM, Mwangi CN, Arhin V, Oigo M, Mugo S, Munanu RN. Development and initial validation of the attitudes toward face mask use scale (ATFMUS). Heliyon 2022; 8:e12349. [PMID: 36619417 PMCID: PMC9813729 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12349] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite availability of instruments for measuring attitudes towards mask use, the psychometric properties of many available instruments are not adequately established which limits their research usefulness across contexts. In three studies, we developed the Attitudes Towards Face Mask Use Scale (ATFMUS) in three phases: item generation, scale development, and scale evaluation. Phase one and two were addressed in study 1 while phase three was addressed in studies 2 and 3. In Study 1, a combined online and pen-and-paper sample of 174 (78% university students) completed a questionnaire with 19 items regarding attitudes towards face mask use derived from theory, previous research, and experience. Responses were subjected to item reduction analysis, exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis. In Study 2, a student sample of 674 (70.5% high school) completed the new scale together with measures of COVID-19 related anxiety and obsession, personality, affect, social media use, and social desirability. Data from the ATFMUS were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and pertinent revisions done. The ATFMUS was then validated using correlation analyses, measurement invariance analyses, and known-group comparisons. In study 3, two samples of university students from Ghana (n = 242) and Kenya (n = 199) were involved in testing the cross-country invariance of the ATFMUS. The results reveal that the 5-item ATFMUS is a reliable and valid scale for assessing attitudes towards face mask use. Invariance analysis revealed that the ATFMUS is fair to use across participants of different age, level of education, and countries. The scale is also sensitive to participants' actual use of face masks as well as their beliefs about COVID-19 and efficacy of the facemasks. This study offers a foundation for further psychometric evaluation of the ATFMUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Muriithi Ireri
- Department of Educational Psychology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya,Corresponding author.
| | | | - Vera Arhin
- College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Martha Oigo
- Department of Educational Psychology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya,Placement and Career Services Department, United States International University of Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stephen Mugo
- Department of Educational Psychology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
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