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Shrestha S, Malla R, Shrestha S, Singh P, Sherchand JB. Household preparedness for emergencies during COVID-19 pandemic among the general population of Nepal. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003475. [PMID: 39264913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy affecting numerous people's livelihoods. Despite preventive behaviors and advancements of vaccination, the risk of infection still exists due to the emergence of new variants of concern and the changing behavior of the SARS CoV-2 virus. Therefore, preparedness measures are crucial for any emergency. In such situations, it is important to understand preparedness behavior at the household level, as it aids in reducing the risk of transmission and the severity of the disease before accessing any external support. Our study aimed to evaluate household preparedness level for emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with socio-demographic characteristics among the general population of Nepal. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics, a Chi-square test, and logistic regression model were used for analysis. The study demonstrated that 59.2% had a good preparedness level. Good preparedness was observed among the respondents living in urban areas, those who were married, had white-collar occupations, high-education with graduate and above and high-income levels with monthly income >NPR 20,000, and were young-aged. The study findings underscore the need to develop tailored programs on preparedness prioritizing vulnerable population. It further highlights the importance of proper and consistent information flow, resources distribution, capacitating human resources and better health surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salina Shrestha
- Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water, Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Rabin Malla
- Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water, Kathmandu Nepal
| | - Sadhana Shrestha
- Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water, Kathmandu Nepal
- Interdisciplinary Center for River Basin Environment, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Nepal Red Cross Society, Head Office, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jeevan B Sherchand
- Institute of Medicine, Research Directorate, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Li X, Sun X, Shao Q. Trust in Acquaintances, Strangers and Institutions among Individuals of Different Socioeconomic Statuses during Public Health Emergencies: The Moderation of Family Structure and Policy Perception. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:404. [PMID: 38785894 PMCID: PMC11118019 DOI: 10.3390/bs14050404] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Trust plays a crucial role in effectively responding to public health emergencies. Drawing on COVID-19 survey data conducted in Hubei, China, during August 2020 with a sample size of 5494, this study investigated the influence of individuals' socioeconomic status on trust in acquaintances, strangers and institutions, and how this relationship is moderated by epidemic prevention, policy perception and family structure. The findings showed that individuals with higher socioeconomic status tend to have higher levels of trust. Those with higher income but being married demonstrate higher trust. When perceiving epidemic prevention policies as stringent, those with higher income display increased trust in acquaintances and institutions; similarly, those with lower education levels exhibit heightened trust in acquaintances and strangers. Individuals working in social organizations express higher trust in strangers; however, their trust is compromised under stringent epidemic prevention policies due to potentially heavier work burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Li
- School of Sociology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China; (X.S.); (Q.S.)
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Han G, Zhai Y. The association between food insecurity and social capital under the lockdowns in COVID-hit Shanghai. URBAN STUDIES (EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND) 2023:00420980231172403. [PMCID: PMC10225810 DOI: 10.1177/00420980231172403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
As an emergency, food insecurity threatens people’s well-being, while social capital is expected to enhance their resilience in this situation. This study examined the relationship between food insecurity and social capital during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai. We collected a dataset of 1064 participants by random sampling. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the dynamics of social capital before and after lockdowns. The results show that the level of post-lockdown social capital was higher than that of pre-lockdown social capital. Pre-lockdown social capital predicted the extent to which people suffered from food insecurity and their approaches to obtaining food. Participation in group purchases and food exchange with other residents predicted the levels of post-lockdown social capital. The results shed light on the interaction between emergencies and social capital. Our study theoretically contributes to understanding social capital through a dynamic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yida Zhai
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
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Contreras J, Fincannon A, Khambaty T, Villalonga-Olives E. Emergent Social Capital during the Coronavirus Pandemic in the United States in Hispanics/Latinos. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085465. [PMID: 37107747 PMCID: PMC10138722 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic has drastically impacted many groups that have been socially and economically marginalized such as Hispanics/Latinos in the United States (U.S.). Our aim was to understand how bonding social capital, bridging social capital, and trust played a role in Hispanics/Latinos over the course of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as explore the negative consequences of social capital. We performed focus group discussions via Zoom (n = 25) between January and December 2021 with Hispanics/Latinos from Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, and New York City, NY. Our findings suggest that Hispanics/Latinos experienced bridging and bonding social capital. Of particular interest was how social capital permeated the Hispanic/Latino community's socioeconomic challenges during the pandemic. The focus groups revealed the importance of trust and its role in vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, the focus groups discussed the dark side of social capital including caregiving burden and spread of misinformation. We also identified the emergent theme of racism. Future public health interventions should invest in social capital, especially for groups that have been historically marginalized or made vulnerable, and consider the promotion of bonding and bridging social capital and trust. When prospective disasters occur, public health interventions should support vulnerable populations that are overwhelmed with caregiving burden and are susceptible to misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Contreras
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Alexandra Fincannon
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tasneem Khambaty
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Ester Villalonga-Olives
- Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ahmed W, Das R, Vidal-Alaball J, Hardey MM, Fuster-Casanovas A. Analysing Twitter's Role in Combating the Magnetic Vaccine Conspiracy Theory Using Social Network Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e43497. [PMID: 36927550 PMCID: PMC10131940 DOI: 10.2196/43497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The popularity of the magnetic vaccine conspiracy theory, and others of a similar nature, creates challenges to promoting vaccines and disseminating accurate health information. OBJECTIVE Health conspiracy theories are gaining in popularity. The study's objective was to evaluate the Twitter social media network related to the magnetic vaccination conspiracy theory and to apply social capital theory to analyse the unique social structures of influential users. As a strategy for online public health surveillance, we employ social network analysis to identify the important opinion leaders sharing the conspiracy, the key websites, and the narratives. METHODS A total of 18,706 tweets were retrieved and analysed using social network analysis. Data were retrieved from June 01 to June 13 (2021) using the keyword 'vaccine magnetic'. Tweets were retrieved via a dedicated Twitter Application Programming Interface (API). More specifically, the Academic Track API was used, and the data were analysed using NodeXL Pro and Gephi. RESULTS There were a total of 22,762 connections between Twitter users within the dataset. The study found that the most influential user within the network consisted of a news account that was reporting on the conspiracy. There were also several other users that became influential such as an epidemiologist, a health economist, and a retired sports athlete who exerted their social capital within the network. CONCLUSIONS Our study finds that influential users were effective broadcasters against the conspiracy, and their reach extended beyond their own network of Twitter followers. We emphasise the need for trust in contact with influential users concerning health information, particularly in the context of widespread social uncertainty resulting from the pandemic, when public sentiment on social media may be unpredictable. The study highlights the potential of influential users to disrupt information flows of conspiracy theories due to their unique social capital. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Josep Vidal-Alaball
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació InstitutUniversitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, C/ Pica d'Estats 13-15, Sant Fruitós de Bages, ES.,Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència Territorial de la Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, ES.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Vic, ES
| | | | - Aïna Fuster-Casanovas
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca de la Catalunya Central, Fundació InstitutUniversitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, C/ Pica d'Estats 13-15, Sant Fruitós de Bages, ES.,Health Promotion in Rural Areas Research Group, Gerència Territorial de la Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut, Sant Fruitós de Bages, ES
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Jung JH, Choi KW, Kim HHS. Examining the Complex (Curvilinear and Contingent) Associations between Social Distancing Compliance and Subjective Health during a Global Health Crisis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16058. [PMID: 36498132 PMCID: PMC9738174 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated a potential curvilinear link between social distancing behavior and subjective health in later life. It also evaluated whether food insecurity and community social capital moderated the focal relationship. METHODS Data were drawn from three waves of the COVID Impact Survey (N = 19,234). Mixed-effects models were fitted. RESULTS Social distancing has a non-monotonic (U-shaped) relationship with subjective health, i.e., individuals with low and high levels of social distancing show relatively better health. Moreover, the negative linear relationship between social distancing and health is weaker among people suffering from food insecurity as well as those living in communities with lower stocks of social capital. DISCUSSION This study sheds new light on the health implications of social distancing during the pandemic. Our findings dovetail with the steeling hypothesis, i.e., that social distancing is less harmful for U.S. older adults exposed to prior stressful or vulnerable conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyun Jung
- Department of Sociology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul 03063, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Won Choi
- Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Harris Hyun-soo Kim
- Department of Sociology, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
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Lee H, Noh EB, Kim JE, Oh J, Nam EW. Influencing factor of COVID-19 vaccination trust and hesitancy in Wonju city, South Korea. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277016. [PMID: 36374920 PMCID: PMC9662712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277016] [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: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Social capital (SC) has been documented to effectively reduce the spread of diseases, including COVID-19; however, research pertaining to SC and COVID-19 vaccination in Korea is lacking. This cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Wonju, Gangwon Province, Korea (n = 1,096) examined the differences in COVID-19 vaccine trust and hesitancy considering individual characteristics and investigated the effects of SC on COVID-19 vaccine trust and hesitancy. SC was measured based on 14 items pertaining to social trust, network, and norms. Responses regarding COVID-19 screening history, vaccine trust, and vaccine hesitancy were also assessed. SC scores did not differ between sexes, but differed significantly according to age and household income; thus, adults aged 70-79 years had the highest SC scores, and mean SC score increased significantly with income. COVID-19 vaccine trust differed significantly according to age, average household income, social organization involvement, and SC score. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy differed significantly with age, SC score, and COVID-19 screening history. In univariate logistic regression, age, average household income, social organization involvement, and SC score were significant predictors of vaccine trust; in multivariable analysis, however, the identified predictors were age and SC. In particular, people with an SC score ≥50 were 2.660 times more likely to trust COVID-19 vaccines than those with lower scores. In multivariable analysis, age and SC were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. In particular, people with an SC score ≥50 were 1.400 times more likely not to be hesitant about receiving COVID-19 vaccines than people with lower scores. These results indicate that prioritizing policies to increase SC and trust in the government could boost the COVID-19 vaccination rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hocheol Lee
- Yonsei Global Health Center, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Bi Noh
- Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University Graduate School, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eon Kim
- Yonsei Global Health Center, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyeon Oh
- Department of Information Statistics, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Woo Nam
- Yonsei Global Health Center, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Administration, Yonsei University Graduate School, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
- Center of Evidence Based Medicine, Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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Snel E, Engbersen G, de Boom J, van Bochove M. Social Capital as Protection Against the Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:728541. [PMID: 35516815 PMCID: PMC9063781 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.728541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The corona pandemic has a huge impact on the mental wellbeing of the Dutch population. Based on a large-scale panel survey (N = 22,696) on the social impact of COVID-19, this article firstly examines which social groups are most susceptible to the mental health consequences of the pandemic. Secondly, we examine whether social capital provides protection against this impact. We find that the mental health impact of COVID-19 is considerable and that it increased over the course of 2020. Women, young people, respondents with low incomes and/or poor self-perceived health, experience relatively more fear and stress due to the pandemic. We do not find a difference between respondents with or without a migration background. Social capital (received support, trust in people and in institutions) has the expected effect: the more support and trust, the less fear and stress. There is a mediation effect. Older people, respondents with high incomes and/or good health experience less fear and stress, partly because they have more social capital. This is different for females. They would experience even more fear and stress, compared to men, were it not for the fact that they have more social capital. Hence we conclude that social capital indeed provides some protection against the negative mental health consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Snel
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Godfried Engbersen
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan de Boom
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS), Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Endress AD. Socio-Cultural Values Are Risk Factors for COVID-19-Related Mortality. CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH 2022; 56:150-184. [PMID: 38603153 PMCID: PMC8841397 DOI: 10.1177/10693971211067050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
To assess whether socio-cultural values are population-level risk factors for health, I sought to predict COVID-19-related mortality between 2 weeks and 6 months after the first COVID-19-related death in a country based on values extracted from the World Values Survey for different country sets, after controlling for various confounding variables. COVID-19-related mortality was increased in countries endorsing political participation but decreased in countries with greater trust in institutions and materialistic orientations. The values were specific to COVID-19-related mortality, did not predict general health outcomes, and values predicting increased COVID-19-related mortality predicted decreased mortality from other outcomes (e.g., environmental-related mortality).
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