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Goliaei S, Foroughmand-Araabi MH, Roddy A, Weber A, Översti S, Kühnert D, McHardy AC. Importations of SARS-CoV-2 lineages decline after nonpharmaceutical interventions in phylogeographic analyses. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5267. [PMID: 38902246 PMCID: PMC11190289 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
During the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, before vaccines were available, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as reducing contacts or antigenic testing were used to control viral spread. Quantifying their success is therefore key for future pandemic preparedness. Using 1.8 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes from systematic surveillance, we study viral lineage importations into Germany for the third pandemic wave from late 2020 to early 2021, using large-scale Bayesian phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis with a longitudinal assessment of lineage importation dynamics over multiple sampling strategies. All major nationwide NPIs were followed by fewer importations, with the strongest decreases seen for free rapid tests, the strengthening of regulations on mask-wearing in public transport and stores, as well as on internal movements and gatherings. Most SARS-CoV-2 lineages first appeared in the three most populous states with most cases, and spread from there within the country. Importations rose before and peaked shortly after the Christmas holidays. The substantial effects of free rapid tests and obligatory medical/surgical mask-wearing suggests these as key for pandemic preparedness, given their relatively few negative socioeconomic effects. The approach relates environmental factors at the host population level to viral lineage dissemination, facilitating similar analyses of rapidly evolving pathogens in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sama Goliaei
- Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Mohammad-Hadi Foroughmand-Araabi
- Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aideen Roddy
- Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ariane Weber
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max-Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Jena, Germany
| | - Sanni Översti
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max-Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Jena, Germany
| | - Denise Kühnert
- Transmission, Infection, Diversification and Evolution Group, Max-Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, Jena, Germany
- German COVID Omics Initiative (deCOI), Bonn, Germany
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Public Health Research, Robert Koch Institute, Wildau, Germany
| | - Alice C McHardy
- Computational Biology of Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
- German COVID Omics Initiative (deCOI), Bonn, Germany.
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2
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Agurto-Ramírez A, Pino-Rosón C, Ayala A, Falcón M, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Forjaz MJ, Romay-Barja M. Association Between Pandemic Fatigue and Disease Knowledge, Attitudes, Concerns, and Vaccination Intention at Two Key Moments of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606049. [PMID: 37822565 PMCID: PMC10563199 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606049] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to describe the change in knowledge, attitudes, concerns, perceptions, preventive practices, and vaccination intention at two key time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess whether these changes varied by level of pandemic fatigue. Methods: Data included in this study came from the third and the ninth round of the COSMO-Spain cross-sectional study. A general linear model was used to investigate the interaction terms between rounds and levels of pandemic fatigue. Results: Changes between rounds were observed in knowledge, attitudes, concerns, perceptions, behaviours, and vaccination intention. Significant interactions between rounds indicated that those with low levels of pandemic fatigue had a greater increase in knowledge, lower decrease in concerns, greater decrease in agreement with the decisions made, and lower increase in vaccination intention compared with those with high pandemic fatigue. Conclusion: As a pandemic evolves, it becomes necessary to consider the level of pandemic fatigue of the population and how this affects knowledge, concerns, and agreement with the measures adopted, as they influence the population's adherence to public health recommendations aimed at controlling infections and protecting the most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Agurto-Ramírez
- Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Candela Pino-Rosón
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala
- Unidad de Investigación en Cuidados y Servicios de Salud (Investén), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Research Network on Chronic Diseases, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Falcón
- Departamento de Ciencias Sociosanitarias, Medicina Legal y Forense, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- Research Network on Chronic Diseases, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
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van den Boom W, van Dijk M, Snijders B, Luijben G, van der Laan J, Euser S, Sanders JG, Buitenhuis AH, Spruijt P, Kroese F, Lambooij M, Muhren Y, Tak N, van der Swaluw K, van Rossum C, Nielen T, Elberse J, Renes RJ, Leurs M, de Bruin M. Cohort profile: The Corona Behavioral Unit cohort, a longitudinal mixed-methods study on COVID-19-related behavior, well-being and policy support in the Netherlands. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289294. [PMID: 37523360 PMCID: PMC10389736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This 'cohort profile' aims to provide a description of the study design, methodology, and baseline characteristics of the participants in the Corona Behavioral Unit cohort. This cohort was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and the regional public health services. The aim was to investigate adherence of and support for COVID-19 prevention measures, psychosocial determinants of COVID-19 behaviors, well-being, COVID-19 vaccination, and media use. The cohort also examined specific motivations and beliefs, such as for vaccination, which were collected through either closed-ended items or open text responses. In April 2020, 89,943 participants aged 16 years and older were recruited from existing nation-wide panels. Between May 2020 and September 2022, 99,676 additional participants were recruited through online social media platforms and mailing lists of higher education organizations. Participants who consented were initially invited every three weeks (5 rounds), then every six weeks (13 rounds), and since the summer of 2022 every 12 weeks (3 rounds). To date, 66% of participants were female, 30% were 39 years and younger, and 54% completed two or more questionnaires, with an average of 9.2 (SD = 5.7) questionnaires. The Corona Behavioral Unit COVID-19 cohort has published detailed insights into longitudinal patterns of COVID-19 related behaviors, support of COVID-19 preventive measures, as well as peoples' mental wellbeing in relation to the stringency of these measures. The results have informed COVID-19 policy making and pandemic communication in the Netherlands throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The cohort data will continuously be used to examine COVID-19 related outcomes for scientific analyses, as well as to inform future pandemic preparedness plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wijnand van den Boom
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Mart van Dijk
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca Snijders
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Guus Luijben
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Laan
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia Euser
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jet G Sanders
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anne H Buitenhuis
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Pita Spruijt
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Kroese
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mattijs Lambooij
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvette Muhren
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nannah Tak
- GGD GHOR Nederland, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koen van der Swaluw
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline van Rossum
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Nielen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Elberse
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Reint Jan Renes
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariken Leurs
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn de Bruin
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Center, Institute of Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Perceived COVID-19 Severity, Risk of Infection, and Prevention Self-Efficacy in Saudi Arabia During Lockdown: A Population-Based National Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:32-46. [PMID: 36680701 PMCID: PMC9867541 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-022-00083-z] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence shows that the risk perception of humans can significantly affect their response to a threat. This population-based, cross-sectional study explored the determinants of perceived disease seriousness, perceived disease infectiveness, and perceived prevention self-efficacy of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the lockdown period, using the health belief model for preventive behavior (HBMPB) among 4423 adults in Saudi Arabia from 13 provinces. Multivariate binary regression was used to analyze the independent factors of three risk perception variables and to measure their effect on adherence to preventive measures. Overall, COVID-19 seriousness was perceived to be higher than that of diabetes and lower than that of a heart attack, while its infectiousness was perceived to be high by 75.3% of the participants. Furthermore, 66.6% had a low perception of their prevention self-efficacy. The HBMPB showed independent effects of all three risk perception parameters on adherence to the preventive measures, including perceived seriousness (Odd's ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.01-1.56), infectiousness (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.52-2.38), and prevention self-efficacy (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.20-1.91). Authorities should maintain an optimal level of communication on the COVID-19 risk, communicate more about the virus' cycle and the disease to demystify the rationale of the preventive measures, and enhance confidence in their efficiency.
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Moffat A, Cook EJ, Chater AM. Examining the influences on the use of behavioural science within UK local authority public health: Qualitative thematic analysis and deductive mapping to the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1016076. [PMID: 36339139 PMCID: PMC9632167 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1016076] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Behavioural science and its contribution towards improving public health is receiving increased recognition. Yet, the translation of these insights into public health practice is under-researched. This study explored the factors influencing the use of behavioural science within public health at a local authority level. Methods Fourteen local authority staff (n = 13 female) in the south of England participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analysed inductively to identify key themes. These were later mapped deductively to the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework. Findings Nine themes were identified as factors that influence the use of behavioural science in local authority public health: (1) "Limited past experience," (2) "Narrow understanding," (3) "Perceived value of behavioural science," (4) "Translational gap from theory-to-practice," (5) "No protected time," (6) "Old ways of working," (7) "Political influence and organisational culture," (8) "Relationships with key stakeholders," (9) "Access to behavioural science resources". Deductive mapping of these themes revealed that five of the COM constructs (excluding Physical Capability) and eleven of the TDF domains influenced behavioural science use, with "Social influences" and "Knowledge" being the most prominent. Discussion Use of behavioural science within local authority public health practice is limited and inconsistent. For it to be successfully implemented, there must be an understanding of its role and value, alongside strategies to overcome a translational gap from theory to practice. Public health teams would benefit from protected time to enable application and strategies to break old habits of using a common-sense approach. System-wide buy-in, particularly related to senior leadership and system partners is needed, which would benefit from organisational and political culture change. Training opportunities, practical resources and expert in-house support should be considered a priority across public health teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Moffat
- Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Abby Moffat
| | - Erica Jane Cook
- School of Psychology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, United Kingdom
| | - Angel Marie Chater
- Centre for Health, Wellbeing and Behaviour Change, Institute for Sport and Physical Activity Research, University of Bedfordshire, Bedford, United Kingdom,Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Kolner C, van der Borg W, Sanders J, Keijsers J, Joosten M, de Bruin M. Public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of community organisations and networks in the Netherlands (2020-2021): five lessons for pandemic decision-making. EURO SURVEILLANCE : BULLETIN EUROPEEN SUR LES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES = EUROPEAN COMMUNICABLE DISEASE BULLETIN 2022; 27. [PMID: 36268735 PMCID: PMC9585880 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.42.2200242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, key persons who were formally or informally active in community organisations and networks, such as sports clubs or cultural, educational, day care and healthcare facilities, occupied a key position between governments and citizens. However, their experiences, the dilemmas they faced and the solutions they generated when implementing COVID-19 measures in their respective settings are understudied. Aim We aimed to understand how key persons in different community organisations and networks experienced and responded to the COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands. Methods Between October 2020 and December 2021, the Corona Behavioural Unit at the Dutch national public health institute, conducted qualitative research based on narratives derived from 65 in-depth interviews with 95 key persons from 32 organisations and networks in eight different sectors. Results Firstly, key persons enhanced adherence and supported the resilience and well-being of people involved in their settings. Secondly, adherence was negatively affected where COVID-19 measures conflicted with important organisational goals and values. Thirdly, small changes and ambiguities in COVID-19 policy had substantial consequences, depending on the context. Fourthly, problem-solving was achieved through trial-and-error, peer support, co-creation and transparent communication. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic and measures highlighted inequalities in access to resources. Conclusion Pandemic preparedness requires organisational and community preparedness and a multidisciplinary public health approach. Structural engagement of governments with key persons in community organisations and networks is key to enhance public trust and adherence to pandemic measures and contributes to health equity and the well-being of the people involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Kolner
- Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wieke van der Borg
- Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jet Sanders
- Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jolanda Keijsers
- Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Healthy Living, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maysa Joosten
- Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn de Bruin
- Corona Behavioural Unit, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Radboud University Medical Center, Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Rodriguez-Blazquez C, Romay-Barja M, Falcon M, Ayala A, Forjaz MJ. Psychometric Properties of the COVID-19 Pandemic Fatigue Scale: Cross-sectional Online Survey Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e34675. [PMID: 35785547 PMCID: PMC9501671 DOI: 10.2196/34675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pandemic fatigue is defined as feelings of demotivation to follow preventive measures against COVID-19, together with decreased trust in government and frequency of information-seeking behaviors. Objective This study aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the COVID-19–specific pandemic fatigue scale according to classical test theory (CTT) and Rasch model approaches in the general Spanish population. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 1018 adults who completed an online survey in November 2020 in the framework of the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO)-Spain project. The assessments included the 6-item COVID-19 Pandemic Fatigue Scale (CPFS) and other COVID-19–related variables: COVID-19 infection, adherence to preventive behaviors, information-seeking behavior, self-efficacy, worry, and cognitive and affective risk perception. Data quality, acceptability, reliability, and validity were analyzed according to CTT, and the fit to the Rasch model, unidimensionality, appropriateness of the response scale, item local independency, reliability (person-separation index [PSI]), and item-person distribution were also calculated. Results The mean CPFS score was 17.06 (SD 5.04, range 6-30), with higher scores for women, younger participants, participants who never seek information on COVID-19, those who think they would contract a mild disease in case of infection, those with higher level of worry about coronavirus/COVID-19, and those who felt depressed or felt the coronavirus/COVID-19 is spreading slowly (all P<.01). The Cronbach alpha for the CPFS was 0.74. In the confirmatory factor analysis, one factor was identified (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA]=.02; comparative fit index [CFI]=.99; χ25=8.06, P=.15). The CPFS showed good fit to the Rasch model (χ 224=42.025, P=.01, PSI=.642), unidimensionality (binomial 95% CI –.005 to .045), and item local independency. Conclusions Our results suggest that the CPFS has moderate reliability and internal consistency and it is composed of a single dimension. It is a useful tool to ascertain the level of pandemic fatigue in the general population, which may help to guide the communication and information strategies to face the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Romay-Barja
- Nacional Center of Tropical Diseases, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Falcon
- School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala
- Department of Statistics, Carlos III University, Getafe, Spain
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- National Epidemiology Center, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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