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Uzan LM, Brust M, Molenaar JM, Leistra E, Boor K, Kiefte-de Jong JC. A cross-sectional analysis of factors associated with the teachable moment concept and health behaviors during pregnancy. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:147. [PMID: 38378517 PMCID: PMC10880280 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06348-8] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnancy is often associated with a change in health behaviors, leading some to suggest that pregnancy could be a teachable moment for lifestyle change. However, the prevalence and underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is not well understood. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of a teachable moment during pregnancy, the psychosocial factors that are associated with experiencing such a moment, and its association with actual health behaviors. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 343 pregnant Dutch women completed an online questionnaire. Participants reported on their intentions to change lifestyle due to pregnancy, their current health behaviors, and several psychosocial factors that were assumed to be linked to perceiving a teachable moment during pregnancy: perceived risk, affective impact, changed self-concept, and social support. Multivariable linear and logistic regression were applied to the data analysis. RESULTS Results demonstrate that 56% of the women experienced a teachable moment based on intentions to change their health behavior. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that changed self-concept (β = 0.21; CI = 0.11-0.31), positive affect (positive β = 0.28; CI = 0.21-0.48), and negative affect (β = 0.12; CI = 0.00-0.15) were associated with higher intentions to change health behavior. Conversely, more perceived risk was associated with lower intentions to change health behavior (β=-0.29; CI = 0.31 - 0.13). Multivariate regression analyses showed a positive association between intentions to change health behavior and diet quality (β = 0.11; CI = 0.82-1.64) and physical activity (OR = 2.88; CI = 1.66-5.00). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that pregnancy may be experienced as a teachable moment, therefore providing an important window of opportunity for healthcare professionals to efficiently improve health behaviors and health in pregnant women and their children. Results suggest that healthcare professionals should link communication about pregnancy-related health behaviors to a pregnant women's change in identity, affective impact (predominantly positive affective impact) and risk perception to stimulate the motivation to change healthy behavior positively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Uzan
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Michelle Brust
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce M Molenaar
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, Department of Quality of Care and Health Economics, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Leistra
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Klarke Boor
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica C Kiefte-de Jong
- Health Campus The Hague/Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Berges P, Schrader B, Vaske B, Bohling A, Lüders S, Elsässer A, Schrader J. [Influence of the Corona pandemic on cardiovascular risk factors - Data from 1775 participants of the ELITE study before and during the Corona pandemic]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2024; 149:e11-e18. [PMID: 37995721 PMCID: PMC10805539 DOI: 10.1055/a-2201-6772] [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: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its interventions have led to a deficit in medical care and changes in people's lifestyles, which has consequently changed cardio- and cerebrovascular primary and secondary prevention. The existing data are mainly based on surveys. In addition to the problem of the accuracy of self-assessments, the pandemic per se and the massive public reporting may have biased the data.Only a few publications have compared data collected before the pandemic with results during the pandemic. The ELITE study has regularly monitored risk factors (RF) and psychosocial parameters (stress, depression, well-being, diet, brain performance, exercise) in over 5000 participants for years. From this study, data were analyzed from 1775 individuals collected before the onset and again during the pandemic (06/05/2020-25/01/2022). Thus, baseline values were unaffected by the pandemic. RESULTS As expected, both improvements and worsening of the collected parameters were found. Blood pressure and depressive symptoms worsened significantly more often, with women more frequently affected. Weight and stress levels also increased more often than they improved. Only physical activity showed a slight increase. 24.1 % showed only deteriorations and no improvements in these parameters. In contrast, 19.6 % showed improvements exclusively. In the group with only worsening, there was a significant increase in individuals with the risk factors (RF) hypertension, obesity, elevated LDL cholesterol, nicotine, and diabetes mellitus. This resulted in an increase in individuals with 2 or more RF. In contrast, the number of individuals with 2 and more RF decreased in the group with only improvements. Strikingly, individuals with risk factors improved more frequently. CONCLUSION A not insignificant part of the population experienced significant worsening of RF during the pandemic. This particularly affected blood pressure and depressive symptoms, and more often women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Berges
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin – Kardiologie, Klinikum Oldenburg
| | - Bastian Schrader
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin – Kardiologie, Klinikum Oldenburg
| | - Bernhard Vaske
- Institut für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (INFO), Cloppenburg
| | - Annabelle Bohling
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin – Kardiologie, Klinikum Oldenburg
| | - Stephan Lüders
- Klinik für Nephrologie, Innere Medizin, St.-Josefs-Hospital, Cloppenburg
- Klinik für Nephrologie und Rheumatologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen
| | - Albrecht Elsässer
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin – Kardiologie, Klinikum Oldenburg
| | - Joachim Schrader
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin – Kardiologie, Klinikum Oldenburg
- Institut für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (INFO), Cloppenburg
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Brust M, Gebhardt WA, van Bruggen S, Janssen V, Numans ME, Kiefte-de Jong JC. Making sense of a myocardial infarction in relation to changing lifestyle in the five months following the event: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Soc Sci Med 2023; 338:116348. [PMID: 37922741 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous research has shown that experiencing an acute cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction (MI), can lead to lifestyle changes. This study aimed to explore the potential of a MI as a 'teachable moment' (TM) for positive lifestyle changes and to identify psychosocial sensemaking processes that facilitate or hinder the presence of a TM. METHOD We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 patients who suffered their first MI and were hospitalized in a larger Dutch city. Participants were interviewed twice, respectively one and five months after their hospitalization. They were encouraged to explain how they experienced their MI and how this had affected their lifestyle. We used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach to the data collection and analysis. FINDINGS The participants varied in their willingness to adopt a healthy lifestyle due to their MI. Most participants experienced their event as a TM for changing specific health behaviors, for example facilitated by reflecting on self-concept or social roles and by constructing and comprehending a personal narrative of their MI. Some participants struggled to follow through on their intentions to change their behavior, for example because of a negative attitude towards a healthy behavior or because they perceived it as incongruent to their identity. Only three participants maintained most former health behaviors, for example because they failed to acknowledge their MI as severe or because of earlier life events that elicited more blunted cognitive responses. CONCLUSION Cardiac patients may experience a TM, which is the consequence of interrelated processes of psychosocial sensemaking. As this does not occur at a singular time point, we suggest using the term 'teachable window' rather than 'moment'. Given these findings, there is a window of opportunity to provide continuous psychosocial and lifestyle support during and after hospitalization for acute cardiac events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Brust
- Health Campus the Hague, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Winifred A Gebhardt
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands.
| | - Sytske van Bruggen
- Health Campus the Hague, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands; Haaglandse Dokters, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Veronica Janssen
- Health, Medical and Neuropsychology Unit, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, the Netherlands; Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Mattijs E Numans
- Health Campus the Hague, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands.
| | - Jessica C Kiefte-de Jong
- Health Campus the Hague, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands.
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Naimeh M, Afsaneh A, Zahra A, Ali D, Abdullah B, Marzieh RR. Smoking as a Risk or Protective Factor in Developing and Severity of COVID-19? J Acute Med 2023; 13:114-121. [PMID: 37841826 PMCID: PMC10568632 DOI: 10.6705/j.jacme.202309_13(3).0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Many studies have discussed the relationship between COVID-19 and smoking, but they include many contradictory findings. This study evaluates the relationship between smoking and the incidence and severity of COVID-19 patients in Shahroud City, Iran. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study using COVID-19 data. All suspected cases were referred to the registered centers at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences from 21 January 2020 to 20 March 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the relationship between smoking and SARS-COV 2 confirmed cases, and its severity. Results: Overall, it was confirmed that 22.6% of smokers had positive COVID-19 PCR tests compared to 42.1% of non-smokers. COVID-19 is a public health problem, and the results showed that there was a relationship between smoking and COVID-19 confirmed cases and severity. The results showed that smoking, adjusting for other related factors, reduces the odds of COVID-19 by 58%, but increases the odds of severe disease by 89%. Conclusions: In this study, smoking was significantly associated with a low chance of developing COVID-19 disease but higher odds of severity. These significant results were reported even in the presence of under-reporting of smoking by patients, which underestimates the association. These results should not be ignored, and further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahheidari Naimeh
- Shahroud University of Medical SciencesStudent Research Committee, Department of Tissue Engineering , School of MedicineShahroudIran
| | - Ahansaz Afsaneh
- Islamic Azad UniversityDepartment of Food Science and Technology, Tabriz BranchTabrizIran
- Maedeh Technical and vocational schoolFood Technology, Department of educationTasuj, East AzerbayjanIran
| | - Azizabadi Zahra
- Shahroud University of Medical SciencesStudent Research Committee, School of Public HealthShahroudIran
| | - Dadgari Ali
- Shahroud University of Medical SciencesCenter for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences ResearchShahroudIran
| | - Barkhordari Abdullah
- Shahroud University of Medical SciencesCenter for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences ResearchShahroudIran
- Shahroud University of Medical SciencesEnvironmental and Occupational Health Research CenterShahroudIran
| | - Rohani-Rasaf Marzieh
- Shahroud University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthShahroudIran
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The development and validation of scales to measure the presence of a teachable moment following a cardiovascular disease event. Prev Med Rep 2022; 28:101876. [PMID: 35801000 PMCID: PMC9254119 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating cardiac events as teachable moments is a promising venture. Validated measures to conduct research on teachable moments are lacking. We developed scales that demonstrate validity and reliability. The scales could be employed in research on teachable moments and behavior change. Clinicians could use the scales to foster conversation around lifestyle.
Better conceptually-driven research is necessary to learn more about 1) the characteristics of life events as teachable moments (TMs) and 2) the potential of life events to evoke lifestyle change intention (LCI). This study aimed to develop and validate two scales for the purposes of TM research in the context of cardiovascular disease (CVD): the CardiacTM and CardiacLCI-scales. After the initial development of items based on a theoretical framework and literature search, six experts rated the content validity of both scales as sufficient. The item list was further adjusted after think-aloud sessions with two CVD patients. The resulting scales were presented online in a cross-sectional survey, which yielded 625 responses of Dutch CVD patients (June 2020). To test construct validity, we conducted Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with Varimax rotation on a random split-half of the sample (n = 300) and evaluated the factor structure with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on the holdout sample (n = 325). EFA and CFA on the CardiacTM-scale (α = 0.88) revealed a 28-item six-factor structure explaining 61.0% of the variance, with adequate goodness-of-fit statistics (CFI = 0.87; TLI = 0.85; SRMR = 0.07) and internally reliable factors (Affective impact, Risk CVD, Changed self-concept, CVD group identity, Risk non-communicable disease, Anticipated regret). The CardiacLCI-scale (α = 0.81) revealed an 11-item two-factor structure explaining 51.5% of the variance, with adequate model fit (CFI = 0.92; TLI = 0.90; SRMR = 0.08) and internally reliable factors (Event-related lifestyle change and General healthy lifestyle). The scales may be used to expand knowledge around life events as TMs and to support conversation regarding lifestyle after cardiac and other life events.
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Waterink L, Bakker ED, Visser LNC, Mangialasche F, Kivipelto M, Deckers K, Köhler S, Sikkes SAM, Prins ND, Scheltens P, van der Flier WM, Zwan MD. Changes in Brain-Health Related Modifiable Risk Factors in Older Adults After One Year of COVID-19-Restrictions. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:877460. [PMID: 35722572 PMCID: PMC9201112 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.877460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has major influence on lifestyle and mental health, which might affect brain-health and increase the risk of cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. We aimed to describe changes in modifiable risk factors related to brain-health in older adults after one year of COVID-19 restrictions. Methods An online survey was disseminated between February and March 2021 to 17,773 registrants of the Dutch Brain Research Registry, aged ≥50, without a self-reported diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Participants were asked to report potential changes in behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic, in eight domains related to brain health: physical activity, sleep, feeling of memory decline, perceived stress, feeling of loneliness, diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking. We used negative binomial regression analyses to relate (socio)demographics, subjective memory complaints and COVID-19 related aspects (fear of, or current/past COVID-19 infection) to the number of reported detrimental and beneficial changes as dependent variable. Results 3,943 participants (66 ± 8 years old; 76% female; 71% highly educated) completed the survey. After one year of COVID-19-restrictions, 74% reported at least one detrimental lifestyle change unfavorable for their brain health, most frequently reported were feelings of loneliness, sleep problems, and less physical activity. 60% of participants reported at least one beneficial change, which were most often more physical activity, healthier dietary habits, and less alcohol consumption. Individuals who are younger [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99], female (1.20, 1.11-1.30), living alone (1.20, 1.11-1.28) and in urban environments (1.18, 1.08-1.29), who are less satisfied with their income (1.38, 1.17-1.62), experiencing subjective memory complaints (1.40, 1.28-1.52) and those with a past or current (1.19, 1.06-1.34) or fear of a COVID-19 infection (1.33, 1.25-1.42) reported higher numbers of detrimental changes. Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced lifestyle in both positive and negative ways. We identified (socio)demographic factors associated with more detrimental changes in modifiable risk factors related to brain health, suggesting that some individuals are more vulnerable for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide an opportunity for targeted prevention and education to promote a healthy lifestyle during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Waterink
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Els D. Bakker
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leonie N. C. Visser
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Francesca Mangialasche
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miia Kivipelto
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Medical Unit Aging, Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kay Deckers
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Köhler
- Alzheimer Center Limburg, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sietske A. M. Sikkes
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Life Sciences Partners Dementia Fund, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wiesje M. van der Flier
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marissa D. Zwan
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Bamidele OO, Green T, Tookey S, Walabyeki J, Macleod U. A qualitative exploration of women's perspectives and acceptability of including new cancer awareness information in all-clear breast or cervical screening results. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13574. [PMID: 35293051 PMCID: PMC9286386 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13574] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study explored women's perspectives on the acceptability of including new cancer information with an all‐clear breast or cervical screening result letter (using ovarian cancer as a case study). Methods In 2016, six focus group discussions were conducted with women aged 25–70 years old, eligible for invitation to the NHS breast or cervical screening programme and resident in England. The focus groups lasted 60–90 min and were held in community venues. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Thirty‐eight women aged 25–67 years old participated in the focus groups. Data analysis yielded six descriptive themes: general cancer awareness, taking advantage of a ‘teachable moment’, a double‐edge sword, barriers to accepting and using new cancer information, motivators for accepting and using new cancer information and wider strategies to increase cancer awareness in women. Women welcomed the inclusion of new cancer information in all‐clear screening results but highlighted pertinent lessons to be considered to maximise the usefulness of the approach. Conclusion While women perceived this approach as acceptable, it is pertinent to note the potential of the new cancer information to stimulate anxiety and potentially widen inequalities by excluding non‐attenders at screening programmes. Specific complementary and tailored approaches are necessary to mitigate these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufikayo O Bamidele
- Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Trish Green
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Sara Tookey
- Chartered Clinical Psychologist in Oncology and Palliative Care, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Greenacres Centre, Department of Clinical Health Psychology, The Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Julie Walabyeki
- Institute for Clinical and Applied Health Research, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Una Macleod
- Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Herbec A, Brown J, Jackson SE, Kale D, Zatoński M, Garnett C, Chadborn T, Shahab L. Perceived risk factors for severe Covid-19 symptoms and their association with health behaviours: Findings from the HEBECO study. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 222:103458. [PMID: 34933210 PMCID: PMC8639445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk perceptions are important influences on health behaviours. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models to assess cross-sectionally risk perceptions for severe Covid-19 symptoms and their health behaviour correlates among 2206 UK adults from the HEBECO study. The great majority (89-99%) classified age 70+, having comorbidities, being a key worker, overweight, and from an ethnic minority as increasing the risk. People were less sure about alcohol drinking, vaping, and nicotine replacement therapy use (17.4-29.5% responding 'don't know'). Relative to those who did not, those who engaged in the following behaviours had higher odds of classifying these behaviours as (i) decreasing the risk: smoking cigarettes (adjusted odds ratios, aORs, 95% CI = 2.26, 1.39-3.37), and using e-cigarettes (aORs = 5.80, 3.25-10.34); (ii) having no impact: smoking cigarettes (1.98; 1.42-2.76), using e-cigarettes (aORs = 2.63, 1.96-3.50), drinking alcohol (aORs = 1.75, 1.31-2.33); and lower odds of classifying these as increasing the risk: smoking cigarettes (aORs: 0.43, 0.32-0.56), using e-cigarettes (aORs = 0.25, 0.18-0.35). Similarly, eating more fruit and vegetables was associated with classifying unhealthy diet as 'increasing risk' (aOR = 1.37, 1.12-1.69), and exercising more with classifying regular physical activity as 'decreasing risk' (aOR = 2.42, 1.75-3.34). Risk perceptions for severe Covid-19 among UK adults were lower for their own health behaviours, evidencing optimism bias. These risk perceptions may form barriers to changing people's own unhealthy behaviours, make them less responsive to interventions that refer to the risk of Covid-19 as a motivating factor, and exacerbate inequalities in health behaviours and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Herbec
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, UCL, UK; Behavioural Insights, Public Health England, UK.
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
| | | | - Dimitra Kale
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
| | - Mateusz Zatoński
- Institute - European Observatory of Health Inequalities, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland; Tobacco Control Research Group, Department for Health, University of Bath, UK
| | | | | | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, UCL, UK
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