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Vera-Punzano N, Bullón-Vela V, Miret C, Pardos-Plaza J, García Cenoz M, Godoy P, Castilla J, Domínguez À, Toledo D, Martínez-Baz I. Assessment of Long-Term Changes in Knowledge and Attitudes of Household Contacts of COVID-19 Cases in Northern Spain. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:923-931. [PMID: 39452159 PMCID: PMC11507522 DOI: 10.3390/idr16050074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to describe the long-term changes in the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, COVID-19 and its preventive measures in northern Spain. A telephonic survey was performed among household contacts of COVID-19 cases in Catalonia and Navarre between May 2022 and December 2023. Knowledge and attitudes were assessed through 12 questions using a Likert scale, and responses were grouped as correct or incorrect. The change from baseline to the 6-month follow-up was evaluated with the absolute difference (AD) using the proportion of correct answers. At baseline, 299 subjects were contacted, of whom 63.2% (189) completed the 6-month follow-up. Correct knowledge of transmission (>85%) and the use of preventive measures (>92%) were observed at baseline and maintained over time. The attitudes towards face mask use remained adequate over the course of six months (>79%). However, attitudes regarding the use of face masks indoors (AD = -16.4%; p < 0.001) and those who thought that COVID-19 had a negative impact on their lives (AD = -16.5%; p < 0.001) decreased after 6 months. In the post-acute phase of the pandemic, household contacts maintained the correct level of knowledge towards COVID-19, while some attitudes decreased. These results should serve as a guide for health policy makers in decision-making in case of a new increase in the incidence of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Vera-Punzano
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Vanessa Bullón-Vela
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Carme Miret
- Institut de Recerca Biomédica (IRB Lleida), Universitat de Lleida, 25006 Lleida, Spain
- Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Manuel García Cenoz
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pere Godoy
- Institut de Recerca Biomédica (IRB Lleida), Universitat de Lleida, 25006 Lleida, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Castilla
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Àngela Domínguez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Toledo
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Fundació Bosch I Gimpera, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Martínez-Baz
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, 31003 Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Avian A, Könczöl C, Kubicek B, Spary-Kainz U, Siebenhofer A. Predictors of adherence in Austrian employees during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of an online survey. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1347818. [PMID: 38496390 PMCID: PMC10940368 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347818] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since the beginning of the pandemic in December 2019, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a significant challenge to health care systems throughout the world. The introduction of measures to reduce the incidence of infection had a significant impact on the workplace. Overall, companies played a key and adaptive role in coping with the pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional data from an online-survey of 1,183 employees conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2021 in Austria were used in the analyses. The influence of health beliefs (e.g., perceived severity), modifying factors (e.g., age) and time-dependent factors (e.g., corona fatigue) on individual adherence were evaluated. The conception of the questionnaire was based on the health belief model. Results The majority of respondents were female (58.3%), worked in companies with more than 250 employees (56.6%) and had been to an academic secondary school or had a university degree (58.3%). Overall, employees were adherent to most of the measures at their company (>80%), except for wearing FFP-2 masks when they were travelling in a car with coworkers (59.3, 95%CI 51.3-66.7%). Overall adherence was associated with high ratings for the meaningfulness of testing (OR: 2.06 95%CI: 1.00-4.22; p = 0.049), the extent to which social norms govern behavior (OR: 6.61 95%CI: 4.66-9.36; p < 0.001), lower perceived difficulties associated with the adoption of health-promoting measures (OR: 0.37 95%CI: 0.16-0.82; p = 0.015) and lower corona fatigue (OR: 0.23 95%CI: 0.10-0.52; p < 0.001). Adherence to four single measures was influenced by different predictors. The most important predictors (important for the adherence to three out of four single measures) were social norms and corona fatigue. Conclusion The importance attached to testing and social norms, as well as lower perceived barriers to health-promoting measures and low levels of corona fatigue all increase overall adherence to Covid-19 protective measures in companies. Strategies to improve adherence should be adapted depending on the aim (to raise overall adherence or adherence to individual measures) and on the group of persons that is being targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Avian
- Institute for Medical Informatics, and Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Ulrike Spary-Kainz
- Institute of General Practice and Evidence-based Health Services Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andrea Siebenhofer
- Institute of General Practice and Evidence-based Health Services Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Cardenas Soriano P, Rodriguez-Blazquez C, Forjaz MJ, Ayala A, Fernandez-Mayoralas G, Rojo-Perez F, Sanchez-Gonzalez D, Rodriguez-Rodriguez V. Associated factors for fear of COVID-19 scale in long-term care settings in Spain. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 56:167-172. [PMID: 38354659 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.02.009] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) score and sociodemographic, health, emotional and behavioural factors, in a cross-sectional observational study in 447 older adults living in long-term care (LTC) settings in Madrid (Spain). METHODS The sample was stratified by nursing home ownership, geographical location, and size. Multiple linear regression analysis was used using backward elimination to identify factors that explained associations with fear, and logistic regression models were used to examine its role as a predictor of adherence to preventive measures. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 83.8 years, most were female, had had COVID-19, and were worried about the pandemic. The average score of the FCV-19S was 18.36 (SD: 8.28; range: 7-35), and the variables associated in the multiple linear regression model (explained variance: 34.00%) were being female, lower level of education, satisfaction with life and the residential home, and higher worry about the pandemic. The logistic regression models showed that fear of COVID-19 was a predictor of adherence to preventive measures like wearing facemasks, washing hands, and avoiding physical contact. CONCLUSIONS fear of COVID-19 was significantly related with sex and subjective factors as life satisfaction and worry; and it influences older people's preventive behaviour. Interventions aimed at reducing fear and promoting adherence to preventive measures would improve their mental health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cardenas Soriano
- Preventive Medicine Unit, Alcorcón Foundation University Hospital, Alcorcón, Spain; Escuela Internacional de Doctorado, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez
- National Centre of Epidemiology and Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- National Centre of Epidemiology and Health Service Research Network on Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC) and Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala
- Department of Statistics, University Carlos III of Madrid, and Health Service Research Network on Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Fermina Rojo-Perez
- Grupo de Investigacion sobre Envejecimiento (GIE-CSIC), IEGD, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Sanchez-Gonzalez
- Department of Geography, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
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Bullón-Vela V, Toledo D, Echeverría A, Godoy P, Cenoz MG, Parrón I, Castilla J, Domínguez A, Martínez-Baz I. Absence of short-term changes in knowledge and attitudes among household contacts of COVID-19 cases during the post-acute phase of the pandemic in Catalonia and Navarre, Spain. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1306284. [PMID: 38487191 PMCID: PMC10937404 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1306284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate short-term changes in knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and preventive measures during the post-acute phase of the pandemic in Spain. Methods A survey was performed in Catalonia and Navarre between May-2022 and July-2023 in household contacts of COVID-19 cases. Knowledge and attitude were assessed at baseline and at three months, using a Likert scale. Responses were grouped according to correct or incorrect. Results At baseline, 172 subjects were contacted, 118 (69%) of which completed a follow-up interview three months later. Knowledge of correct hand-washing and mask protocols had maintained over time (-1.7%, p = 0.553 and - 2.5%, p = 0.473, respectively). Attitudes toward preventive measures was adequate in the first interview (86%), but attitudes regarding use of face masks decreased significantly (-9.1%, p = 0.048) over time in participants with higher risk of severe COVID-19. However, most short-term changes in knowledge and attitudes were not statistically significant. Conclusion Household contacts showed correct knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and its preventive measures, without significant changes in the short term despite a relaxation of government-mandated preventive measures. These results provide relevant information in case of a new health emergency due to respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Bullón-Vela
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Diana Toledo
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Pere Godoy
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLleida), Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manuel García Cenoz
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignasi Parrón
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Salut, Generalitat de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Castilla
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Domínguez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Martínez-Baz
- Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Jroundi I, Fernández de Larrea-Baz N, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Pastor-Barriuso R, Pollán-Santamaría M, Forjaz MJ, Pérez-Gómez B. Preventive behavior against SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults according to whether or not they live with children. A combined analysis of the nationwide COSMO-SPAIN and ENE-COVID surveys. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1061367. [PMID: 36908466 PMCID: PMC9996036 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1061367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The protection of children is a major driver of behavior among those in charge of their care. We evaluated whether compliance with preventive measures against SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults living with children was different from that of those not living with them, in 2020. Methods We used the COSMO-SPAIN (N = 867) and the nationally representative ENE-COVID (N = 29,926) surveys to estimate prevalence of compliance (95% confidence interval). Logistic model based standardization methods were applied to estimate standardized prevalence differences (SPrD) to the overall distribution of age, sex, education, history of COVID-19, and residence of other >60 yrs in the household. Results We observed that adults living with children more frequently avoided bars (SPrDENE-COVID: 4.2%; 95% CI: 2.3-6.1), crowded places (SPrDCOSMO: 8.0%; 95% CI: 0.6-15.1) and did not use public transportation (SPrDENE-COVID: 4.9%; 95% CI: 3.0-6.7). They were also more worried about work and family conciliation (SPrDCOSMO: 12.2%; 95% CI: 4.8-19.5) and about closure of education centers (SPrDCOSMO: 26.5%; 95% CI: 19.4-33.6). Discussion In general, adults living with children adopted slightly more frequently social distancing measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imane Jroundi
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Fernández de Larrea-Baz
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Pastor-Barriuso
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Pollán-Santamaría
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- The Health Services Research on Chronic Patients Network (REDISSEC) and Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientadas a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Pérez-Gómez
- National Centre for Epidemiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Soeder J, Neunhöffer AT, Wagner A, Preiser C, Rebholz B, Montano D, Schmitz N, Kauderer J, Papenfuss F, Klink A, Alsyte K, Rieger MA, Rind E. Assessing Differences in Attitudes toward Occupational Safety and Health Measures for Infection Control between Office and Assembly Line Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Baseline Data from a Repeated Employee Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:614. [PMID: 36612934 PMCID: PMC9819385 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010614] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In our study, we investigated possible differences across occupational groups regarding employees’ perceived work-related risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, attitudes toward technical, organisational, and personal occupational safety and health (OSH) measures for infection control, and factors associated with this attitude. We analysed baseline data (10 August to 25 October 2020) from a repeated standardised online survey distributed at a worldwide leading global supplier of technology and services in Germany. 2144 employees (32.4% women; age (mean ± SD): 44 ± 11 years) who worked predominantly remotely (n = 358), at an on-site office (n = 1451), and assembly line/manufacturing (n = 335) were included. The work-related SARS-CoV-2 risk of infection differed between office employees working remotely and on-site (mean ± SD = 2.9 ± 1.5 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5; Mann-Whitney-U-Test: W = 283,346; p < 0.002; ε2 = 0.01) and between on-site office and assembly line/manufacturing employees (3.8 ± 1.7; W = 289,174; p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.02). Attitude scores toward technical OSH-measures differed between remote and on-site office (4.3 ± 0.5 vs. 4.1 ± 0.6; W = 216,787; p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.01), and between on-site office and assembly line/manufacturing employees (3.6 ± 0.9; W = 149,881; p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.07). Findings were similar for organisational and personal measures. Affective risk perception, COVID-19-specific resilience, and information about COVID-19-related risks were associated with the employees’ attitudes. To promote positive attitudes, it seems to be important to consider occupational-group-specific context factors when implementing OSH-measures for infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Soeder
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna T. Neunhöffer
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anke Wagner
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine Preiser
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rebholz
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Diego Montano
- Department of Population-Based Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Norbert Schmitz
- Department of Population-Based Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, University Hospital Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Straße 9, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Johanna Kauderer
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Falko Papenfuss
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Antje Klink
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Karina Alsyte
- Medical Services, Robert Bosch GmbH, P.O. Box 10 60 50, 70049 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Monika A. Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Esther Rind
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Prezerakos P, Dadouli K, Agapidaki E, Kravvari CM, Avakian I, Peristeri AM, Anagnostopoulos L, Mouchtouri VA, Fountoulakis KN, Koupidis S, Hadjichristodoulou C. Behavioral and Cultural Insights, a Nationwide Study Based on Repetitive Surveys of WHO Behavioral Insights Tool in Greece Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic and Vaccine Acceptance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:216. [PMID: 36612538 PMCID: PMC9819918 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010216] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring behavioral and cultural insights during the pandemic is a useful tool to identify factors related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and confront the pandemic’s vast impact. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed according to the “survey tool and guidance” provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). Surveys were conducted by a market research company for five consecutive months, with a sample of 1000 individuals recruited per survey. Vaccination acceptance increased from 55.2% to 67.2%, while the percentage of undecisive individuals decreased from 16.3% to 10.6%. The proportion of vaccine resistant participants remained relatively steady (25−30%). Knowledge about the pandemic and compliance with preventive measures was high (>90%). Factors associated with vaccination included: Increased age, male gender, influenza vaccination, following authorities’ recommendations, being informed by HCWs or formal information sources, care for others, concern about the country’s economic recession and health system overload. Pandemic fatigue was reflected across the surveys, indicated by a decrease in the intention to self-isolate and remain at home when ill. Despite the decrease of undecisive individuals, a firm core of vaccine resistant individuals may be responsible for the relatively lower vaccine coverage compared to northern EU countries. Study results could be useful for developing approaches tailored to a reluctant population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katerina Dadouli
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Eirini Agapidaki
- Secretary General of Public Health, Ministry of Health, 10433 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna Avakian
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasia-Marina Peristeri
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Lemonia Anagnostopoulos
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Varvara A. Mouchtouri
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sotirios Koupidis
- Occupational and Environmental Health Sector, Public Health Policy Department, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece
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Cárdenas Soriano P, Rodriguez-Blazquez C, Forjaz MJ, Ayala A, Rojo-Perez F, Fernandez-Mayoralas G, Molina-Martinez MA, de Arenaza Escribano CP, Rodriguez-Rodriguez V. Validation of the Spanish Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in Long-Term Care Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16183. [PMID: 36498256 PMCID: PMC9741095 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the main psychological impacts of the actual pandemic, especially among the population groups with higher mortality rates. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) has been used in different scenarios to assess fear associated with COVID-19, but this has not been done frequently in people living in long-term care (LTC) settings. The present study is aimed at measuring the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the FCV-19S in residents in LTC settings, following both the classical test theory (CTT) and Rasch model frameworks. The participants (n = 447), aged 60 years or older, were asked to complete the FCV-19S and to report, among other issues, their levels of depression, resilience, emotional wellbeing and health-related quality of life with validated scales. The mean FCV-19S score was 18.36 (SD 8.28, range 7−35), with higher scores for women, participants with lower education (primary or less) and higher adherence to preventive measures (all, p < 0.05). The Cronbach’s alpha for the FCV-19S was 0.94. After eliminating two items due to a lack of fit, the FCV-19S showed a good fit to the Rasch model (χ2 (20) = 30.24, p = 0.019, PSI = 0.87), with unidimensionality (binomial 95% CI 0.001 to 0.045) and item local independency. Question 5 showed differential item functioning by sex. The present study shows that the FCV-19S has satisfactory reliability and validity, which supports its use to effectively measure fear in older people living in LTC settings. This tool could help identify risk groups that may need specific health education and effective communication strategies to lower fear levels. This might have a beneficial impact on adherence to preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cárdenas Soriano
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University Hospital of Albacete, ES-02006 Albacete, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodriguez-Blazquez
- National Centre of Epidemiology and Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Carlos III Institute of Health, ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- National Centre of Epidemiology and Health Service Research Network on Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC) and Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), Carlos III Institute of Health, ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala
- Department of Statistics, University Carlos III of Madrid, and Health Service Research Network on Chronic Diseases (REDISSEC), Carlos III Institute of Health, ES-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fermina Rojo-Perez
- Grupo de Investigacion Sobre Envejecimiento (GIE), IEGD, CSIC, ES-28037 Madrid, Spain
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González-Herrera A, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Romay-Barja M, Falcon-Romero M, Ayala A, Forjaz MJ. Age differences in knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20863. [PMID: 36460702 PMCID: PMC9718463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims at describing the evolution of Spanish population preventive practices during the COVID-19 pandemic of the between January and June 2021, and differences by age group. Data was drawn from the COSMO-Spain online survey, rounds (R) 4, 5 and 6. Multiple linear regression models with preventive practices as dependent variable were performed. Preventive practices (p = 0.001) and concern about coronavirus (p = 0.003) decreased throughout the three rounds, knowledge decreased from R4 to R6 (p = 0.002) and health literacy had a higher value in R6 (p < 0.001). Older the age was associated with higher the frequency of preventive practices, and levels of health literacy and concern about coronavirus (p < 0.001). The regression model showed that, in the 18-29 year group, a greater frequency of preventive practices was associated with being female (β = 0.20; p < 0.001), greater concern about coronavirus (β = 0.16; p < 0.018) and frequency of information seeking (β = 0.24; p < 0.001). For 61 years old and older, a higher frequency of preventive practices was associated with greater concern about coronavirus (β = 0.21; p < 0.002) and lower pandemic fatigue (β = - 0.13; p < 0.037). These findings point to the need for effective public health interventions tailored to the characteristics of age population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio González-Herrera
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Falcon-Romero
- grid.10586.3a0000 0001 2287 8496Legal Medicine, Department of Sociosanitary Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alba Ayala
- grid.7840.b0000 0001 2168 9183Department of Statistics, Carlos III University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María João Forjaz
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427National Epidemiology Centre, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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10
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Recio-Vivas AM, Mansilla-Domíngez JM, Belzunegui-Eraso Á, Peña-Otero D, Díaz-Pérez D, Lorenzo-Allegue L, Font-Jiménez I. Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention Measures in the Spanish Population during the New Normal: Will the Need for Greater Community Involvement Be One of the Lessons Learned? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15983. [PMID: 36498056 PMCID: PMC9737321 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the pandemic, national and international health authorities have called on the population to collaborate and contribute with their behavior to control the problem. The aim of this study is to analyze the implementation of the protective measures against COVID-19 and to determine the factors involved in their compliance. To respond to the objectives, a cross-sectional study was performed involving a total of 5560 individuals. An ad hoc online questionnaire was created and shared through social networks, scientific societies, and various health institutions. The probability of high or total compliance with the protective measures was higher in women (OR = 1.401) and as age increases, with an OR = 2.524 in the interval between 31 and 64 years old and an OR = 2.896 in the oldest interval (65 and over). This study shows the characteristics of the population that considers it more likely to be infected by SARS-CoV-2, thus adopting greater adherence to prevention measures. Knowing which factors are associated with adherence to protective measures is essential for establishing effective pandemic control measures. Our findings may be useful for designing future awareness campaigns adapted to different socio-demographic characteristics in settings affected by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana María Recio-Vivas
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ángel Belzunegui-Eraso
- Medical Anthropology Research Center, Faculty of Nursing, Rovira i Virgili University, 43002 Tarragona, Spain
| | - David Peña-Otero
- Sub-Directorate of Caring, Cantabrian Health Service, Material Resources Unit, Management of Products, Equipment and Health Technology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39011 Cantabria, Spain
- Nursing Area, IDIVAL Research Institutes Valdecilla, 39011 Cantabria, Spain
- Respiratory Nursing Department at Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR), 08029 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Díaz-Pérez
- Respiratory Nursing Department at Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica (SEPAR), 08029 Barcelona, Spain
- Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery Service of the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, 38010 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Laura Lorenzo-Allegue
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Font-Jiménez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Science, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Beca-Martínez MT, Romay-Barja M, Ayala A, Falcon-Romero M, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Benito A, Forjaz MJ. Trends in COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance in Spain, September 2020‒May 2021. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:1611-1619. [PMID: 36007207 PMCID: PMC9558192 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.307039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To analyze factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Spain, over time. Methods. We used data from a national study that included 5 online surveys carried out every 2 months from September 2020 to May 2021. Each round recruited a sample of 1000 participants aged 18 years or older. We performed a multivariable logistic regression with vaccination acceptance as the dependent variable. We evaluated time trends through the interaction terms of each of the explanatory variables and the time. Results. Vaccination acceptance increased from 43.1% in September 2020 to 84.5% in May 2021. Sex, age, concerns about disease severity, health services overload, and people not wearing a face mask, together with adherence to preventive behavior, health literacy, and confidence in scientists, health care professionals' information, and adequacy of governmental decisions, were variables associated with vaccination acceptance. Conclusions. In a changing situation, vaccine acceptance factors and time trends could help in the design of contextualized public health messages. It is important to strengthen the population's trust in institutions, health care professionals, and scientists to increase vaccination rates, as well as to ensure easy access to accurate information for those who are more reluctant. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(11):1611-1619. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307039).
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
| | - María Romay-Barja
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
| | - Alba Ayala
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
| | - María Falcon-Romero
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
| | - Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
| | - Agustín Benito
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
| | - Maria João Forjaz
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez is PhD student at the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain. María Romay-Barja and Agustín Benito are with the Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid. Alba Ayala is with the Instituto Universitario de Estudios de Género, Universidad Carlos III. María Falcon-Romero is with the Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain. Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez and João Forjaz are with the Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III
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12
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Alfaro Blazquez R, González-Timoneda A, González-Timoneda M, Gómez Gómez M, Borrull-Guardeño J. Breastfeeding Women's Attitudes About the SARS-COV-2 Vaccine in Spain. J Hum Lact 2022; 38:609-618. [PMID: 35848166 DOI: 10.1177/08903344221109592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 has spread globally, causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To control the pandemic and to achieve herd immunity, four vaccines have obtained market authorization in Europe. Researchers have reported that the sequence of administration of the vaccines depends on the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and age, recommending the vaccine to pregnant and breastfeeding women. RESEARCH AIM To examine the knowledge, willingness and attitudes of breastfeeding women in Spain regarding the possibility of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS An observational descriptive cross-sectional study in two tertiary-level hospitals from Valencia was conducted. Breastfeeding women (N = 301) were recruited by non-probability sampling of consecutive cases. Questionnaires were collected in June 2021. RESULTS More than one in every two participants would accept a COVID-19 vaccine, and the percentage rose in participants who were older, more educated, or worked in high-risk jobs. Their main source of information was the Internet, and midwives were the professionals who most recommended vaccination. Participants who would not accept vaccination during lactation reported reasons linked to lack of information regarding vaccination in their condition and how it might affect newborns. CONCLUSION It is of primary concern for healthcare professionals to foster a greater understanding by providing updated information regarding the need, safety, and efficacy of the vaccine for both lactating mothers and their newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Alfaro Blazquez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University and Polytechnic Hospital "La Fe", Valencia, Spain.,Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alba González-Timoneda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University and Polytechnic Hospital "La Fe", Valencia, Spain.,Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Faculty of Nursing, European University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Gómez Gómez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University and Polytechnic Hospital "La Fe", Valencia, Spain
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13
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Siebenhofer A, Könczöl C, Jeitler K, Schmid D, Elliott P, Avian A. Predictors for adherent behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional telephone survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:894128. [PMID: 36339221 PMCID: PMC9632415 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.894128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, protective measures have been prescribed to prevent or slow down the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect the population. Individuals follow these measures to varying degrees. We aimed to identify factors influencing the extent to which protective measures are adhered to. Methods A cross-sectional survey (telephone interviews) was undertaken between April and June 2021 to identify factors influencing the degree to which individuals adhere to protective measures. A representative sample of 1,003 people (age >16 years) in two Austrian states (Carinthia, Vorarlberg) was interviewed. The questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model, but also included potential response-modifying factors. Predictors for adherent behavior were identified using multiple regression analysis. All predictors were standardized so that regression coefficients (β) could be compared. Results Overall median adherence was 0.75 (IQR: 0.5-1.0). Based on a regression model, the following variables were identified as significant in raising adherence: higher age (β = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.33-0.54), social standards of acceptable behavior (β = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.27-0.40), subjective/individual assessment of an increased personal health risk (β = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.05-0.18), self-efficacy (β = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.02-0.10), female gender (β = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01-0.08), and low corona fatigue (behavioral fatigue: β = -0.11, 95%CI: -0.18 to -0.03). The model showed that such aspects as personal trust in institutions, perceived difficulties in adopting health-promoting measures, and individual assessments of the risk of infection, had no significant influence. Conclusions This study reveals that several factors significantly influence adherence to measures aimed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance adherence, the government, media, and other relevant stakeholders should take the findings into consideration when formulating policy. By developing social standards and promoting self-efficacy, individuals can influence the behavior of others and contribute toward coping with the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Siebenhofer
- Institute of General Practice and Evidence Based Health Services Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria,Institute of General Practice, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Jeitler
- Institute of General Practice and Evidence Based Health Services Research, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria,Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Schmid
- Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd. AGES, Vienna, Austria
| | - Phillip Elliott
- Institute of General Practice, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexander Avian
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria,*Correspondence: Alexander Avian
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14
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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: 2.0] [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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15
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Factors Associated with the COVID-19 Vaccination Status of Higher Education Students: Results of an Online Cross-Sectional Survey at Six Universities in Southwestern Germany. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091433. [PMID: 36146511 PMCID: PMC9505187 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091433] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study explored factors associated with the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination acceptance among higher education students in southwestern Germany. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey at six state-approved higher education institutions (HEIs) between July and November 2021. In addition to descriptive analyses, univariate as well as multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. A total of 6556 higher education students aged 18 years and older participated in our survey; 91.4% of participating students had been vaccinated against COVID-19 at least once. The factors that significantly contributed to the explanation of higher education students’ vaccination status in the multivariate analysis (area under curve—AUC = 0.94) were variables on the perception of the virus SARS-CoV-2 (affective risk perception: Adjusted odds ratio—aOR = 1.2; perception of the outbreak as a media-hype: aOR = 0.8), attitudes towards personal (aOR = 0.7) and study-related (aOR = 0.8) health and safety measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination (preservation of own health: aOR = 1.3; confidence in vaccine safety: aOR = 1.7; supporting higher education through vaccination: aOR = 1.2; own contribution to the containment of the pandemic: aOR = 1.7). The findings target assisting HEIs in returning to face-to-face teaching after previous semesters of online teaching.
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16
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Alguacil Ojeda J. [Biomedical research and innovation and COVID-19 syndemic. SESPAS Report 2022]. GACETA SANITARIA 2022; 36 Suppl 1:S87-S92. [PMID: 35781155 PMCID: PMC9244786 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaceta.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objetivo Describir críticamente la respuesta en investigación e innovación (I + I) contra la sindemia por COVID-19 en el ámbito nacional, contextualizada internacionalmente. Método Revisión narrativa dirigida. Resultados En la sindemia por COVID-19 se ha pasado la presión a la comunidad científica en general, e innovadora biomédica en particular, para aportar soluciones sobre todo de productos biotecnológicos. La mayoría de las recomendaciones de paneles expertos no van orientadas a una respuesta biotecnológica (que también debe existir), sino de gobernanza, organizativa, socioeconómica y de apoyo a las infraestructuras de salud pública. Existe un déficit importante en la inclusión de la perspectiva de género en la I + I por COVID-19. La sindemia ha ofrecido una oportunidad (desaprovechada) para potenciar la I + I desde la perspectiva epidemiológica contra brotes infecciosos con potencial de provocar crisis en salud pública reivindicando el liderazgo desde la epidemiología. Hace falta evaluar si la gran inversión en I + I biomédica orientada a la medicina personalizada puede integrarse eficientemente en los proveedores públicos de salud ante crisis sanitarias. Conclusiones Es urgente diseñar una estrategia de I + I en España en línea con los fondos disponibles internacionalmente y que se beneficie de ellos, pero que provea al país del máximo de independencia de cara a afrontar situaciones críticas para la salud pública.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Alguacil Ojeda
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Medio Ambiente y Salud (RENSMA), Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, España; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), España.
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17
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David GG, Rafael HH, Ayelén RB, Inmaculada LG, Amparo L, Marina P, María GV, Rebeca R, Diana GB. Perimeter confinements of basic health zones and COVID-19 incidence in Madrid, Spain. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:216. [PMID: 35109838 PMCID: PMC8810212 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12626-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A unique policy of perimeter closures of Basic Health Zones (small administrative health units) was implemented in the Autonomous Community of Madrid from September 21st 2020 to May 23rd 2021 to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim To assess the impact of local perimeter confinements on the 14-days cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 during the second wave of the pandemic in Madrid, Spain. Methods We compare the errors in estimation of two families of mathematical models: ones that include the perimeter closures as explanatory covariables and ones that do not, in search of a significant improvement in estimation of one family over the other. We incorporate leave-one-out cross-validation, and at each step of this process we select the best model in AIC score from a family of 15 differently tuned ones. Results The two families of models provided very similar estimations, for a 1- to 3-weeks delay in observed cumulative incidence, and also when restricting the analysis to only those Basic Health Zones that were subject to at least one closure during the time under study. In all cases the correlation between the errors yielded by both families of models was higher than 0.98 (±10− 3 95% CI), and the average difference of estimated 14-days cumulative incidence was smaller than 1.49 (±0.33 95% CI). Conclusion Our analysis suggests that the perimeter closures by Basic Health Zone did not have a significant effect on the epidemic curve in Madrid.
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Affiliation(s)
- García-García David
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rojas-Benedicto Ayelén
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - León-Gómez Inmaculada
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Larrauri Amparo
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peñuelas Marina
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ramis Rebeca
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gómez-Barroso Diana
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Beca-Martínez MT, Romay-Barja M, Falcón-Romero M, Rodríguez-Blázquez C, Benito-Llanes A, Forjaz MJ. Compliance with the main preventive measures of COVID-19 in Spain: The role of knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:e871-e882. [PMID: 34730277 PMCID: PMC8661801 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In epidemics such as COVID‐19, major changes need to be made to the population's behavior to prevent infection and stop disease transmission. The three most recommended preventive measures are wearing a mask, washing hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gel, and watching an interpersonal distance of at least two meters (3W) from other people. This study aimed to assess adherence to these COVID‐19‐related three preventive measures and its association with knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and practices in Spain. The COSMO‐Spain survey, based on the WHO Behavioral Insights questionnaire on COVID‐19, was conducted in the general Spanish population using an online questionnaire (n = 1,033). Sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and risk perception variables were included. A multivariable logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the factors associated with compliance with the three preventive measures. Half of the respondents (49.8%) were women with a median age of 45 (Inter‐quartile Range, IR = 21) years. In the logistic regression, the factors associated with 3W compliance were being over 45 years; knowing about how COVID‐19 spreads and wearing masks properly; appropriate attitudes towards COVID‐19 (greater agreement with mandatory mask use); high risk perception (feeling that the coronavirus is spreading rapidly, being concerned about non‐mask wearers), and adherence to other preventive measures against COVID‐19, such as staying at home. Adequate knowledge, attitudes and risk perception are determinants of 3W compliance. Developing effective health education programs and frequent communication strategies are necessary, particularly for those who adhere less to preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Beca-Martínez
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, Spain.,Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Centro Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - María João Forjaz
- Centro Nacional de Epidemiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Crónicas, Madrid, Spain
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