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Licht A, Wetzker W, Scholz J, Scherag A, Weis S, Pletz MW, Bauer M, Dickmann P. Public health risk communication through the lens of a quarantined community: Insights from a coronavirus hotspot in Germany. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292248. [PMID: 37824455 PMCID: PMC10569635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quarantine is one of the most effective interventions to contain an infectious disease outbreak, yet it is one of the most disruptive. We investigated the quarantine of an entire village to better understand risk communication requirements for groups. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey study on a single cohort of adult residents in Neustadt am Rennsteig, Germany, six weeks after the removal of a 14-day mandatory community quarantine. The survey response rate was 33% (289/883 residents). FINDINGS Survey participants reported a lack of information on the quarantine implementation process. What authorities communicated was not necessarily what residents desired to know. While inhabitants used social media and telephones to communicate with each other, the official information sources were regional radio, television, newspapers and official websites. Public health authorities did not employ social media communication to engage with their communities. Despite a lack of information, the majority of respondents stated that they had complied with the quarantine and they expressed little sympathy for those who violated the quarantine. After lifting the quarantine, many respondents continued to avoid places where they suspected a significant risk of infection, such as family and friends' homes, doctor's offices and grocery stores. INTERPRETATION The survey participants utilised existing social networks to disseminate vital information and stabilise its group identity and behaviour (quarantine compliance). The authorities communicated sparsely in a unidirectional, top-down manner, without engaging the community. Despite the lack of official information, the social coherency of the group contributed to considerate and compliant conduct, but participants expressed dissatisfaction with official leadership and asked for more attention. CONCLUSION Public health risk communication must engage with communities more effectively. This necessitates a deeper comprehension of groups, their modes of communication and their social needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Licht
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Wibke Wetzker
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Juliane Scholz
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - André Scherag
- Institute of Medical Statistics, Computer and Data Sciences, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Weis
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Infection Biology and Natural Product Research, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knoell Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Bauer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Petra Dickmann
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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Venkatraman K, Manoharan A. Public Engagement as the Fifth Dimension of Outbreak Communication: Public's Perceptions of Public Health Communication during COVID-19 in India. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:285-297. [PMID: 34294016 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1950294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Public health/risk communication is the foremost responsibility of a government during a pandemic. Risk communication aims to educate people, enhance their risk perceptions to help them engage and understand the benefits of compliance with recommendations. The existing legal enforcement of recommendations in India is criticized for failing to influence the public's compliance. While existing research provides conceptual and empirical support in explaining compliance during COVID-19, we note a lack of studies that might bring out country-specific areas of improvement. We argue that value-aligned risk communication is more likely to influence the public's behavioral intentions to adopt the government's recommendations. We employed a triangulation mixed-method study to link risk communication attributes to the public's end goals and values. We triangulate these findings using the COVID score survey. We found that timeliness and transparency constitute risk communication's functional component, and empathy and trust constitute risk communication's emotional component. We found a difference in the preference of functional and emotional components among the public and health partners. Irrespective of this divide in perception, the study found that both groups unanimously noted engagement as the crucial aspect for empowerment and involvement to aid the public in teaming with the government to combat the pandemic effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika Venkatraman
- Faculty of Management Science, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER)
| | - Anand Manoharan
- Department of Clinical Research, Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital
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Zimmermann BM, Fiske A, McLennan S, Sierawska A, Hangel N, Buyx A. Motivations and Limits for COVID-19 Policy Compliance in Germany and Switzerland. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:1342-1353. [PMID: 33949815 PMCID: PMC9808338 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In contrast to neighboring countries, German and Swiss authorities refrained from general curfews during the first pandemic wave in spring 2020, calling for solidarity and personal responsibility instead. Using a qualitative methodology, this study aims to explore why people in Germany and Switzerland were motivated to comply with policy measures during the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and what factors hindered or limited their motivation. While quantitative surveys can measure the level of compliance, or broadly ask what motives people had for compliance, we here strive to explain why and how these motives lead to compliance. METHODS This publication has been made possible by the joint work of the members of the "Solidarity in times of pandemics" (SolPan) research commons. Seventy-seven semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with members of the general public in Germany (n = 46) and the German-speaking part of Switzerland (n = 31) in April 2020. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed following a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Three themes were identified that summarize factors contributing to compliant or noncompliant behavior. (1) Social cohesion was, on the one hand, an important motivator for compliance, but at the same time related to conflicting needs, illustrating the limits of compliance. (2) Consequences were considered on both the individual level (eg, consequences of individual infection) and societal level (eg, the societal and economic consequences of restrictions). (3) While for some participants following the rules was perceived as a matter of principle, others stressed the importance of making their own risk assessment, which was often associated with with a need for evidence on the effectiveness and reasons behind measures. CONCLUSION A variety of motives contribute to COVID-19 related compliance. Authorities should seek to address these multi-faceted aspects to support motivation for compliance in a large proportion of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina M. Zimmermann
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amelia Fiske
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stuart McLennan
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anna Sierawska
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nora Hangel
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Kowalczyk-Anioł J, Kacprzak K, Szafrańska E. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Functioning of Tourist Short-Term Rental Platforms (Airbnb and Vrbo) in Polish Cities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8730. [PMID: 35886586 PMCID: PMC9321625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The article presents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban tourism activity on short-term rental (STR) platforms in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). It offers empirical evidence of how Airbnb and HomeAway (Vrbo) changed in Polish cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A case study of Polish cities was also used to investigate what pandemic-induced scenarios of that impact are presented in the literature. In particular, the study identifies "loser" cities, in which the pandemic consolidated and deepened the decline in active STR volume, and "winner" cities, in which the volume and dynamics of the active STRs increased during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kowalczyk-Anioł
- Institute of Urban Geography, Tourism Studies and Geoinformation, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz, 90-136 Łódź, Poland;
- CiTUR Center for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
| | - Karolina Kacprzak
- Doctoral School of Social Sciences, University of Lodz, 90-136 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Ewa Szafrańska
- Institute of Urban Geography, Tourism Studies and Geoinformation, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz, 90-136 Łódź, Poland;
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Dao MT, Lim S. Fear of disasters within the risk communication network of foreign students in Japan amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis: A cohort design. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION : IJDRR 2022; 71:102808. [PMID: 35079565 PMCID: PMC8769902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of this study is to examine the role of risk communication during the COVID-19 crisis, which is often neglected in studies investigating the outbreak of the pandemic. The study is based on survey data from a group of international (non-Japanese) students in Japan and the theoretical foundation of fear appeal theory. The results, which are based on the panel data structure, show that individually, (1) the act of seeking out others to discuss risks in depth in the current pandemic context or (2) the observed adoption of advocated precautionary health behaviours is not necessarily a good indicator of mental management, but (3) the combined effect of (1) and (2) unexpectedly suggests a conciliatory effect on the fear of disasters. Moreover, this evidence-based finding (3) suggests that a reciprocal relationship exists between threat and efficacy in terms of mediating fear under the framework and theory of fear appeals, indirectly challenging the fear control response proposition of the extended parallel process model. Our empirical findings emphasize the role of risk discourse and information sharing combined with preventive health behaviours adopted within a community in the context of global health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Tuan Dao
- Bien Hoa National Institute of Forensic Psychiatry, Ministry of Health, Dong Nai Province, Viet Nam
- Public Management and Policy Analysis Program, Graduate School of International Relations, International University of Japan, Minamiuonuma, Niigata, 949-7277, Japan
| | - Seunghoo Lim
- Public Management and Policy Analysis Program, Graduate School of International Relations, International University of Japan, Minamiuonuma, Niigata, 949-7277, Japan
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Six F, de Vadder S, Glavina M, Verhoest K, Pepermans K. What drives compliance with COVID-19 measures over time? Explaining changing impacts with Goal Framing Theory. REGULATION & GOVERNANCE 2021; 17:REGO12440. [PMID: 34909051 PMCID: PMC8661714 DOI: 10.1111/rego.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to study which factors drive compliance and how the evolving context in society -virus fluctuations and changing government measures - changes the impact of these factors. Extant literature lists many factors that drive compliance - notably enforcement, trust, legitimacy. Most of these studies, however, do not look across time: whether a changing context for citizens changes the impact of factors driving compliance. In this study, we use Lindenberg's Goal Framing Theory to explain the dynamics of these drivers of compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. We formulate hypotheses for pro-socialness, trust in government, observed respect for rules, rule effectiveness, rule appropriateness, fear of COVID-19 (severity and proximity), opportunities for pleasure and happiness, as well as worsened income position. We test our hypotheses with data collected at three different moments during the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis in Flanders, Belgium. Findings show that over time the constellations of factors that drive compliance change and, later in the pandemic, more distinct groups of citizens with different motivations to comply are identified. The overall conclusion is that the voluntary basis for compliance becomes more fragile over time, with a more differentiated pattern of drivers of compliance emerging. Public policy and communication need to adapt to these changes over time and address different groups of citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédérique Six
- Research Group Politics and Public GovernanceUniversity of Antwerp GOVTRUST Centre of ExcellenceAntwerpBelgium
- Department of Political Science and Public AdministrationVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Steven de Vadder
- Research Group Politics and Public GovernanceUniversity of Antwerp GOVTRUST Centre of ExcellenceAntwerpBelgium
| | - Monika Glavina
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Research Group Politics and Public GovernanceUniversity of Antwerp GOVTRUST Centre of ExcellenceAntwerpBelgium
- Faculty of Law, Research Group Government and LawUniversity of Antwerp GOVTRUST Centre of ExcellenceAntwerpBelgium
| | - Koen Verhoest
- Research Group Politics and Public GovernanceUniversity of Antwerp GOVTRUST Centre of ExcellenceAntwerpBelgium
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Lu Y, Liu T, Wang T. Dynamic analysis of emergency inter-organizational communication network under public health emergency: a case study of COVID-19 in Hubei Province of China. NATURAL HAZARDS (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 109:2003-2026. [PMID: 34248278 PMCID: PMC8258477 DOI: 10.1007/s11069-021-04908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Public health emergencies, especially major infectious diseases, may cause global crises. Timely and effective communication is essential for response to such incidents. However, the emergency response to such incidents usually lasts longer and break out repeatedly, and the existing static emergency communication network (ECN) analysis cannot fully reflect the dynamic information interaction between organizations during the emergency process. Therefore, this article takes the recent COVID-19 epidemic in Hubei, China as a case, and uses social network analysis to reveal the dynamic evolution of communication networks, positions, roles, and tasks of organizations from the time dimension. The results show that: (1) the ECN has changed from concentrated to decentralized over time; (2) the positions and roles of participating organizations in the ECN has changed, but there are still a few key organizations that at the central position in all phases of emergency communication; (3) the core tasks have changed due to emergency needs at each stage; (4) under the concentrated management system, the core organization of the ECN mainly comes from government organizations. The research results reveal the dynamic evolution of communication networks between different types of emergency organizations, which is beneficial to guide emergency management of public health emergencies. In actual emergency, the emergency communication mode should be dynamically adjusted based on the characteristics of the emergency situation at different stages, comprehensively using the advantages of the concentrated and decentralized emergency network. In addition, communication between different types of organizations such as governments, research institutions, and enterprises should be strengthened, and channels for diversified organizations to participate in emergency communication should be set up. The research helps to improve communication between emergency response organizations and is of great significance to controlling and reducing the harm caused by public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunmeng Lu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5, South Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Tiezhong Liu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5, South Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5, South Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing, China
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Wang PW, Chen YL, Chang YP, Wu CF, Lu WH, Yen CF. Sources of COVID-19-Related Information in People with Various Levels of Risk Perception and Preventive Behaviors in Taiwan: A Latent Profile Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042091. [PMID: 33669977 PMCID: PMC7924873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the distinct levels of risk perception and preventive behaviors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak among people in Taiwan and to examine the roles of information sources in various levels of risk perception and preventive behavior. The online survey recruited 1984 participants through a Facebook advertisement. Their self-reported risk perception, adopted preventive behaviors and COVID-19-related information were collected. We analyzed individuals’ risk perception and adopted preventive behaviors by using latent profile analysis and conducted multinomial logistic regression of latent class membership on COVID-19-related information sources. Four latent classes were identified, including the risk neutrals with high preventive behaviors, the risk exaggerators with high preventive behaviors, the risk deniers with moderate preventive behaviors, and the risk deniers with low preventive behaviors. Compared with the risk neutrals, the risk exaggerators with high preventive behaviors were more likely to obtain COVID-19 information from multiple sources, whereas the risk deniers with moderate preventive behaviors and risk deniers with low preventive behaviors were less likely to obtain COVID-19 information compared with the risk neutrals. Governments and health professions should take the variety of risk perception and adopted preventive behaviors into consideration when disseminating information on COVID-19 to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Lung Chen
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ping Chang
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, New York, NY 14214-3079, USA;
| | - Chia-Fen Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.W.)
| | - Wei-Hsin Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City 60002, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-H.L.); (C.-F.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Fang Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; (P.-W.W.); (C.-F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-H.L.); (C.-F.Y.)
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Loss J, Boklage E, Jordan S, Jenny MA, Weishaar H, El Bcheraoui C. [Risk communication in the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and promising approaches]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2021; 64:294-303. [PMID: 33564896 PMCID: PMC7872109 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03283-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Risikokommunikation spielt eine zentrale Rolle in Public-Health-Notlagen: Sie muss informierte Entscheidungen ermöglichen, schützendes bzw. lebenserhaltendes Verhalten fördern und das Vertrauen in öffentliche Institutionen bewahren. Zudem müssen Unsicherheiten über wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse transparent benannt werden, irrationale Ängste und Gerüchte entkräftet werden. Risikokommunikation sollte die Bevölkerung partizipativ einbeziehen. Ihre Risikowahrnehmung und -kompetenz müssen kontinuierlich erfasst werden. In der aktuellen Pandemie der Coronavirus-Krankheit 2019 (COVID-19) ergeben sich spezifische Herausforderungen für die Risikokommunikation. Der Wissensstand zu vielen wichtigen Aspekten, die COVID-19 betreffen, war und ist oftmals unsicher oder vorläufig, z. B. zu Übertragung, Symptomen, Langzeitfolgen und Immunität. Die Kommunikation ist durch wissenschaftliche Sprache sowie eine Vielzahl von Kennzahlen und Statistiken geprägt, was die Verständlichkeit erschweren kann. Neben offiziellen Mitteilungen und Einschätzungen von Expertinnen und Experten wird über COVID-19 in großem Umfang in sozialen Medien kommuniziert, dabei werden auch Fehlinformationen und Spekulationen verbreitet; diese „Infodemie“ erschwert die Risikokommunikation. Nationale wie internationale Forschungsprojekte sollen helfen, die Risikokommunikation zu COVID-19 zielgruppenspezifischer und effektiver zu machen. Dazu gehören u. a. explorative Studien zum Umgang mit COVID-19-bezogenen Informationen, das COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO), ein regelmäßig durchgeführtes Onlinesurvey zu Risikowahrnehmung und Schutzverhalten sowie eine interdisziplinäre qualitative Studie, die die Konzeption, Umsetzung und Wirksamkeit von Risikokommunikationsstrategien vergleichend in 4 Ländern untersucht.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julika Loss
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch-Institut, General-Pape-Str. 62-66, 12101, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Evgeniya Boklage
- Zentrum für internationalen Gesundheitsschutz, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Jordan
- Abteilung für Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsmonitoring, Robert Koch-Institut, General-Pape-Str. 62-66, 12101, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Mirjam A Jenny
- Projektgruppe Wissenschaftskommunikation, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland.,Harding-Zentrum für Risikokompetenz, Universität Potsdam, Potsdam, Deutschland.,Zentrum für Adaptive Rationalität, Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Heide Weishaar
- Zentrum für internationalen Gesundheitsschutz, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Charbel El Bcheraoui
- Zentrum für internationalen Gesundheitsschutz, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Deutschland
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Newnham EA, Dzidic PL, Mergelsberg EL, Guragain B, Chan EYY, Kim Y, Leaning J, Kayano R, Wright M, Kaththiriarachchi L, Kato H, Osawa T, Gibbs L. The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network: Setting a Mental Health Agenda for the Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6144. [PMID: 32847057 PMCID: PMC7504085 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Addressing the psychological mechanisms and structural inequalities that underpin mental health issues is critical to recovery following disasters and pandemics. The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network was established in June 2020 in response to the current disaster climate and to foster advancements in disaster-oriented mental health research, practice and policy across the region. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM), the network brings together leading disaster psychiatry, psychology and public health experts. Our aim is to advance policy, research and targeted translation of the evidence so that communities are better informed in preparation and response to disasters, pandemics and mass trauma. The first meetings of the network resulted in the development of a regional disaster mental health agenda focused on the current context, with five priority areas: (1) Strengthening community engagement and the integration of diverse perspectives in planning, implementing and evaluating mental health and psychosocial response in disasters; (2) Supporting and assessing the capacity of mental health systems to respond to disasters; (3) Optimising emerging technologies in mental healthcare; (4) Understanding and responding appropriately to addressing the mental health impacts of climate change; (5) Prioritising mental health and psychosocial support for high-risk groups. Consideration of these priority areas in future research, practice and policy will support nuanced and effective psychosocial initiatives for disaster-affected populations within the Asia Pacific region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Newnham
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia; (P.L.D.); (E.L.P.M.)
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (E.Y.Y.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Peta L. Dzidic
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia; (P.L.D.); (E.L.P.M.)
| | | | | | - Emily Ying Yang Chan
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (E.Y.Y.C.); (J.L.)
- Division of Global Health and Humanitarian Medicine, CUHK, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3-7LF, UK
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo 187-0031, Japan;
| | - Jennifer Leaning
- François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (E.Y.Y.C.); (J.L.)
| | - Ryoma Kayano
- World Health Organization Kobe Centre, Kobe 651-0073, Japan;
| | - Michael Wright
- School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia;
| | - Lalindra Kaththiriarachchi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, Rathmalana 10390, Sri Lanka;
| | - Hiroshi Kato
- Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress, Kobe 651-0073, Japan; (H.K.); (T.O.)
| | - Tomoko Osawa
- Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress, Kobe 651-0073, Japan; (H.K.); (T.O.)
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia;
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