Perception of Risk, Self-Efficacy and Social Trust during the Diffusion of Covid-19 in Italy

Quality of life, anxiety and mindfulness during the prevalence of COVID-19: a comparison between medical and non-medical students

BACKGROUND

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all areas of society, including students. However, medical students have faced many challenges due to direct contact with patients. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating and comparing the quality of life (QoL), anxiety and mindfulness between Iranian medical and non-medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD

Five hundred and six students (both medical and non-medical students) participated in the study from August to October 2022 with a convenience sampling method. The data were collected using an online questionnaire including a demographic form, the QoL Questionnaire (WHOQOL- BREF), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item survey (GAD-7) and the Relaxation/Meditation/Mindfulness Tracker t-Persian version survey (RMMt-P). Pearson correlation and independent t-test and multivariate linear regression were used to determine the relationship between the study variables.

RESULTS

The samples included 272 medical students and 234 non-medical students with a mean age of 21.99 ± 3.46 and 24.17 ± 6.54 years respectively. Most of the medical and non-medical students were female, single and had a bachelor's degree. The mean scores of medical and non-medical students' QoL during the COVID-19 pandemic were 57.86 ± 13.26 and 56.75 ± 14.42, respectively which indicates the higher quality of life of medical students. Anxiety and mindfulness predicted 29% of the variance of the QoL in the medical students, while anxiety and mindfulness and having a chronic disease predicted 30% of the variance of the QoL in the non-medical students. No significant difference existed in the QoL and its subscales during the COVID-19 pandemic between medical and non-medical students (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in terms of anxiety (p = 0.02) and mindfulness (p = 0.03) between medical and non-medical students during the prevalence of COVID-19.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study indicated that medical students exhibited lower levels of anxiety and higher levels of mindfulness. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing anxiety and increasing mindfulness among non-medical students are necessary. It is recommended that preventive approaches and psychological interventions to improve students' quality of life become an integral part of crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, reducing anxiety and enhancing mindfulness can improve the quality of education and professional performance of medical students, while also contributing to their mental well-being and effective clinical communication.

Longitudinal correlates of learning burnout among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

BACKGROUND

Learning burnout as a serious psychological distress problem among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated using the cross-lagged panel network models.

METHODS

A three-wave study using a sample of 11 to 18-year-olds in China was conducted, with baseline data collected in June 2020 (n = 4156) and follow-ups in December 2020 (n = 3209) and August 2021 (n = 2324). Two temporal cross-lagged panel network models were computed to analyze adolescent learning burnout over time.

RESULTS

The predictive pathway of adolescent learning burnout demonstrates significant temporal specificity. In the early outbreak period, Positive thinking, Appreciation of life and Depression are the most influential predictive symptoms. In the normalized epidemic prevention period, Goal planning, Affect control and Positive thinking are the most influential predictive symptoms. However, during this period, the extent to which adolescent learning burnout is predicted by other symptoms in the networks is significantly reduced.

LIMITATIONS

The samples used in this study are not expected to be nationally representative, and therefore the generalizability of the results may be limited.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the predictive roles of Positive thinking, Appreciation of life, and Depression in adolescent learning burnout and the importance of timely intervention on these symptoms in the early outbreak period of public health emergency similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings also illustrate the essentiality of eliminate unstable factors in the school environment during the normalized epidemic prevention period.

Compliance with COVID-19 preventative health measures in the United Kingdom: a latent profile analysis

Governments have adopted unprecedented measures to assist in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but compliance varies among individuals. This UK study uses latent profile analysis to identify four classes of individuals on factors believed to influence compliance. Those who sought health information from authoritative sources and actively sought information from multiple sources were most compliant. Profile differences in compliance and vaccination status were also primarily driven by trust in healthcare institutions over trust in government. These findings contribute to understanding compliance profiles and emphasise the importance of authoritative information and trust in healthcare systems.

The risk perception of COVID-19 and pandemic-related behaviors: a moderated mediation model of political trust and self-efficacy

As the pandemic continues to spread across the world, the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its recurrence pose challenges for pandemic control in all countries worldwide. The present study examines the mediating role of political trust in the relationship between risk perception and pandemic-related behaviors (preventive behaviors and hoarding behaviors), and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on this relationship. The responses of 827 Chinese residents revealed that political trust plays a mediating role in the relationship between risk perception and pandemic-related behaviors. The relationship between risk perception and political trust was significant for individuals with low self-efficacy, while it became weaker for those with high self-efficacy.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance: a comparative analysis of face-to face and online assessment

Introduction

Survey studies yield mixed results on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance, with limited direct evidence available.

Methodology

Using the academic platform from the Italian university system, a large-scale archival study involving 30,731 students and 829 examiners encompassing a total of 246,416 exams (oral tests only) to scrutinize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the likelihood of passing exams was conducted. Examination data were collected both in face-to-face and online formats during the pandemic. In the pre-pandemic period, only face-to-face data were accessible.

Results

In face-to-face examination, we observed a lower probability of passing exams during the pandemic as opposed to pre-pandemic periods. Notably, during the pandemic we found an increased chance of passing exams conducted through online platforms compared to face-to-face assessments.

Discussion and conclusions

These findings provide the first direct evidence of an adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance. Furthermore, the results align with prior survey studies underscoring that using telematics platforms to evaluate students' performance increases the probability of exam success. This research significantly contributes to ongoing efforts aimed to comprehend how lockdowns and the widespread use of online platforms impact academic assessment processes.

Adolescents and young adults' concerns under stress, the COVID-19 pandemic: a Portuguese cross-sectional study

Background

Adolescents and young adults are a critical target regarding reducing healthrisk behaviors' adoption, particularly in a stressful context such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveying their perceptions and behavioral changes may lead to a revised health promotion approach.

Objectives

This study aims to describe adolescents' and young adults' early reactions to a stressful event, the COVID-19 pandemic, characterizing their social determinants and preferences, such as sources of information, experienced symptoms, habits, and main concerns regarding themselves, their relatives, and the community. We intended to explore the association of their concerns and significant determinants such as age, gender, education, source of information, feelings of fear, prospecting the implications of communication, and individual and social determinants in managing stressful events.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based, self-report survey of 3,898 individuals aged between 16 and 24  years from Portugal.

Results

The main concerns about COVID-19 were the possibility of transmitting to someone and permanent social changes. Our findings present significant differences according to gender, education, age, and expressing fear.

Conclusion

The pandemic deteriorated baseline community inequalities. Young people appreciate official information and are available to contribute to society's safety. However, valuing official information is associated with deeper expressed concerns. Therefore, official information should include strategies to reach young people, promote healthier choices, and avoid distress and disinformation.

Impact of social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on the mood profile of active and sedentary older adults: physical activity as a protective factor

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our habits and lifestyle due to social isolation and mobility restrictions. This new scenario, together with the fear of contracting the coronavirus, influenced mental health, especially among older adults, who presented reductions in social contact and physical activity (PA). Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze the impact caused by social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mood states of active and sedentary older adults.

Methods

This is an observational study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults aged over 60 years, who were registered in the database of the Secretariat for the Promotion of Citizenship from a city in southern Brazil, participated in the research. An online questionnaire was applied with questions about sociodemographic characteristics, level of PA, confinement, and mood states in two periods: May 2020 and June 2021. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the mood states of active and inactive individuals during the pandemic.

Results

One hundred and fifty participants answered the questionnaire, of which 80 (53.3%) reported practicing PA. More active older adults suffered fewer changes in mood when compared to inactive older adults, with lower levels of confusion (p = 0.035), depression (p = 0.002), and fatigue (p = 0.000). Older adults confined for more than 50 days were more likely to develop depression. In addition, the mood state correlated with the variable fear of contracting the coronavirus; the greater the fear, the greater the mental confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension, and the lower the vigor in the older adults. The practice of PA is also correlated with the mood state; the greater the number of hours dedicated to PA, the lower the confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension of the older adults.

Conclusion

The practice of PA positively influenced the mental health of older adults during periods of isolation and social restrictions. PA has a protective factor for the development of mental health problems and improves mood states, with greater time performing PA leading to more benefits.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Czech citizens: how do depression and anxiety symptoms influence cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes?

Background

This study examined the impact of anxiety and depression symptoms during the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional changes of the Czech population.

Methods

The research sample (n = 2363; 48.83 ± 16.53 years; 50.15% men) was obtained using an online survey. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS) and the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) and associations were adjusted for age, gender, and economic status.

Results

The results showed that increased symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly linked to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, reduced quality of relationship with a partner, higher probabilities of alcohol abuse, food consumption, and contemplation of existential questions. Higher symptoms of anxiety were associated with feelings of being threatened. Higher symptoms of depression symptoms increased tobacco abuse.

Conclusion

During the first stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher symptoms of anxiety and depression among Czech citizens were associated with behavioral, cognitive, and emotional changes.

Trajectories and influencing factors in adolescent procrastination behavior throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: a four-wave prospective longitudinal study

Background

Despite the growing attention given to adolescent behavior problems, little is known about the trajectories and factors that have influenced adolescent procrastination during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study monitors changes in procrastination behavior among Chinese adolescents during the pandemic and identifies vulnerable groups.

Methods

A four-wave study using a representative sample of 11-to 18-year-olds in China was conducted, with baseline data collected in June 2020 (n = 4,156; 49% girls) and follow-ups in December 2020 (n = 3,392; 50% girls), August 2021 (n = 2,380; 48% girls), and October 2021 (n = 1,485; 49% girls). Procrastination behavior was assessed using the General Procrastination Scale. Latent growth curve models, latent growth mixture modes, and multivariate logistic regression models were used to describe the trajectory of procrastination and identify predictors of deterioration.

Results

The proportion and overall trends of adolescent procrastination increased with the pandemic. Higher parental over-protection was a contributing factor to the higher baseline levels leading to the faster growth of adolescent procrastination. The model identified three distinct trajectories of low-increasing [including 2,057 participants (49.5%)], moderate-stable [including 1,879 participants (45.2%)], and high-decreasing procrastination [including 220 participants (5.3%)]. More daily leisure screen-time, lower frequency of exercise weekly, and dissatisfaction with distance learning were the top three risk factors for moderate-stable and high-decreasing procrastination compared to low-increasing procrastination. Adolescents with mothers with a higher level of education were more liable to be high-decreasing procrastination than moderate-stable procrastination.

Conclusion

The proportion and overall trends of adolescent procrastination increased with the pandemic. The categories of procrastination among adolescents during that time period were probed. Also, the study further clarified the risk factors for severe and moderate procrastination relative to no procrastination. Thus, effective procrastination prevention and intervention strategies need to be implemented to support adolescents, particularly those at risk.

Self-perception and COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy among Chinese adults: A moderated mediation model of mental health and trust

BACKGROUND

Optimal COVID-19 vaccination coverage is necessary to achieve community protection, and self-efficacy independently predict vaccination behavior. The current study examined the effect of self-perception on COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy as well as potential mechanisms among Chinese adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from four cities in China (n = 6781). Models 4 and 8 in Hayes' PROCESS macro were used to test models.

RESULTS

Self-perception (β = 0.128, 95 % CI: 0.093-0.163) and self-perception ∗ mental health (β = 0.009, 95 % CI: 0.003-0.014) were positively associated with trust in doctors and vaccine developers, while mental health was negatively related to trust in doctors and vaccine developers (β = -0.483, 95 % CI: -0.629-0.337). Self-perception (β = 0.149, 95 % CI: 0.138-0.161), trust in doctors and vaccine developers (β = 0.185, 95 % CI: 0.177-0.194) and self-perception ∗ mental health (β = 0.003, 95 % CI: 0.002-0.005) were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy. Mental health was negatively related to COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy (β = -0.101, 95 % CI: -0.151-0.051).

LIMITATIONS

This cross-sectional study collected data through online questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that the relationship between self-perception and COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy was partially mediated by trust in doctors and vaccine developers. Both the correlation between self-perception and COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy, and the relationship between self-perception and trust in doctors and vaccine developers were moderated by mental health. Findings confirm that increasing COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy would be facilitated by improvements in self-perception, mental health, and trust in doctors and vaccine developers.

Effects of Cognitive Appraisals on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Distress during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Empirical Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling

During the COVID-19 lockdown, individuals and households had to responsibly manage the difficulties and problems caused by the restrictions on their mobility, such as the interruptions to work schedules, insecure food supplies, and the procurement of services and health care. The perceptions of risk as well as the fear of disease were strongly linked to worry, defined as a sequence of thoughts that evoke negative emotions and elevated levels of anxiety and distress. This study evaluated how different cognitive appraisals of an individual's sources of worry could influence their perceived self-efficacy and directly or indirectly moderate their perceived general distress. A sample of 544 participants completed a survey that included questions based on the generalized self-efficacy scale, the sources of concern during the epidemic, the cognitive appraisal scale in emergency, and perceived discomfort. Subsequently, a structural-equation-modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to test the moderating role of cognitive appraisals and perceived self-efficacy on participants' overall distress during a lockdown. Overall, the model reported acceptable fit values and confirmed the hypotheses of the study. An individual's worries activated either a dysfunctional threat appraisal, which prompted a fear-and-closure response that then increased their overall state of distress; or two other functional appraisals (i.e., adaptive or supportive) that contributed to significantly improving the individual's self-efficacy. Higher self-efficacy was shown to be associated with lower levels of perceived distress. For the purposes of prevention and distress containment, it would be appropriate to promote psycho-educational interventions that promote the adoption of appraisal strategies that are functional and beneficial for perceived self-efficacy.

Effects of Air Pollution on the Health of Older Adults during Physical Activities: Mapping Review

Atmospheric pollutants present environmental threats to health and have been investigated in different environments, such as highways, squares, parks, and gyms. These environments are frequented by older adults, who are considered fragile to the harmful impacts of pollution present in the air. The aim was to analyze the state of the art on the effects of air pollution on the health of older adults during physical activities (PAs) through a mapping review. The search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cinahl databases until June 2022. Of the 10,109 studies initially identified, 58 met the inclusion criteria. The most investigated health outcome was cardiovascular disease, followed by respiratory outcomes. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) were the most investigated pollutants. Of the 75 health outcomes investigated, in 29, air pollution had harmful effects on the health of the older adults during the practice of PA, more frequently in cardiovascular diseases. In 25 outcomes, the beneficial effects of PA to the health of the older adults remained, despite exposure to high and low concentrations of pollutants, most often in terms of mental disorders. We conclude that poor air quality is a harmful factor for the health of older adults during the practice of PAs, more frequently in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. On the other hand, for mental-health-related outcomes (depression and cognition), in most studies, the beneficial effects of PA in older adults were maintained, even after exposure to pollutants.

How do online users perceive health risks during public health emergencies? Empirical evidence from China

Background

The global COVID-19 pandemic has posed a major threat to human life and health, and new media technologies have intensified the spread of risk perception.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the impact of risk information ground on online users' perceived health risks, and further explore the mediating role of psychological distance and the moderating role of self-efficacy.

Methods

A total of 25 Internet users from different provinces in China were interviewed in-depth, NVIVO.11 was used to qualitatively analyze the interview text data and construct a theoretical model. A total of 492 interviewees were recruited in order to complete a scenario questionnaire, SPSS-27 was used to perform orthogonal experiments, generate eight combinatorial scenarios, analyze demographic data, and clean and prepare data for testing hypotheses. SmartPLS 3.0 was used to test the conceptual model using the structural equation model (SEM) of the partial least squares (PLS).

Results

The analysis of the SEM model shows that all planned hypotheses (Information fluency → Information diagnosability, Information extensibility → Information diagnosability, Information diagnosability → Psychological distance, Platform interactivity → Scenario embeddedness, Network connectivity → Scenario embeddedness, Scenario embeddedness → Psychological distance, Psychological distance → Risk perception, Psychological distance → Self-efficacy → Risk perception, Information fluency → Information diagnosability → Psychological distance → Risk perception, Information extensibility → Information diagnosability → Psychological distance → Risk perception, Platform interactivity → Scenario embeddedness → Psychological distance → Risk perception, Network connectivity → Scenario embeddedness → Psychological distance → Risk perception) are confirmed.

Conclusion

This study found that the information ground factors significantly affect online users' perceptions of health risks, psychological distance mediates the effect of information ground factors on risk perception, and self-efficacy negatively moderates the effect of psychological distance on risk perception.

The relationship between mindfulness, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis of correlational studies

Background

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an environment in which numerous determinants of poor mental health are intensified. Lockdown, re-lockdown, and media coverage of the spread of the virus, have the potential to contribute to increased levels of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness may act as a buffer against COVID-19-related depressive and anxiety disorders.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for any study published between January 2020 and March 2022. In this study, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3.3 software was applied to evaluate the effect size by random effect model. In addition, the heterogeneity analysis was evaluated using indicators Q and I² indicators. Three methods were used to test for publication bias: funnel plot, Classic Fail-safe N, and Egger's linear regression. According to the features of the included articles, subgroup analysis was utilized for the moderator analysis of this study.

Results

The analysis finally included 12 articles (16 samples, N = 10,940) and obtained 26 independent effect sizes. In accordance with the meta-analysis, in the random effect model, the correlation between mindfulness and anxiety was -0.330 (p < 0.001), and the correlation between mindfulness and depression was -0.353 (p < 0.001), which supported the effect of mindfulness on anxiety and depression. In the meta-analysis of the correlation between mindfulness and anxiety, study region had an essential moderating effect (p < 0.001). The Sample type did not produce a significant moderating effect (p = 0.190). The mode of action of mindfulness was a significant moderator (p = 0.038). In the meta-analysis of the linkage between mindfulness and depression, regional differences had a significant moderating effect (p < 0.001). The sample type had no discernible moderating impact (p = 0.213). The mode of action of mindfulness was a significant moderator (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicated that there was an essential correlation between public mindfulness and mental health. Our systematic review added evidence supporting the beneficial nature of mindfulness. A cascading development of beneficial traits that improve mental health may start with mindfulness.

Quality of life and associated factors among Norwegian public health nurse students during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

The main objective of this study was to investigate the association between quality of life (QOL) and civil status, self-efficacy, loneliness, and physical and mental health among public health nurse (PHN) students during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. PHN students were recruited from eight universities and university colleges in Norway. A range of potential predictive factors were entered into a model using a stepwise linear regression approach. In general, the PHN students reported a high level of QOL during the first month of the pandemic. The students' civil status, perceived physical health, self-efficacy and loneliness were all significantly correlated with QOL. Among these, the strongest predictive factors for QOL were found to be perceived loneliness and self-efficacy. Our results provide insight into the QOL of PHN students, which managers in the higher education sector can use to outline specific coping strategies that can help students during a pandemic.

Illness Risk Perceptions and Efficacy Beliefs Among Indonesian in the Course of COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19, a worldwide pandemic, has posed a significant challenge to public health systems worldwide. Health risk perception and efficacy belief are primary constructs influencing individuals' protective behavior due to the outbreak. Our study investigated each item of illness risk perception, efficacy belief, and its related factors concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 respondents aged 17 to 70. Data collection was conducted using convenience sampling by distributing the web questionnaire between April and July 2020. Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis bivariate analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0 to assess the relationship between individual characteristic factors, illness risk perception, and efficacy belief. The study established that respondents had a medium to a high level of illness risk perception and a reasonable efficacy belief in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Region (p=0.027) and occupation (p=0.036) differences were significantly associated with the threat and severity perception, respectively. Smoking history (p=0.037), supplement use (p=0.029), and occupation (p=0.018) differences were significantly associated with self-efficacy. Meanwhile, gender (p=0.045) differences were significantly associated with response efficacy. Therefore, the public's illness risk perception and efficacy belief could be substantial in planning, modifying, and implementing a coordinated response for risk communication in current and future epidemics.

COVID-19 risk perception framework of the public: an infodemic tool for future pandemics and epidemics

Understanding the risk perceptions of the public is central for risk communications and infodemic management during emergency and preparedness planning as people's behavior depends on how they perceive the related risks. This qualitative study aimed to identify and describe factors related to COVID-19 risk perceptions of the public in Finland and to make this information readily available to those who communicate with the public during crises. The study is part of a larger project exploring crisis narratives through a mixed-methods approach. The study was based on a dataset of over 10,000 comments on the Facebook and Twitter posts of the Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) between March-May 2021. The data were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The study identified concepts linked with the pandemic risk perception that included knowledge, perceptions, personal experiences, trust, attitudes, and cultural values. The findings resulted in a framework of risk perceptions that can be used as taxonomy and a set of key concepts and keywords in social listening to monitor risk perception during future epidemics and pandemics.

Psychometric evaluation of the Bangla-Translated Rotter’s Internal-External Scale through classical test theory and item response theory

There is no psychometric tool to assess locus of control for Bangla-speaking people. Hence, we attempted to translate the 23-item Rotter’s Internal-External scale into Bangla and validate it on Bangladeshi adult participants. In Study 1 (N = 300), we translated the items into Bangla and conducted an exploratory factor analysis, which gave a one-factor solution with 12 items. In Study 2, we conducted a validation study (N = 178) to accumulate evidence on the structural and concurrent validity of the 12-item scale. Structural validity assessed by confirmatory factor analysis yielded the best fit for the one-factor model with 11 items (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.00). The scale’s significant correlations with Internal Control Index, which is also a measure of locus of control (r = −0.22, p &lt; 0.01), Neuroticism (r = 0.21, p &lt; 0.01) and Openness to Experience (r = −0.22, p &lt; 0.01) demonstrated its satisfactory concurrent validity. Reliability coefficient of this 11-item scale was satisfactory (McDonald’s Omega total = 0.72). The item quality was assessed on the combined samples of Study 1 &amp; 2 (N = 478) using the item response theory (IRT), which showed that the scale covered a sizable range of the underlying locus of control with items varying in difficulty (−1.09–2.79). Item discrimination analysis indicated sufficient discriminating power of the items (0.49–2.21). The test information curve showed the scale’s adequate ability to discriminate between external and internal locus of control. IRT analysis also indicated satisfactory marginal reliability for the scale (0.72). These psychometric properties suggest the usability of the Bangla version of Rotter’s Internal-External scale.

Does pro-sociality or trust better predict staying home behavior during the Covid-19?

Voluntary compliance of preventive and mitigation measures due to social concerns can play a crucial role in slowing down the spread of the Covid-19. The existing economic models for disease spread however do not direct a lot of focus on the possible role of pro-social behavior and general trust in predicting preventive behaviors amid the Covid-19. Therefore, this study analyzes whether pro-sociality and general trust measured in the short run (2020 and 2019) and in the long run (2015 and 2010) predict attitudes towards the stay home behavior and the intended stay home behavior in case the government mandates it due to the Covid-19 in the Netherlands. The results suggest that these preferences positively influence attitudes towards staying home behavior. However, trust in comparison to pro-sociality is a stable and robust predictor of stay home attitudes both in the short as well as long run. On the other hand, neither trust nor pro-sociality influences the intended stay home behavior in case the government mandates the lockdown, and it is most likely due to the timing of the survey coinciding with a significant drop in the Covid-19 infections and easing out of the lockdown restrictions by the Dutch government.

Psychometric properties and measurement invariance across gender of the Italian version of the tempest self-regulation questionnaire for eating adapted for young adults

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in young adults has increased dramatically in recent decades. The unhealthy eating habits that develop at this time can often lead to negative health consequences in the future. It is therefore important to learn about self-regulation and self-control strategies and help young adults to have healthy eating behaviours. This study aims to present an Italian version of the Tempest Self-Regulation Questionnaire for Eating (TESQ-E) adapted for young adults. The instrument assesses self-regulation and self-control strategies to counteract the desire and temptation to eat unhealthy food and to choose healthy foods. A total of 645 students (271 males and 374 females with an average age of 24.82 and SD = 4.34) took part in the study. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the six first-order factors model concerning specific self-regulation strategies and a higher-order structure of the TESQ-E [χ² (152) = 336.480, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.04; SRMR = 0.04]: three correlated second-order factors (addressing the temptation directly, addressing the psychological meaning of temptation, and addressing the goal directly) and one-third-order factor (self-regulatory competence). The results also confirmed the strong measurement invariance of the TESQ-E across gender. To have reliable comparisons across males and females, the latent mean differences tests were performed on the six specific self-regulation strategies. The analysis showed that females appear to prefer strategies that directly address the goal by expressing explicit intentions or plans to eat in a healthy way. Convergence validity was tested through correlations with Eating-Self-Efficacy Brief Scale (ESEBS), Emotional Eating Scale (EES), Scale of Attitudes towards Healthy Eating (SAHE), and Body Mass Index (BMI). In conclusion, the TESQ-E appears to be a psychometrically sound questionnaire that can be effectively used with young adults to measure self-regulation strategies in eating in order to plan personalised interventions for the prevention and control of the metabolic syndrome, and to reduce a wide range of diet-related diseases.

The impact of social media on risk perceptions during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia

Background

Social media is considered a critical source for seeking health information, especially during outbreaks. During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social media played an important role in disseminating information. However, it has been a source of misinformation in many communities throughout the pandemic. Whether this disseminated information has a positive or negative impact, individuals' risk perceptions of disease are influenced. It is important to explore factors that build public behaviors and their adaptation of risk reduction measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the role of social media and its impact on the risk perceptions of the COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, and participants were recruited using different social media outlets between August to October 2020. The survey was delivered through Qualtrics platform targeting Saudi Arabian residents over the age of 18 years old. The questionnaire was delivered in English and Arabic. A convenience sampling was used to recruit participants to the study. The survey link was posted on several social media platforms.

Results

A total of 2,680 respondents completed the online survey. The results showed that male gender, individuals earning 4,000-12,000 SAR, and employed had positive and significant relationships with risk perception compared to their counterparts (β: 0.044, p-value: 0.035 and β: 0.051, p-value: 0.041, β: 0.108 p-value: < 0.001, β: 0.119 p-value: < 0.001), respectively. In second block, individuals exposed to social media had higher risk perception (β: 0.096, p-value < 0.001). In third block, self-efficacy was significantly but negatively associated with risk perception, indicating individuals who were self-efficient were less likely to perceive risk for the COVID-19 (β: -0.096, p-value < 0.001). There was no interactive effect of social media and self-efficacy on risk perception.

Conclusion

The current study results show that social media exposure to the COVID-19 information has a positive impact in shaping an individuals' risk perception. The study also suggests that there is a need for public officials and policymakers to develop effective communication strategies through risk communication campaigns targeted at women, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and those who are single as they showed a negative relationship with risk perception.

Determinants of COVID-19 Related Perception among University of Gondar Academic Staff, Gondar, Ethiopia, 2021: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Introduction. Public perceptions of pandemic risk and prevention measures influence adherence to COVID-19 prevention efforts. Even though several factors influence public perceptions, there has been no research on the predictors of COVID-19-related perception in Ethiopia and there are few articles among academic staff worldwide. Thus, this study aims to assess predictors of COVID-19-related perception among Gondar University academic staff. Method. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2021. Daniel Soper’s calculator was used to determine the sample size. A simple random sampling technique was employed. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using Stata V14. Structural equation modeling was performed to identify determinants of COVID-19 related perception. A $p$ value less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval of β were used to declare the statistical significance of the variables. Result. A total of 602 academic staff participated. Mean age of participants was 32.38 (±5.83) years. Family size (β = 0.12), chronic illness (β = −0.19), knowledge (β = 0.11), and cues to action (β = 0.43) were significantly associated with perceived susceptibility. Similarly, educational status (β = −0.11), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.61), and cues to action (β = 0.13) were significantly associated with perceived severity. Likewise, knowledge (β = 0.11) and cues to action (β = 0.62) were significant predictors of self-efficacy. Correspondingly, knowledge (β = 0.23), chronic illness (β = 0.09), profession (β = −0.09), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.19), perceived severity (β = 0.23), and self-efficacy (β = 0.29) were significant predictors of perceived benefit. Similarly, age (β = −0.18), profession (β = 0.10), and perceived susceptibility (β = −0.39) were significantly associated with perceived barriers. Conclusion. Several sociodemographic and other factors affect COVID-19 related perceptions. Intervention should consider those factors to improve COVID-19 prevention practice.

Preferences after pan(dem)ics: Time and risk in the shadow of COVID-19

This paper uses the COVID-19 health crisis to study how individual preferences respond to generalized traumatic events. We review previous literature on natural and man-made disasters. Using incentive-compatible tasks, we simultaneously estimate risk and ambiguity aversion, time discounting, present bias, and prudence parameters before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown in France. We find patience, risk aversion, and ambiguity aversion fell during lockdown, then gradually returned toward their initial levels 4 months later. These results have implications for health and economic policies, and deepen our understanding of the responses – and resilience – of economic preferences to traumatic events.

Changes in Physical Activity Levels and Eating Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sociodemographic Analysis in University Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and universities to shift their activities online, influencing the adoption of health-related behaviours such as physical activity and healthy dietary habits. The present study investigates the changes in adherence to a healthy diet and regular physical activity in university students in Italy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and understands the role of sociodemographic variables in creating the changes above. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey performing the same sampling strategy at the first data collection (T0) and second data collection (T1) with a combination of convenience and snowball sampling approaches. The sample is composed of a total of 2001 students, 60.2% women and 39.8% men, with an average age of 22.7 (±5.5 SD). At T1, 39.9% of the students reported regular physical activity. During the pandemic, however, many, especially male students, abandoned or reduced physical activity practice (T1 40%), with an increase in social media use (T0 52.1%; T1 90%). A direct association between very low frequency of physical activity and increased sedentary time (r = 0.2, p = 0.001) and between change in dietary style and increased Body Mass Index (BMI) value (r = 0.3, p = 0.002) was found. The multivariate analysis for the total sample showed that some sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, parents’ level of education, area of study, household type, and perception of one’s body influence eating behaviours and physical activity. Our findings suggest that universities should invest in the protection and promotion of the health of their students with specific awareness programmes, and further research should repeat the survey in the post-lockdown period to investigate the long-term effects on health-related behaviours.

Risk Perception among Psychiatric Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The fear of the new coronavirus infection has driven many non-COVID-19 patients away from essential healthcare. Our study aimed to investigate the perception of risk and feelings of danger for the contagion in a sample of Italian psychiatric patients. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown in Italy. The risk perception and risk-related variables were assessed in a sample of 150 consecutive patients with a previous diagnosis of major depression (50), bipolar I disorder (50), and schizophrenia seeking ambulatory care using a questionnaire previously administered to the general Italian population. Our results showed that patients were more concerned about economic, psychological, and interpersonal consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, rather than about their own health. At the multiple regression analysis, the likelihood of COVID-19 resolution was positively influenced by the diagnosis of schizophrenia, the increased perceived effectiveness, and the presence of positive emotions. Indeed, positive emotions and uncertainty positively influenced interpersonal risk. Our study highlights the need to provide more support to psychiatric patients during emergency events to prevent them from engaging in risky behaviors.

Home Physical Exercise Protocol for Older Adults, Applied Remotely During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for Randomized and Controlled Trial

The emergence of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) at the beginning of 2020, considered a public health emergency due to its high transmission rate and lack of specific treatment, led many countries to adhere to social isolation. Although necessary, social isolation causes important psychological changes, negatively affecting the health of the population, including the older population. The aim of this study is to propose a 4-week, home-based physical exercise protocol for older people in social isolation and evaluate whether will promote positive changes in psychological variables such as anxiety, mood, depression, and stress, and in the variables sleep, quality of life, and physical capacities in the older adults. The sample will be selected in a probabilistic way from individuals aged 60 years or more from the city of Itajaí (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Of these, half will perform a home-based resistance training protocol, with 3 weekly sessions, for 4 consecutive weeks. For group allocation, patients will be randomized with a computer-generated 1:1 allocation to the physical exercise (PE) group or control group. Outcomes will be depressive symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, stress, mood states, anxiety, and functional capacity, evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 15 days of follow-up. This study will offer a home-based exercise protocol for older adults, with load progression and remote monitoring, thus filling a gap in the provision of PE in this population. The results will be able to identify possible improvements not only in physical health, but also in quality of life and mental health.

Clinical Trial Registration: The trial registration was carried out in the Brazil Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-5qh6f3v). (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5qh6f3v).

Metric Goodness and Measurement Invariance of the Italian Brief Version of Interpersonal Reactivity Index: A Study With Young Adults

The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) is a widely used multidimensional measure to assess empathy across four main dimensions: perspective taking (PT) empathic concern (EC) personal distress (PD) fantasy (F). This study aimed to replicate the Italian validation process of the shortened IRI (Interpersonal Reactivity Index) scale in order to confirm its psychometric properties with a sample of young adults. The Gender Measurement Invariance of empathy in this age group was also an objective of the work in order to increase the data on this aspect. A total of 683 Italian university students participated in a non-probabilistic sampling. The 16-item version was confirmed in its four-factor structure but with changes to some items. The model showed good fits with both the CFA and the gender Measurement Invariance. The internal consistency measures were found to be fully satisfactory. Convergent validity was tested by the correlations with the Prosocialness Scale for Adults and The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. As hypothesized the measure proved good convergent validity with Prosocialness, i.e., the willingness to assist, help, share, care and empathy with others, and a relevant inverse association with the External Oriented Thinking, characterizing individuals with emotionally poor thinking. This research provided additional evidence for a link between alexithymia and poor empathic abilities in young adults.

Internet addiction in young adults: The role of impulsivity and codependency

Excessive Internet use has demonstrated comorbidity with other psychological symptoms and psychiatric disorders, as well as impairments in the management of daily life, relationships and emotional stability. Recent findings in the literature have consistently supported the relationship between impulsivity and Internet addiction. The present study hypothesized that, in addition to impulsivity, a further predictor of Internet addiction might be relational co-dependency, which is also associated in the literature with addiction phenomena, but mainly substance addiction. This paper investigates the role and predictive weight of impulsivity and codependency on Internet addiction on a sample of young adult university students (n = 481) by using a hierarchical regression analysis. The participants were administered the UADI-2, the BIS-11 and the SFCDS. In terms of percentage distribution, 38 % of the participants were in the dependency range, while 37.7 % demonstrated Internet abuse behavior. The results confirmed the role of impulsiveness (β = 0.312) and added to the literature by showing the significant role of relational codependency (β = 0.275), gender (β = 0.174) and age (β = 0.196). Thus, male participants were more dependent, more impulsive and more co-dependent, with increasing age in the given range (18-30). The present study shed light to the presence of this issue among young adults and that, as a preventive and restraining measure, there is a need not only for targeted awareness-raising programmes but also for interventions to promote greater emotional control and a more balanced management of personal relationships.

Different roles of interpersonal trust and institutional trust in COVID-19 pandemic control

The absence of pharmaceutical interventions made it particularly difficult to mitigate the first outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current study investigated how interpersonal trust and institutional trust influenced the control process. Trusts and COVID-19 data in 44 countries and 50 US states were analyzed; institutional trust was associated with case fatality rate, and interpersonal trust was associated with control speed. Two independent behavioral experiments showed that institutional trust manipulation increased participants' willingness to complete the COVID-19 test and that interpersonal trust manipulation increased conscious compliance with prevention norms and decreased unnecessary outdoor activities. Agent-based modeling further confirmed these behavioral mechanisms for two types of trust in the COVID-19 control process. New interventions are needed to help countries heighten interpersonal and institutional trust as they continue to battle COVID-19 and other collective threats.

Impulsivity and Depressive Brooding in Internet Addiction: A Study With a Sample of Italian Adolescents During COVID-19 Lockdown

This contribution presents a study conducted on a sample of Italian adolescents (n = 411) in the period of the first COVID-19 lockdown. The study investigated the role and predictive weight of the impulsivity and depressive brooding variables on Internet addiction, using a hierarchical regression analysis. The participants were administered the Uso-Abuso e Dipendenza da Internet [Internet Use-Abuse and Addiction] (UADI-2), the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). In terms of percentage distribution, 28% of the participants were in the full dependency range, while 34.7% demonstrated Internet abuse behavior. The results highlighted not only the predictive value of impulsiveness (β = 0.323) and ruminative thinking (β = 0.258), but also the role of gender (β = -0.205) on Internet addiction. Thus, male participants showed higher levels of Internet addiction, with higher scores on impulsiveness and brooding way of thinking. The study shows that the issue in question is significantly present among adolescents; in addition, not only targeted awareness programmes but also psycho-educational and clinical interventions to promote greater emotional and cognitive control would be necessary as a preventive and mitigating measure. Psychological interventions can help increase self-awareness, develop emotional regulation and impulse control, and correct maladaptive cognitions which in adolescents are mostly driven by a ruminative cognitive style.

A Mediating Model of Emotional Balance and Procrastination on Academic Performance

Deficit in the management of time continues to be an important difficulty students are faced with. The present work aimed to test the hypothesis that self-regulation is the major predictor of academic performance and that this effect can be mediated both by the student’s emotional regulation and his propensity for procrastination. Participants were 450 university students who were administered MPP and AIP. The procedures involved the administration of instruments and the collection of average exam grades as a measure of academic performance. The effect of a specific component of self-regulation on academic performance, namely action orientation, was significant, while procrastination showed a limiting effect on the performative quality of the student. The model confirmed the mediation role of emotional balance on the effect that action orientation exerts on procrastination, and the mediation of procrastination in the relationship between action orientation and Academic Performance. Results of the study suggest focusing on student support and on prevention of procrastinating behavior through programs that enhance first of all student’s proactive attitude, planning skills, self-monitoring and effective/efficient time management, and secondly, emotional awareness and regulation of emotional response in situations of stress and performance anxiety.

Development and Preliminary Italian Validation of the Emergency Response and Psychological Adjustment Scale

Evaluating the personal adaptation response to the emergency situations is very important for the prevention of mental distress, for the activation of network and community synergies and for the planning and implementation of appropriate psycho-social interventions. So far there are no short tools for the overall assessment of cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses of psychological adaptation to the emergency in the psychometric panorama. The Emergency Response and Psychological Adjustment Scale (ERPAS) was administered to a sample of 1,088 participants, while the concurrent validity was tested through a second administration to 600 participants along with the GSE (Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale) and the BDI-II (Beck Depression Inventory-II). Confirmatory factor analysis bore out a five-factor solution (including 18 items) with good fit indices of adaptation to data, χ²/df = 1.440, RMSEA = 0.028, RMSEA 90% CI = 0.018–0.038, GFI = 0.996, AGFI = 0.959, CFI = 0.982, and NFI = 0.944. Evidence of convergent validity was provided by the significant correlations with variables such as cognitive and somatic depression, and perceived general self-efficacy. The analyses also showed a strong invariance across gender. The ERPAS tool prefigures application during the assessment in multiple emergency contexts (e.g. earthquakes, floods, pandemics, terrorist attacks, war events, major accidents, major fires). This validation study of the ERPAS has shown that this version is a reliable and valid measurement for assessing people's modes of personal response (cognitive, emotional, behavioral) in emergency contexts.

Perceived Risk of Infection Linked to Changes in Comfort in Social Situations From Before to During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Social lives have significantly changed since social distancing measures have been implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate how our appraisal of social situations changed during the pandemic. Methods: In two online surveys, conducted in October 2019 and April 2020, 58 participants rated their personal level of comfort for sketches depicting social situations. Situations were separately categorized according to the risk of a possible COVID-19 infection and changes in ratings were analyzed by using a repeated measures ANOVA. Moreover, potential influencing factors on the change in ratings such as perceived infection risk and social factors like regular frequency and liking of social interactions were examined. Results: There was a significant interaction (p < 0.001) between time of measurement and risk category. Comfort ratings of depicted situations with low and medium infection risk were higher during the second compared to the first survey period. Ratings of high-risk situations did not change significantly, although there was a tendency toward lower ratings during the pandemic. Multiple regression analyses showed that perceived probability of short-term infection could explain variance in the change of ratings of social situations with low- and medium risk, but not perceived probability of long-term infection or social factors. Conclusion: The results suggest that the change of participant's appraisal of the social situations during the COVID-19 pandemic relates to perceived infection risk. Both, the risk associated with the specific scenario as well as the general belief of short-term infection risk were associated with change. This change predominantly manifested in greater thought of comfort during low and medium risk situations, which might give a sense of safety during the pandemic. The finding that high-risk social situations were not rated as uncomfortable as expected must be considered with regard to the young sample and may not be generalizable to other individuals. Further research is necessary to evaluate long-term effects on social interactions caused by global pandemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic.