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Xu RH, Chen C. Moderating Effect of Coping Strategies on the Association Between the Infodemic-Driven Overuse of Health Care Services and Cyberchondria and Anxiety: Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e53417. [PMID: 38593427 DOI: 10.2196/53417] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a substantial increase in health information, which has, in turn, caused a significant rise in cyberchondria and anxiety among individuals who search for web-based medical information. To cope with this information overload and safeguard their mental well-being, individuals may adopt various strategies. However, the effectiveness of these strategies in mitigating the negative effects of information overload and promoting overall well-being remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between the infodemic-driven misuse of health care and depression and cyberchondria. The findings could add a new dimension to our understanding of the psychological impacts of the infodemic, especially in the context of a global health crisis, and the moderating effect of different coping strategies on the relationship between the overuse of health care and cyberchondria and anxiety. METHODS The data used in this study were obtained from a cross-sectional web-based survey. A professional survey company was contracted to collect the data using its web-based panel. The survey was completed by Chinese individuals aged 18 years or older without cognitive problems. Model parameters of the relationships between infodemic-driven overuse of health care, cyberchondria, and anxiety were analyzed using bootstrapped partial least squares structural equation modeling. Additionally, the moderating effects of coping strategies on the aforementioned relationships were also examined. RESULTS A total of 986 respondents completed the web-based survey. The mean scores of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Cyberchondria Severity Scale-12 were 8.4 (SD 3.8) and 39.7 (SD 7.5), respectively. The mean score of problem-focused coping was higher than those of emotion- and avoidant-focused coping. There was a significantly positive relationship between a high level of infodemic and increased overuse of health care (bootstrapped mean 0.21, SD 0.03; 95% CI 0.1581-0.271). The overuse of health care resulted in more severe cyberchondria (bootstrapped mean 0.107, SD 0.032) and higher anxiety levels (bootstrapped mean 0.282, SD 0.032) in all the models. Emotion (bootstrapped mean 0.02, SD 0.008 and 0.037, SD 0.015)- and avoidant (bootstrapped mean 0.026, SD 0.009 and 0.049, SD 0.016)-focused coping strategies significantly moderated the relationship between the overuse of health care and cyberchondria and that between the overuse of health care and anxiety, respectively. Regarding the problem-based model, the moderating effect was significant for the relationship between the overuse of health care and anxiety (bootstrapped mean 0.007, SD 0.011; 95% CI 0.005-0.027). CONCLUSIONS This study provides empirical evidence about the impact of coping strategies on the relationship between infodemic-related overuse of health care services and cyberchondria and anxiety. Future research can build on the findings of this study to further explore these relationships and develop and test interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impact of the infodemic on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Nanjing Academy of Administration, Nanjing, China
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Vo HT, Dao TD, Duong TV, Nguyen TT, Do BN, Do TX, Pham KM, Vu VH, Pham LV, Nguyen LTH, Le LTH, Nguyen HC, Dang NH, Nguyen TH, Nguyen AT, Nguyen HV, Nguyen PB, Nguyen HTT, Pham TTM, Le TT, Nguyen TTP, Tran CQ, Nguyen KT. Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorder as modified by health literacy: an observational study in Vietnam. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2024; 15:33-44. [PMID: 38481048 PMCID: PMC10982660 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a "social vaccine" that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnam from December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (using the 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions. RESULTS Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD. Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63-2.12; p<0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; p=0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; p=0.001). CONCLUSION Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Thi Vo
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Tien Duc Dao
- Institute of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Military Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Tuyen Van Duong
- International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tan Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Orthopedics, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho, Vietnam
- Director Office, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Can Tho, Vietnam
| | - Binh Nhu Do
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Military Science, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tinh Xuan Do
- Department of Psychiatry, Military Hospital 103, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Khue Minh Pham
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Hai Vu
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Linh Van Pham
- Department of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Diseases, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Lien Thi Hong Nguyen
- Department of Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Diseases, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Lan Thi Huong Le
- Director Office, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- Biochemistry Department, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Cong Nguyen
- Director Office, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- President Office, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | - Nga Hoang Dang
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
- Department of Quality Control, Thai Nguyen National Hospital, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam
| | | | - Anh The Nguyen
- Director Office, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hai Duong, Vietnam
| | - Hoan Van Nguyen
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | | | - Hoai Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Training and Direction of Healthcare Activity Center, Kien An Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Thu Thi Minh Pham
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
- School of Public Health, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Thuy Thi Le
- President Office, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen
- Institute for Community Health Research, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Quoc Tran
- Faculty of Public Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Kien Trung Nguyen
- Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Duong H, Chang P. Topics Included in Health Literacy Studies in Asia: A Systematic Review. Asia Pac J Public Health 2024; 36:8-19. [PMID: 38156482 DOI: 10.1177/10105395231220473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to review general and specific health literacy studies in different countries in Asia to understand the progress of health literacy researches in the region. English-published studies with quantitative measurements of health literacy were collected through a systematic search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, without publication dates limitation. A total of 156 articles on general health literacy, oral, mental, disease-specific health literacy, and eHealth literacy were collected. General health literacy was the most covered topic in 89 articles, followed by eHealth Literacy. Health literacy studies have been conducted in 16 countries and have been increasingly concerned in most of the countries in Asia. China had the largest number of articles, followed by Taiwan. Four studies had participants from more than one country. Education, age, health status, incomes, and living/residential area were significantly associated with health literacy levels in 156 studies, with the prevalence of 55.8%, 28.2%, 20.5%, 17.9%, and 10.9%, respectively. Lower health literacy was related to poorer health outcomes or lower quality of life in 71 studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Duong
- School of Medicine, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Peter Chang
- Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
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Ning L, Zheng Z, Liu M, Gao S, Yang X, Bi J, Yu X, Yi D. Profiles of digital health literacy among university students and its association with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent profile analysis. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076231224596. [PMID: 38205038 PMCID: PMC10777787 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231224596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Investigating the digital health literacy of university students can facilitate their effective acquisition of health information and adoption of appropriate protective behaviors. This study aims to explore the subtypes of digital health literacy among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and their association with mental health outcomes. Methods From 17 November to 14 December 2022, a stratified random sampling approach was used to conduct an online questionnaire survey on digital health literacy, fear of COVID-19, and depression status among students at Jilin University, China. A total of 1060 valid responses were obtained in the survey. Latent profile analysis identified subtypes of digital health literacy and linear regression analyses were used to examine the association of digital health literacy to the mental health outcome. Results Three latent profiles were identified: Profile 1-low digital health literacy (n = 66, 6.23%), Profile 2-moderate digital health literacy (n = 706, 66.60%), and Profile 3-high digital health literacy (n = 288, 27.17%). Results from linear regression demonstrated a negative correlation between digital health literacy and fear of COVID-19 (B = -2.954, P < 0.001) as well as depression (B = -2.619, P < 0.001) among university students. Conclusions This study indicated that the majority of university students exhibit a moderate level of digital health literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study validates a negative correlation between digital health literacy and mental health among university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangwen Ning
- School of Public Administration, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhou Zheng
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shang Gao
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jiasi Bi
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xihe Yu
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dahai Yi
- Norman Bethune Health Science Center, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Lee JJ, Poon CY, O'Connor S, Wong JYH, Kwok JYY, Choi EPH, Tsang WN, Wang MP. Associations of eHealth literacy and knowledge with preventive behaviours and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based online survey. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069514. [PMID: 38101826 PMCID: PMC10729161 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the associations of COVID-19 preventive behaviours and depressive and anxiety symptoms with eHealth literacy and COVID-19 knowledge among Korean adults. DESIGN A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in April 2020. SETTING Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea. PARTICIPANTS 1057 Korean adults were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Associations between eHealth literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, COVID-19 preventive behaviours and psychological distress were computed using Pearson's correlation and logistic regression analyses. eHealth literacy, COVID-19 knowledge, COVID-19 preventive behaviours and psychological distress were weighted by sex and age distribution of the general population in Seoul Metropolitan area. RESULTS 68.40% (n=723) perceived high eHealth literacy level (eHEALS ≥26), while 57.43% (n=605) had high levels of COVID-19 knowledge (score ≥25). No significant association between eHealth literacy and COVID-19 knowledge was identified (r=0.05, p=0.09). eHealth literacy and COVID-19 knowledge were significantly associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviours (aOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.62 L; aOR=1.81, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.34, respectively). High eHealth literacy was significantly associated with anxiety symptom (aOR=1.71, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.47) and depressive symptom (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.30). COVID-19 knowledge had negative and no associations with the symptoms (aOR=0.62, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.86; aOR=0.79, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.03, respectively). High eHealth literacy with low COVID-19 knowledge was positively and significantly associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviours (aOR=2.30, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.43), and anxiety (aOR=1.81, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.01) and depressive symptoms (aOR=2.24, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.55). High eHealth literacy with high COVID-19 knowledge were significantly associated with more preventive behaviours (aOR=3.66, 95% CI 2.47 to 5.42) but no significant associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION We identified that eHealth literacy and COVID-19 knowledge were not associated each other, and differently associated with individuals' COVID-19 preventive behaviours and psychological well-being. Public health strategies should pay attention to enhancing both eHealth literacy and COVID-19 knowledge levels in the public to maximise their COVID-19 preventive behaviours and mitigate their psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Yan Poon
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siobhan O'Connor
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Janet Yuen Ha Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jojo Yan Yan Kwok
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Edmond Pui Hang Choi
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Nga Tsang
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Cebrino J, Portero de la Cruz S. Psychological impact of COVID-19 and determinants among Spanish university students. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1252849. [PMID: 37920580 PMCID: PMC10619672 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1252849] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background University students are a vulnerable population and faced a significant psychological impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of fear of COVID-19 among university students and to evaluate the possible relationship between fear of COVID-19 and socio-demographic, health-related determinants, variables related to the COVID-19 and variables related to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study between December 2020 and December 2021 on a sample of 950 university students from two universities in southern Spain. Participants completed a form that collected socio-demographic, health-related and COVID-related variables, a validated questionnaire related to the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fear of COVID Scale (FCV-19S). Descriptive, inferential, and multivariable linear regression analyzes were conducted. Results The mean FCV-19S score was 14.86 ± 5.16 points. The factors identified as predictors of FCV-19S were being female (p < 0.001), holding religious beliefs (p = 0.04), living in towns with over 10,000 inhabitants (p < 0.01), living with someone vulnerable to COVID-19 (p = 0.02), watching TV to keep informed about COVID-19 (p < 0.01), believing in a low probability of surviving if infected with COVID-19 (p < 0.001), having a higher level of death anxiety (p < 0.001) and suffering from insomnia (p < 0.001). Conclusion An average fear of COVID-19 score of 14.86 ± 5.16 points has been found among university students in Spain. These findings can aid in identifying specific factors contributing to fear of COVID-19 and in developing coping strategies to alleviate the stress of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cebrino
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Silvia Portero de la Cruz
- Department of Nursing, Pharmacology and Physiotherapy, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Research Group GE10 Clinical and Epidemiological Research in Primary Care, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
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Park SY, Chung S. E-health literacy and associated factors among Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: age-group differences. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad099. [PMID: 37665719 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the mean scores of e-health literacy, health information, social relationships, and psychological status between younger, middle-aged, and older Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the factors associated with e-health literacy as well as the moderating effect of age on the association between health information factors and e-health literacy. We used a cross-sectional survey of 2400 Korean adults aged 20 years or older residing in Seoul. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square test, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Findings demonstrated an age-group difference in the mean score of e-health literacy with the older group having lower e-health literacy than the other groups. Health information, social support, and COVID-19-related anxiety were associated with e-health literacy and a moderating effect of age on the association between sources of health information and e-health literacy was also identified among the three age subgroups. This study emphasizes the importance of identifying e-health-related risk factors leading to health disparities between age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Park
- Ewha Institute for Age Integration Research, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soondool Chung
- Department of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Xu RH, Chan HH, Shi L, Li T, Wang D. Moderating Effect of eHealth Literacy on the Associations of Coronaphobia With Loneliness, Irritability, Depression, and Stigma in Chinese Young Adults: Bayesian Structural Equation Model Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023; 9:e47556. [PMID: 37773621 PMCID: PMC10576235 DOI: 10.2196/47556] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in known risk factors for mental health problems. Although medical information available through the internet and smartphones has greatly expanded, people's ability to seek, eschew, and use reliable web-based medical information and services to promote their mental health remains unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the associations between coronaphobia and 4 frequently reported mental health problems, loneliness, irritability, depression, and stigma, during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the moderating effects of eHealth literacy (eHL) on the adjustment of these relationships in Chinese young adults. METHODS The data used in this study were collected from a web-based survey of the general Chinese population, aged between 18 and 30 years, conducted in China between December 2022 and January 2023. A nonprobability snowball sampling method was used for data collection. A Bayesian structural equation model (BSEM) using parameter expansion was used to estimate the moderating effect of eHL on the relationship between coronaphobia and psychological problems. The posterior mean and 95% highest density intervals (HDIs) were estimated. RESULTS A total of 4119 participants completed the questionnaire and provided valid responses. Among them, 64.4% (n=2653) were female and 58.7% (n=2417) were rural residents. All measures showed statistically significant but minor-to-moderate associations (correlation coefficients ranged from -0.04 to 0.65). Significant heterogeneity was observed between rural and urban residents at the eHL level, and coronaphobia was observed. The BSEM results demonstrated that eHL was a significant moderator in reducing the negative effects of coronaphobia on loneliness (posterior mean -0.0016, 95% HDI -0.0022 to -0.0011), depression (posterior mean -0.006, 95% HDI -0.0079 to -0.004), stigma (posterior mean -0.0052, 95% HDI -0.0068 to -0.0036), and irritability (posterior mean -0.0037, 95% HDI -0.0052 to -0.0022). The moderating effects of eHL varied across the rural and urban subsamples. CONCLUSIONS Using BSEM, this study demonstrated that improving eHL can significantly mitigate the negative effects of coronaphobia on 4 COVID-19-related mental health problems in Chinese young adults. Future eHL initiatives should target rural communities to ensure equal access to information and resources that can help protect their mental health during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Huan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Ho Hin Chan
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Lushaobo Shi
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Li
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Wang
- School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Estrela M, Semedo G, Roque F, Ferreira PL, Herdeiro MT. Sociodemographic determinants of digital health literacy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Med Inform 2023; 177:105124. [PMID: 37329766 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Differences in digital health literacy levels are associated with a lack of access to digital tools, usage patterns, and the ability to effectively use digital technologies. Although some studies have investigated the impact of sociodemographic factors on digital health literacy, a comprehensive evaluation of these factors has not been conducted. Therefore, this study sought to examine the sociodemographic determinants of digital health literacy by conducting a systematic review of the existing literature. METHODS A search of four databases was conducted. Data extraction included information on study characteristics, sociodemographic factors, and the digital health literacy scales used. Meta-analyses for age and sex were conducted using RStudio software with the metaphor package. RESULTS A total of 3922 articles were retrieved, of which 36 were included in this systematic review. Age had a negative effect on digital health literacy (B = -0.05, 95%CI [-0.06; -0.04]), particularly among older adults, whereas sex appeared to have no statistically significant influence among the included studies (B = - 0.17, 95%CI [-0.64; 0.30]). Educational level, higher income, and social support also appeared to have a positive influence on digital health literacy. DISCUSSION This review highlighted the importance of addressing the digital health literacy needs of underprivileged populations, including immigrants and individuals with low socioeconomic status. It also emphasizes the need for more research to better understand the influence of sociodemographic, economic, and cultural differences on digital health literacy. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this review suggests digital health literacy is dependent on sociodemographic, economic, and cultural factors, which may require tailored interventions that consider these nuances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Estrela
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Social, Political and Territorial Sciences, University of Aveiro, Portugal; Centre for Health Studies and Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal.
| | - Guilherme Semedo
- Medical Devices Department, Critical Catalyst, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Fátima Roque
- Health Sciences Research Center, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal; Research Unit for Inland Development, Guarda Polytechnic Institute (UDI-IPG), Guarda, Portugal
| | - Pedro Lopes Ferreira
- Centre for Health Studies and Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Economics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Teresa Herdeiro
- iBiMED-Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Feng W, Zhang J. Childhood environmental harshness and unpredictability negatively predict eHealth literacy through fast life-history strategy. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1197189. [PMID: 37663344 PMCID: PMC10473102 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1197189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background eHealth literacy-the ability to obtain, understand, evaluate, and use health information from the Internet-is important to maintaining and improving personal health. Prior research found that people differ notably in the levels of eHealth literacy, and this study tests a theoretical account of some of those individual differences. Drawing on life history theory, we propose that low eHealth literacy is partly the outcome of people adopting a resource-allocation strategy emphasizing early and fast reproduction, namely, a fast life-history strategy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey study (N = 1,036) that measured Chinese adult respondents' eHealth literacy, childhood environmental harshness and unpredictability, and fast life-history strategy. Covariates included health-information seeking online, self-rated health, sex, age, education level, and monthly income. Results Supporting a life-history explanation of eHealth literacy, childhood environmental harshness and unpredictability negatively predicted eHealth literacy through fast life-history strategy and mainly the insight-planning-control dimension of it. Harshness, not unpredictability, also directly and negatively predicted eHealth literacy after fast life-history strategy was controlled for. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the psychological mechanisms associated with human life-history strategies produce at least some of the individual differences in levels of eHealth literacy, including those related to neuroticism, socioeconomic status, self-rated health and social capital. Thus, a possible way to increase future generation's eHealth literacy and thereby their health is to reduce the harshness and unpredictability of the environment in which they grow up, thereby making them more likely to adopt a relatively slow life-history in their adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Feng
- School of Journalism and Communication, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinguang Zhang
- School of Journalism and Communication, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Big Data and Public Communication, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Akingbade O, Adeleye K, Fadodun OA, Fawole IO, Li J, Choi EPH, Ho M, Lok KYW, Wong JYH, Fong DYT, Ogungbe O. eHealth literacy was associated with anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1194908. [PMID: 37427252 PMCID: PMC10323132 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1194908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Electronic health (eHealth) literacy may play an important role in individuals' engagement with online mental health-related information. Aim To examine associations between eHealth literacy and psychological outcomes among Nigerians during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among Nigerians conducted using the 'COVID-19's impAct on feaR and hEalth (CARE) questionnaire. The exposure: eHealth literacy, was assessed using the eHealth literacy scale, and psychological outcomes were assessed using the PHQ-4 scale, which measured anxiety and depression; and the fear scale to measure fear of COVID-19. We fitted logistic regression models to assess the association of eHealth literacy with anxiety, depression, and fear, adjusting for covariates. We included interaction terms to assess for age, gender, and regional differences. We also assessed participants' endorsement of strategies for future pandemic preparedness. Results This study involved 590 participants, of which 56% were female, and 38% were 30 years or older. About 83% reported high eHealth literacy, and 55% reported anxiety or depression. High eHealth literacy was associated with a 66% lower likelihood of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio aOR, 0·34; 95% confidence interval, 0·20-0·54) and depression (aOR: 0·34; 95% CI, 0·21-0·56). There were age, gender, and regional differences in the associations between eHealth literacy and psychological outcomes. eHealth-related strategies such as medicine delivery, receiving health information through text messaging, and online courses were highlighted as important for future pandemic preparedness. Conclusion Considering that mental health and psychological care services are severely lacking in Nigeria, digital health information sources present an opportunity to improve access and delivery of mental health services. The different associations of e-health literacy with psychological well-being between age, gender, and geographic region highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Policymakers must prioritize digitally backed interventions, such as medicine delivery and health information dissemination through text messaging, to address these disparities and promote equitable mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilare Akingbade
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Institute of Nursing Research, Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Israel Opeyemi Fawole
- Institute of Nursing Research, Osogbo, Osun, Nigeria
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Jiaying Li
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Mandy Ho
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kris Yuet Wan Lok
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janet Yuen Ha Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Oluwabunmi Ogungbe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, United States
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12
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Kwon M, Oh J. The relationship between depression, anxiety, e-health literacy, and health-promoting behavior in nursing students during COVID-19. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32809. [PMID: 36820579 PMCID: PMC9907898 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between depression, anxiety, e-health literacy (eHL), and health-promoting behaviors among nursing students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify the factors affecting health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted online, recruiting 301 nursing students recruited from 4 universities in the Chungcheng Province and Daejeon Metropolitan City in South Korea between May 28 and June 30, 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 27.0. The general characteristics of the study participants were analyzed by frequency and percentage, and the degree of depression, anxiety, eHL, and health-promoting behaviors were calculated as averages and standard deviations. Differences in health-promoting behaviors according to general characteristics were analyzed using independent t tests and analysis of variance, and a post hoc Scheffe test was conducted. Correlations between depression, anxiety, eHL, and health-promoting behaviors were measured using Pearson correlation matrices. Stepwise multiple regression was performed to identify factors affecting health-promoting behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the average level of depression and anxiety was reported to be 3.93 (4.71) and 3.40 (4.30), respectively; 33.2% of nursing students experienced more than mild depression and 29.2% experienced anxiety. The average eHL level was 3.91 (0.56), and the average of health-promoting behaviors was 2.43 (0.45). Depression was positively correlated with anxiety (R = 0.734, P < .001) and negatively correlated with health-promoting behaviors (r = -0.198, P = .001), whereas eHL had a positive correlation with health-promoting behaviors (R = 0.347, P < .001). The factors affecting health-promoting behaviors were religion (β = -0.160, standard error [SE] = 0.048), current health status (β = -0.097, SE = 0.032), frequency of searching the Internet for health-related information in a week (β = -0.070, SE = 0.026), interest in health (β = -0.191, SE = 0.039), and critical eHL (β = 0.243, SE = 0.040); the explanatory power was 27.4%. Results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, higher depression and anxiety among nursing students decreased health-promoting behaviors, while higher eHL increased health-promoting behaviors, and eHL was a major factor affecting health-promoting behaviors. These results contribute to the provision of basic data for the development of nursing intervention programs and educational strategies that can establish correct health-promoting behaviors by managing depression and anxiety among nursing students and improving eHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihyoung Kwon
- Department of Nursing, Pai Chai University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jihyun Oh
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University, Kongju, South Korea
- * Correspondence: Jihyun Oh, Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University, Kongju 32588, South Korea (e-mail: )
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13
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Ma D, Kuang Y, Lan Z, Zeng S, Li Y, Shang M, Zhang RY, Zhao B, Li W. The rapid change in mental health among college students after introduction of on-campus quarantine during the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 lockdown. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1132575. [PMID: 37213647 PMCID: PMC10196357 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1132575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Among the various impacts of disasters in terms of emotions, quarantine has been proven to result in significant increases in mental health problems. Studies of psychological resilience during outbreaks of epidemics tend to focus on long-term social quarantine. In contrast, insufficient studies have been conducted examining how rapidly negative mental health outcomes occur and how these outcomes change over time. We evaluated the time course of psychological resilience (over three different phases of quarantine) among students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to investigate the influence of unexpected changes on college students. Methods An online survey was conducted from 5 to 7 April 2022. A structured online questionnaire was administered using a retrospective cohort trial design. Before 9 March (Period 1), individuals engaged in their usual activities without restrictions. From 9 to 23 March (Period 2), the majority of students were asked to remain in their dormitories on campus. From 24 March to early April (Period 3), restrictions were relaxed, and students were gradually allowed to participate in essential activities on campus. We quantified dynamic changes in the severity of students' depressive symptoms over the course of these three periods. The survey consisted of five sets of self-reported questions: demographic information, lifestyle/activity restrictions, a brief mental health history, COVID-19-related background, and the Beck Depression Inventory, second edition. Results A total of 274 college students aged 18-42 years (mean = 22.34; SE = 0.24) participated in the study (58.39% undergraduate students, 41.61% graduate students; 40.51% male, 59.49% female). The proportion of students with depressive symptoms was 9.1% in Period 1, 36.1% in Period 2, and 34.67% in Period 3. Depressive symptoms increased notably with the introduction of the quarantine in Periods 2 and 3. Lower satisfaction with the food supplied and a longer duration of physical exercise per day were found to be positively associated with changes in depression severity in Periods 2 and 3. Quarantine-related psychological distress was more evident in students who were in a romantic relationship than in students who were single. Conclusion Depressive symptoms in university students rapidly increased after 2 weeks of quarantine and no perceptible reversal was observed over time. Concerning students in a relationship, ways to take physical exercise and to relax should be provided and the food supplied should be improved when young people are quarantined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongni Ma
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifang Kuang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yifang Kuang, ; Binglei Zhao, ; Weidong Li,
| | - Zhaohui Lan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Suhua Zeng
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengnan Shang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
| | - Ru-Yuan Zhang
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binglei Zhao
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yifang Kuang, ; Binglei Zhao, ; Weidong Li,
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Science, Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- WLA Laboratories, World Laureates Association, Shanghai, China
- Global Institute of Future Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Yifang Kuang, ; Binglei Zhao, ; Weidong Li,
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14
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García-García D, Ajejas Bazán MJ, Pérez-Rivas FJ. Factors Influencing eHealth Literacy among Spanish Primary Healthcare Users: Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15497. [PMID: 36497572 PMCID: PMC9738798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315497] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate eHealth literacy levels empower people to make informed decisions, enhancing their autonomy. The current study assessed a group using primary care services for their eHealth literacy and examined its relationship with sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS Adult patients in need of primary care nursing services participated in this cross-sectional study, which was carried out in a healthcare center in the Madrid region of Spain. Through systematic random sampling, 166 participants were chosen for the study. The eHealth Literacy Questionnaire was used to assess eHealth literacy (eHLQ). RESULTS The studied population showed higher eHealth literacy scores in dimensions 2 ("understanding of health concepts and language") and 4 ("feel safe and in control"); the lowest scores were recorded for dimensions 1 ("using technology to process health information"), 3 ("ability to actively engage with digital services"), and 7 ("digital services that suit individual needs"). People with completed secondary education and a better-perceived health status who were younger and employed showed a higher level of eHealth literacy. CONCLUSIONS The findings advance our knowledge of the variables affecting eHealth literacy. We may be able to understand patients' needs and provide them with greater support if we can pinpoint the areas where they demonstrate the lowest eHealth literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Julia Ajejas Bazán
- Academia Central de la Defensa, Escuela Militar de Sanidad, Ministerio de Defensa, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pérez-Rivas
- Grupo de Investigación UCM “Salud Pública-Estilos de Vida, Metodología Enfermera y Cuidados en el Entorno Comunitario”, Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Podología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud—RICAPPS—(RICORS), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041 Madrid, Spain
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15
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Bas-Sarmiento P, Lamas-Toranzo MJ, Fernández-Gutiérrez M, Poza-Méndez M. Health Literacy, Misinformation, Self-Perceived Risk and Fear, and Preventive Measures Related to COVID-19 in Spanish University Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15370. [PMID: 36430094 PMCID: PMC9690779 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The "infodemic" is one of the main obstacles in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to face it, health literacy (HL) is essential since it allows for knowledge about COVID-19 and the practice of preventive measures to be fostered. This is especially relevant in university students due to their idiosyncrasy. This study aims to evaluate the level of HL related to COVID-19 (HLC), risk perception, misinformation, and the attitudes and behaviors adopted to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Spanish university students. An online questionnaire was administered to 499 Spanish university students. The HLC index presented a mean of 33.89 out of 50; a total of 63.8% had an inadequate level of HLC. They practiced a mean of 7.54 out of 9 preventive behaviors, and the mean knowledge score was 10.40 out of 13. The HLC showed significantly different scores for the degree, the practice of preventive measures, and some sources of information. The level of HL correlates with the adoption of preventive measures. The higher the severity and perceived susceptibility, the more preventive measures are taken by the students. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen the HL skills of university students and address the dissemination of misinformation. Although caution should be taken when generalizing these results due to the limitations inherent within a cross-sectional study and the convenience sampling, our results can guide the establishment of health education strategies and policies for the management of the infodemic in pandemic situations, according to this target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Bas-Sarmiento
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, University Institute of Research in Social Sustainable Development (INDESS), Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz, INiBICA, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | | | - Martina Fernández-Gutiérrez
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, University Institute of Research in Social Sustainable Development (INDESS), Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz, INiBICA, 11009 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Miriam Poza-Méndez
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cadiz, University Institute of Research in Social Sustainable Development (INDESS), 11009 Cadiz, Spain
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Cetinkaya S, Askan F, Gunes NEO, Todil T, Yuruk E. E-health literacy of nursing students and investigation of factors affecting e-health literacy during COVID-19 pandemic process: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30148. [PMID: 36107588 PMCID: PMC9439628 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of knowledge on health literacy affects all segments of society, particularly health workers. The objectives were to identify nursing students' means of accessing information during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, their level of health literacy, and the factors that affect it. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey among 398 nursing students of Çukurova University and Van Yüzüncü Yil University between June 1 and June 30, 2020. As a data collection tool, E-Health Literacy Scale was used, with students' characteristics and personal information form related to Internet use. These forms were converted to the online format. The survey link was sent to the students' smartphones and/or e-mails to ask them to participate. Majority of participants were Van Yüzüncü Yil University nursing students (63.8%). E-SYO score average of all students was found to be 29.42 ± 4.39 (min = 14, max = 40); it was is found be at a good level. They used the Internet as the first source of information about coronavirus disease 2019 (65.1%).Among the participants, 65.8% stated that it was important to access the health resource on the Internet and 19.1% of the participants thought that it was very important. It was found that Internet use was being used for >3 times a day (72.9%). The age, class, gender, family type, income level, high school from which they graduated from, and their working status significantly were statistically affecting their health literacy (P < .05). The health literacy scale scores were significant and higher than those who did not know the concept of health literacy, and those who perceived Internet skills well and very well than those who perceived them poorly (P < .05). Nursing students were found to have good average health literacy averages. Improving the health literacy is important for making individuals healthier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Cetinkaya
- Department of Nursing, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Senay Cetinkaya, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Child Health and Diseases Nursing, Çukurova University, Adana, Turkey (e-mail: , )
| | | | - N. Ecem Oksal Gunes
- Çukurova University, Health Sciences Institute, Nursing Care Main Branch of Science, Adana, Turkey
| | - Tugba Todil
- Çukurova University, Health Sciences Institute, Nursing Care Main Branch of Science, Adana, Turkey
| | - Emel Yuruk
- Çukurova University, Health Sciences Institute, Nursing Care Main Branch of Science, Adana, Turkey
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17
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Graham MA, Eloff I. Comparing Mental Health, Wellbeing and Flourishing in Undergraduate Students Pre- and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127438. [PMID: 35742686 PMCID: PMC9224479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
There has been a preponderance of studies on student mental health, wellbeing and flourishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few studies have compared data on student mental health and wellbeing before and during the pandemic. The purpose of the current study was to compare mental health and wellbeing in undergraduate students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey research was conducted with three groups of undergraduate students (n = 905) from diverse scientific fields at a large, urban university in South Africa. Data was collected by means of electronic surveys, combining full-scale items from three instruments, the Mental Health Continuum Short Form, the Flourishing Scale and the Fragility of Happiness Scale. Data was analysed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and R software. The results indicate that while the mental health and wellbeing of students declined during the pandemic concerning their perceived ability to contribute to society, having supportive and rewarding social relationships and them being engaged and interested in their daily activities, it also improved in terms of their perceived ability to manage their daily lives (environmental mastery), being challenged to grow (personal growth) and in terms of their views that society was becoming better (social growth/actualisation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marien Alet Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-(0)-12-420-6637
| | - Irma Eloff
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
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