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Population Behavior during COVID-19
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Population Behavior during COVID-19

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 51762

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Isaac Ashkenazi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NIRED—Institute for Regulation of Emergency and Disaster, College of Law and Business, Ramat Gan 5110801, Israel
Interests: crisis management; crisis leadership; active bystanders; disaster medicine; disaster management; terrorism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Carmit Rapaport

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
NIRED—Institute for Regulation of Emergency and Disaster, College of Law and Business, Department of Geograhy and Environmental Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498825, Israel
Interests: population behavior during emergencies; disaster management; crisis management; operational continuity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

COVID-19 has had unprecendented effects on global and local systems. Management of the pandemic has been based on finding a fragile balance between controlling outbreaks in order to minimize potential risks caused by overwhelmed healthcare systems while maintaining the economy. Achievement of this balance heavily depends on the behavior of the population regarding their adherence to infection-prevention instructions (keeping physical distance, using face masks, and hygiene practices), compliance with stay-at home orders, management of psychological stress, social inclusion of minorities, and consumption of health services. Citizens' behavior during the pandemic is rooted in personal characteristics such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, being in a group at risk group for COVID-19, inclusion in a minority group, and education level. However, individual factors, both psychological and behavioral, such as risk perceptions, lifestyle, rituals, adaptivity, mental resilience, and emotional regulation, as well as social and cultural factors, such as community characteristics and the level of resilience, traditions and beliefs, and leadership, might also have significant effects. Papers addressing the behavioral aspects of population behavior in response to COVID-19 in terms of both challenges and opportunities in pandemic management are of interest for this Special Issue. Our focus will be on high quality research or theory-based papers as well those detailing with practical orientation and experience in individuals, communities, and nations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Dr. Isaac Ashkenazi
Dr. Carmit Rapaport
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • resilience
  • adaptive behavior
  • stress
  • leadership
  • rituals
  • crisis communication

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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12 pages, 380 KiB  
Article
Pharmacological Adherence Behavior Changes during COVID-19 Outbreak in a Portugal Patient Cohort
by Luís Midão, Marta Almada, Joana Carrilho, Rute Sampaio and Elísio Costa
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1135; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031135 - 20 Jan 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
Concerns, behaviours, and beliefs influence how people deal with COVID-19. Understanding the factors influencing adherence behaviour is of utmost importance to develop tailored interventions to increase adherence within this context. Hence, we aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected adherence behaviour in Portugal. A [...] Read more.
Concerns, behaviours, and beliefs influence how people deal with COVID-19. Understanding the factors influencing adherence behaviour is of utmost importance to develop tailored interventions to increase adherence within this context. Hence, we aimed to understand how COVID-19 affected adherence behaviour in Portugal. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 1 March and 3 April 2021. Descriptive statistics were performed, as well as univariable and multivariable regression models. Of the 1202 participants, 476 who were taking at least one medication prescribed by the doctor were selected. Of these, 78.2% were female, and the mean age was 40.3 ± 17.9 years old. About 74.2% were classified as being highly adherent. During the pandemic, 8.2% of participants reported that their adherence improved, while 5.9% had worsened adherence results. Compared with being single, widowers were 3 times more prone to be less adherent (OR:3.390 [1.106–10.390], p = 0.033). Comorbid patients were 1.8 times (OR:1.824 [1.155–2.881], p = 0.010) more prone to be less adherent. Participants who reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted their adherence were 5.6 times more prone to be less adherent, compared with those who reported no changes (OR:5.576 [2.420–12.847], p < 0.001). None of the other variables showed to be significantly associated with pharmacological adherence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
16 pages, 394 KiB  
Article
Food Purchase Behavior during The First Wave of COVID-19: The Case of Hungary
by Tamás Madarász, Enikő Kontor, Emese Antal, Gyula Kasza, Dávid Szakos and Zoltán Szakály
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 872; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19020872 - 13 Jan 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2959
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (SARSCoV-2) appeared in 2019 was confirmed as pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. Stay-at-home order had an impact on consumers’ food purchase habits, as people around the world were able to leave their homes solely in extremely severe or [...] Read more.
Coronavirus disease (SARSCoV-2) appeared in 2019 was confirmed as pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020. Stay-at-home order had an impact on consumers’ food purchase habits, as people around the world were able to leave their homes solely in extremely severe or urgent cases. In our research, we delve into the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on consumers’ food purchase habits. The research involved 3000 consumers during the first wave of coronavirus. The sample represents the Hungarian population by gender and age. To achieve the research goals, we applied multivariate statistical tools. The findings suggest that the pandemic could not change consumer attitude significantly, but the order of factors influencing purchases changed. Consumer motivation factors were organized into four well-distinguished factors: Healthy, domestic, and environmentally friendly choice; Usual taste and quality; Reasonable price; Shelf life. Due to the lack of outstanding data during segmentation, we developed four segments by hierarchical cluster analysis: Health- and environment-conscious women; Price sensitive young people; Taste-oriented men; Quality-oriented intellectuals. The results confirm that food manufacturers and traders need to be prepared for further restrictions in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
36 pages, 1261 KiB  
Article
Teleworking—An Economic and Social Impact during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Data Mining Analysis
by Grigore Belostecinic, Radu Ioan Mogoș, Maria Loredana Popescu, Sorin Burlacu, Carmen Valentina Rădulescu, Dumitru Alexandru Bodislav, Florina Bran and Mihaela Diana Oancea-Negescu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19010298 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2855
Abstract
The health crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has induced, among other things, an increase in the importance of remote work or teleworking (TL) in the current period. The objective of this research is to identify the economic and social impact of telework [...] Read more.
The health crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has induced, among other things, an increase in the importance of remote work or teleworking (TL) in the current period. The objective of this research is to identify the economic and social impact of telework in changing the behavior of employees in Romania. The research was conducted approximately one year after the onset of the pandemic until the beginning of the vaccination period in Romania. The research proposed includes three main directions of analysis of the extracted data, which are related to telework efficiency, this being considered one of the most important indicators for a company. In order to obtain conclusive results, we used a mixed methodology, combining results obtained through a survey based on a self-administered electronic questionnaire, with a data mining analysis. Detailed analysis of the groups identified based on work efficiency allowed us to highlight the most common employee profiles. This analysis was doubled by a second classification experiment, which provided us a more detailed analysis of the groups identified based on job satisfaction and highlighted the most common employee profiles. The expansion of telework in various economic areas is a result of adaptation to the new economic and social conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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18 pages, 1281 KiB  
Article
Effect of Public Empathy with Infection-Control Guidelines on Infection-Prevention Attitudes and Behaviors: Based on the Case of COVID-19
by Eugene Song, Jae-Eun Lee and Seola Kwon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13408; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182413408 - 20 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the government has provided infection-control guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. The authors of this study examined the structure (causal relationship) of factors that influence public behavior toward COVID-19 and verified the [...] Read more.
Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the government has provided infection-control guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. The authors of this study examined the structure (causal relationship) of factors that influence public behavior toward COVID-19 and verified the effect of public empathy with infection-control guidelines in each structure. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire survey from 211 Korean adults. The results showed that (1) the perceived susceptibility and severity of economic damage had a positive effect on infection-prevention attitudes and infection-prevention attitudes had a positive effect on infection-prevention behaviors; (2) the perceived severity of economic damage had a positive effect on infection-prevention attitudes; and (3) public empathy with infection-control guidelines positively moderated the effect of the perceived severity of economic damage on infection-prevention behaviors and that of perceived susceptibility on infection-prevention attitudes. Accordingly, the authors of this study present the following three suggestions to prevent the spread of an infectious disease: engage in risk communication focused on a potential virus infection and cooperation, make multifaceted efforts to increase public empathy with infection-control guidelines, and implement measures to alleviate or reduce economic damage to the public in a viral pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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14 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
The Role of Health Literacy in COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors and Infection Risk Perception: Evidence from a Population-Based Sample of Essential Frontline Workers during the Lockdown in the Province of Prato (Tuscany, Italy)
by Vieri Lastrucci, Chiara Lorini, Marco Del Riccio, Eleonora Gori, Fabrizio Chiesi, Andrea Moscadelli, Beatrice Zanella, Sara Boccalini, Angela Bechini, Francesco Puggelli, Renzo Berti, Paolo Bonanni and Guglielmo Bonaccorsi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182413386 - 19 Dec 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3091
Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of pandemic control measures requires a broad understanding from the population. This study aimed to evaluate the role played by health literacy (HL) in influencing the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and risk perception of essential frontline workers during the [...] Read more.
Background: The effectiveness of pandemic control measures requires a broad understanding from the population. This study aimed to evaluate the role played by health literacy (HL) in influencing the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures and risk perception of essential frontline workers during the lockdown period. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on a population-based sample of frontline workers from Prato Province (Italy). Data on knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 preventive measures and risk perception were collected. HL was measured with the HLS-EU-Q6 tool. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed. Results: A total of 751 people participated in this study, and 56% of the sample showed a sufficient level of HL. In the multivariate models, HL resulted in being positively correlated with both knowledge (beta 0.32 for sufficient HL, 0.11 for problematic HL) and attitudes (beta 0.33 for sufficient HL, 0.17 for problematic HL) towards the importance of COVID-19 preventive measures. The HL level was not associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors and COVID-19 risk perception. Conclusions: HL may play a key role in maintaining a high adherence to infection prevention behaviors and may be a factor to take into account in the implementation of public health interventions in pandemic times. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
16 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
Routines, Time Dedication and Habit Changes in Spanish Homes during the COVID-19 Lockdown. A Large Cross-Sectional Survey
by Miguel Ángel Navas-Martín, José Antonio López-Bueno, Ignacio Oteiza and Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12176; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182212176 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2684
Abstract
Many countries chose to establish social distancing as lockdowns after the COVID-19 outbreak. Households had to adapt their day-to-day lifestyles to new circumstances, affecting routines and time dedication to tasks. This national study was carried out to find out how the confinement by [...] Read more.
Many countries chose to establish social distancing as lockdowns after the COVID-19 outbreak. Households had to adapt their day-to-day lifestyles to new circumstances, affecting routines and time dedication to tasks. This national study was carried out to find out how the confinement by COVID-19 affected Spanish households on the perceived habit changes during this period, in relation to their socio-demographic characteristics and household composition. An online questionnaire was launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, from 30 April to 22 June 2020. Descriptive statistics were analyzed, stratified by gender, on time dedication, routine, home leaving, and habit change variables. Chi-square tests were used to explore the relations of significance with socio-demographic characteristics and home composition. All contrast analyses were performed for a 95% confidence level (significance considered for p < 0.05). In total, 1673 respondents participated from different age groups, educational level, employment status and household composition. Sixty percent of respondents maintained their routines. A third tried to establish a new one, being related to women, young people, not a university student, and living with others, including minors. Regarding dedication to tasks, adults aged 35–54 years, with more cohabitants, especially women, devoted themselves intensively to the home or to care, while those under 35 were dedicated more to rest, leisure, television or reading. People with university studies were more related to teleworking. The frequency of going outside was related to gender, age, educational level and living with elders, specifically for grocery shopping and taking out garbage. Changes in habits, routines and time dedication in confinement were strongly linked to the sociodemographic and coexistence conditions in Spanish homes. The greatest impacts were suffered by women, people with children, and adults between 35–54 years of age, especially on care and domestic chores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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28 pages, 4434 KiB  
Article
Working from Home: Is Our Housing Ready?
by Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches, Miguel Ángel Navas-Martín and Ignacio Oteiza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7329; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18147329 - 08 Jul 2021
Cited by 43 | Viewed by 6425
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measures applied globally (lockdowns and curfews) have impacted homes, including work. Working from home (WFH) has emerged as a growing trend in the post-pandemic era. The research question was: Are our homes ready for teleworking? To respond, [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measures applied globally (lockdowns and curfews) have impacted homes, including work. Working from home (WFH) has emerged as a growing trend in the post-pandemic era. The research question was: Are our homes ready for teleworking? To respond, a national prospective mixed approach was launched for Spanish households during the spring 2020 lockdown, using two online questionnaires, one quantitative and the other qualitative. Through a survey, photographs, and narratives, the study evaluates the perceived adequacy of telework spaces and their specific characteristics, the availability of digital resources and the internet. A total of 1800 surveys and over 200 images and texts related to telework environments were obtained. The results suggest that the adequacy of these spaces was insufficient for more than a quarter of the homes. Also, strong relations between the perceived workspace adequacy and a social status or stability of homes were shown and validated, despite other sociodemographic features, the home composition or habitat were not related. Some other variables statistically significant were occupation regime, type and surface of dwellings; their indoor environmental quality; the availability of exclusive spaces for teleworking; quality of digital resources; and the specific space features. The analysis was completed with qualitative insights through photos and texts. Telework, lived in this context as an experiment, needs this reflection from an environmental, resource-availability, and ergonomic point of view. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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36 pages, 17565 KiB  
Article
Habitability, Resilience, and Satisfaction in Mexican Homes to COVID-19 Pandemic
by Maribel Jaimes Torres, Mónica Aguilera Portillo, Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches, Ignacio Oteiza and Miguel Ángel Navas-Martín
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6993; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136993 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4222
Abstract
Following the 2020 confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing has become the only safe place and this has exposed inequity in habitability. This research on the reality of confined households and the perception of their homes in the Mexican republic is based [...] Read more.
Following the 2020 confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing has become the only safe place and this has exposed inequity in habitability. This research on the reality of confined households and the perception of their homes in the Mexican republic is based on a mixed participatory study, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The online questionnaire consisted of 58 questions in the quantitative approximation. The qualitative part required the provision of an image of the workspace, with testimonies and personal reflections. During the lockdown, all participants saw an increase in overall energy consumption; more than half reported not being in thermal comfort; and a third declared deficiencies in noise insulation. Regarding the perception of the telework/tele-study space, we found the following categories: bedrooms, living/dining rooms, studies and others. In addition, respondents had often adapted the workspace for both individual and shared use. In general, the households were satisfied with the size of their houses but would like landscaped spaces or better views outside. Confinement made housing the protective element against the pandemic. The consequences will have an effect globally, so new architectural design paradigms need to be rethought. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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9 pages, 818 KiB  
Article
Toilet Paper, Minced Meat and Diabetes Medicines: Australian Panic Buying Induced by COVID-19
by Teyl Engstrom, Dolly O. Baliunas, Benjamin P. Sly, Anthony W. Russell, Peter J. Donovan, Heike K. Krausse, Clair M. Sullivan and Jason D. Pole
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6954; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136954 - 29 Jun 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3796
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the management of non-communicable diseases in health systems around the world. This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes medicines dispensed in Australia. Publicly available data from Australia’s government subsidised medicines program (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the management of non-communicable diseases in health systems around the world. This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on diabetes medicines dispensed in Australia. Publicly available data from Australia’s government subsidised medicines program (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), detailing prescriptions by month dispensed to patients, drug item code and patient category, was obtained from January 2016 to November 2020. This study focused on medicines used in diabetes care (Anatomical Therapeutical Chemical code level 2 = A10). Number of prescriptions dispensed were plotted by month at a total level, by insulins and non-insulins, and by patient category (general, concessional). Total number of prescriptions dispensed between January and November of each year were compared. A peak in prescriptions dispensed in March 2020 was identified, an increase of 35% on March 2019, compared to average growth of 7.2% in previous years. Prescriptions dispensed subsequently fell in April and May 2020 to levels below the corresponding months in 2019. These trends were observed across insulins, non-insulins, general and concessional patient categories. The peak and subsequent dip in demand have resulted in a small unexpected overall increase for the period January to November 2020, compared to declining growth for the same months in prior years. The observed change in consumer behaviour prompted by COVID-19 and the resulting public health measures is important to understand in order to improve management of medicines supply during potential future waves of COVID-19 and other pandemics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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14 pages, 1163 KiB  
Article
Precautionary Behaviors during the Second and Third Phases of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparative Study in the Latin American Population
by Rosa Martha Meda-Lara, Pedro Juárez-Rodríguez, Nayib Ester Carrasco-Tapias, Claudio Rodolfo Barrales-Díaz, Andrés Palomera-Chávez, Esteban González-Díaz, María del Carmen Llantá-Abreu, Lucia Lorenzana-Montenegro, Marta Herrero and Bernardo Moreno-Jiménez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6882; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136882 - 26 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2792
Abstract
The population’s behavioral responses to containment and precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have played a fundamental role in controlling the contagion. A comparative analysis of precautionary behaviors in the region was carried out. A total of 1184 people from Mexico, Colombia, Chile, [...] Read more.
The population’s behavioral responses to containment and precautionary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have played a fundamental role in controlling the contagion. A comparative analysis of precautionary behaviors in the region was carried out. A total of 1184 people from Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, and Guatemala participated through an online survey containing a questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, precautionary behaviors, information about COVID-19, concerns, maintenance of confinement, and medical symptoms associated with COVID-19. Cubans reported the highest scores for information about COVID-19. Colombians reported less frequent usage of precautionary measures (e.g., use of masks), but greater adherence to confinement recommendations in general, in contrast to the low levels of these behaviors in Guatemalans. Chileans reported greater pandemic-related concerns and the highest number of medical symptoms associated with COVID-19. These findings allow a partial characterization of the Latin American population’s responses during the second and third phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight the importance of designing and managing public health policies according to the circumstances of each population when facing pandemics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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21 pages, 8776 KiB  
Article
Confined Students: A Visual-Emotional Analysis of Study and Rest Spaces in the Homes
by Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches and Miguel Ángel Navas-Martín
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5506; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18115506 - 21 May 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3484
Abstract
Confinement was adopted globally as a containment measure to face the COVID pandemic declared by WHO on March 2020. In Spain, the State of Alarm was established for three months. This implied the interruption of educational activities, having a higher incidence for children, [...] Read more.
Confinement was adopted globally as a containment measure to face the COVID pandemic declared by WHO on March 2020. In Spain, the State of Alarm was established for three months. This implied the interruption of educational activities, having a higher incidence for children, since teaching would not be resumed until the following academic year, in September. This, together with the confusing initial information about COVID-19 transmission between children and their families, has made them one of the groups most vulnerable. In this study, a qualitative approach is made to secondary school students (aged 12). They were asked to share their experiences about confinement from the perspective of the home spaces, in relation to two main tasks relevant in this period: the tele-study and their relaxing time and well-being. Using images and narratives with an abstract and emotional description, the response of 46 children was obtained. A sentiment analysis was carried out from their testimonies. Results suggest a greater availability of tele-study spaces with daylighting, mainly in bedrooms, with laptops. For leisure and rest spaces, sofas, beds, and cohabitant gathering were preferred. Written testimonials were mainly positive. Housing features and family cohesion condition their resilience in situations of uncertainty, like confinement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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12 pages, 335 KiB  
Article
Sink or Swim: Virtual Life Challenges among African American Families during COVID-19 Lockdown
by Adaobi Anakwe, Wilson Majee, Kemba Noel-London, Iris Zachary and Rhonda BeLue
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4290; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084290 - 18 Apr 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4402
Abstract
This study explores African American parents’ experiences with using technology to engage their children in meaningful activities (e.g., e-learning) during COVID-19 and its impact on family health. Eleven African American families were recruited through a local health department program from a rural Midwestern [...] Read more.
This study explores African American parents’ experiences with using technology to engage their children in meaningful activities (e.g., e-learning) during COVID-19 and its impact on family health. Eleven African American families were recruited through a local health department program from a rural Midwestern community to participate in semi-structured interviews. Majority of participants reported stresses from feelings of “sink or swim” in a digital world, without supports from schools to effectively provide for their children’s technology needs. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of family-school collaborative engagement and empowerment. Digital technology needs to become part of our school education system so that technology use among African Americans is elevated and families protected against future outbreaks. Further research with a more diverse African American sample is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
16 pages, 3700 KiB  
Article
What Are the Reasons for the Different COVID-19 Situations in Different Cities of China? A Study from the Perspective of Population Migration
by Yanting Zheng, Jinyuan Huang and Qiuyue Yin
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3255; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18063255 - 21 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2651
Abstract
Understanding the reasons for the differences in the spread of COVID-19 in different cities of China is important for future epidemic prevention and control. This study analyzed this issue from the perspective of population migration from Wuhan (the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak [...] Read more.
Understanding the reasons for the differences in the spread of COVID-19 in different cities of China is important for future epidemic prevention and control. This study analyzed this issue from the perspective of population migration from Wuhan (the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in China). It reveals that population outflow from Wuhan to other cities in Hubei Province (the province where Wuhan is located) and metropolises and provincial capitals outside of Hubei province exceeded those to other cities. This is broadly consistent with the distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Additionally, model analysis revealed that population outflow from Wuhan was the key factor that determined the COVID-19 situations. The spread of COVID-19 was positively correlated with GDP per capita and resident population and negatively correlated with the distance from Wuhan and the number of hospital beds, while population density was not a strong influential factor. Additionally, the demographic characteristics of population migration from Wuhan also affected the virus transmission. Particularly, businesspeople (who tend to have a high frequency of social activities) were more likely to spread COVID-19. This study indicated that specific measures to control population outflow from the epicenter at the early stage of the epidemic were of great significance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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13 pages, 1277 KiB  
Article
Keep Calm and Stay Safe: The Relationship between Anxiety and Other Psychological Factors, Media Exposure and Compliance with COVID-19 Regulations
by Tomer Mevorach, Jonathan Cohen and Alan Apter
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 2852; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18062852 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3274
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to employ public health regulations to achieve behavioral change and stop the transmission of the virus. The factors influencing compliance with these regulations may differ from “classic” predictors for medical compliance. This study attempted to assess [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led many countries to employ public health regulations to achieve behavioral change and stop the transmission of the virus. The factors influencing compliance with these regulations may differ from “classic” predictors for medical compliance. This study attempted to assess the effect of social communication and psychological factors on intention to comply. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on healthy adults living in Israel (n = 697). The survey assessed the intention to comply with the state COVID-19 regulations and explored possible correlations with demographic and psychosocial factors. Data were collected during May 2020 using a Qualtrics online survey. Data were analyzed to find correlations between anxiety, uncertainty, media exposure and other variables and the level of intention to comply as self-reported. Moderation and mediation effects were studied by an integrative model of influencing factors. We found that media exposure change, trust in responsible agencies and anxiety were positively correlated with compliance, while uncertainty was correlated with noncompliance. The effect of media exposure on compliance had two components. First, media exposure was positively correlated with compliance. On the other hand, media exposure was positively correlated with uncertainty, and uncertainty was negatively correlated with compliance. Interestingly, anxiety, which was positively correlated with media exposure, also moderated the negative correlation between uncertainty and compliance. Our results highlight the important role of uncertainty and anxiety as moderators between media exposure and compliance. To increase public compliance with COVID-19 regulations, efforts should be directed at decreasing uncertainty and anxiety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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9 pages, 968 KiB  
Concept Paper
Why Does Israel Lead the World in COVID-19 Vaccinations? Applying Mass Casualty Event Principles to COVID-19 Vaccination Programs
by Carmit Rapaport and Isaac Ashkenazi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5362; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18105362 - 18 May 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2594
Abstract
The article examines Israel’s experience in managing the COVID-19 vaccination program beginning in December 2020. Utilizing principles of mass casualty event management, such as triaging, flow of casualty care, and flexibility (among others), we analyze Israel’s vaccination program. The successful Israeli experience was [...] Read more.
The article examines Israel’s experience in managing the COVID-19 vaccination program beginning in December 2020. Utilizing principles of mass casualty event management, such as triaging, flow of casualty care, and flexibility (among others), we analyze Israel’s vaccination program. The successful Israeli experience was found to be based on timely coordinated and adaptive health system logistics and operations, as well as cooperative population behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Population Behavior during COVID-19)
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