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The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19

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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 (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 48433

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rachael Dodd

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Guest Editor

School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
Interests: psychosocial impact of HPV; healthcare communication; HPV and its impact on cancer; cervical cancer screening; HPV vaccination; lung cancer screening; behavioural research; shared decision-making

Assoc. Prof. Rae Thomas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine,Bond University, Queensland 4226,Australia;
Interests: community engagement；behaviour change；implementation science；evidence-based decision making；

Dr. Julie Ayre

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
Interests: health literacy；behavior change； implementation science；digital health；

Dr. Kristen Pickles

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Public Health,University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2037, Australia
Interests: behavioural science；health communication；evidence-based decision making；qualitative methods；sustainability

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “The Role of Behavioural Science during pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is open for the submission of manuscripts.

Behavioural, environmental, social, and systems research is critical in understanding and responding to pandemic and infectious disease outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, governments have requested and expected their citizens to engage in preventive behaviours such as wearing masks, testing when symptomatic, and physically distancing from others. Although these strategies have been somewhat effective in some countries, we still know little about which strategies give us the most protection for minimal disruption. Even with a potentially effective vaccine, behavioural, environmental, social and system research will play a pivotal role in current and future infectious outbreaks. Let us not miss this opportunity to improve the science behind effective strategies.

More broadly, this and future pandemics are likely to have an environmental impact through behavioural shifts, the extent to which is unknown. Positive impacts may include reduced carbon emissions, and detrimental impacts may include an increase in single use plastic. Research on how best to implement and encourage uptake of these behavioural and environmental shifts is sparse. The environment must be considered in pandemic management, now and into the future.

This interdisciplinary Special Issue invites manuscripts to showcase behavioural, environmental, social and system science and demonstrate the importance of evidence-based strategies. We invite insights from high-quality observational, experimental, qualitative and review studies and encourage new collaborations. Combining interdisciplinary knowledge and by using robust methodology, we can work with communities and individuals to examine behaviour and decision-making around responses to pandemics such as COVID-19, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Dr. Rachael Dodd
Assoc. Prof. Rae Thomas
Dr. Julie Ayre
Dr. Kristen Pickles
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

Behavioural science
Environmental science
COVID-19
Social Behaviour
Communication
Preventive behaviour
Risk Evidence Strategies

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Typology and Characteristics of COVID-19 Preventive Measures Implementation

by Motoko Kosugi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12194; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912194 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1066

Abstract

More than a year and a half has passed since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began, but according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the end is still a long way off. People must incorporate infection prevention behaviors into their daily lives, and the question for the future will not be whether or not to take countermeasures but how thoroughly to do so. In this study, I conducted an online survey of 1200 Japanese adults and identified four patterns of implementation of preventive measures. Those who took the most preventive measures were highly alert to the risk of COVID-19 and had strong anxiety about infection. They also positively evaluated risk management by medical institutions and the government, and they had positive feelings in their daily lives. On the other hand, those who took minimal measures, mainly mask wearing and handwashing, and those who took less than minimal measures did not feel much risk or anxiety about COVID-19. However, they evaluated the responses of the government and medical institutions less highly and reported having more negative feelings in their daily lives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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19 pages, 5543 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Lifestyle on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in the United States: An Analysis of Market Segmentation

by Esra Ozdenerol and Jacob Seboly

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7732; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137732 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2468

Abstract

The aim of this study is to correlate lifestyle characteristics to COVID-19 vaccination rates at the U.S. County level and provide where and when COVID-19 vaccination impacted different households. We grouped counties by their dominant LifeMode, and the mean vaccination rates per LifeMode are calculated. A 95% confidence interval for both the mean and median vaccination rate for each LifeMode is generated. The limits of this interval were compared to the nationwide statistics to determine whether each LifeMode’s vaccine uptake differs significantly from the nationwide average. We used Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. (ESRI) Tapestry LifeModes data that are collected at the U.S. household level through geodemographic segmentation typically used for marketing purposes. High risk Lifestyle segments and their locations are clearly the areas in the U.S. where the public might benefit from a COVID-19 vaccine. We then used logistic regression analysis to predict vaccination rates using ESRI’s tapestry segmentation and other demographic variables. Our findings demonstrate that vaccine uptake appears to be highest in the urban corridors of the Northeast and the West Coast and in the retirement communities of Arizona and Florida and lowest in the rural areas of the Great Plains and Southeast. Looking closely at other parts of the West such as the Dakotas and Montana, counties that contain Native American reservations have higher vaccination rates. Racial/ethnic minorities also adopt the vaccine at higher rates. The most effective predictor of vaccination hesitancy was Republican voting habits, with Republican counties less likely to take the vaccine. The other predictors in order of importance were college education, minority race/ethnicity, median income, and median age. Our approach correlating lifestyle characteristics to COVID-19 vaccination rate at the U.S. County level provided unique insights into where and when COVID-19 vaccination impacted different households. The results suggest that prevention and control policies can be implemented to those specific households. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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17 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Second Wave on Shielders and Their Family Members

by Jo Daniels and Hannah Rettie

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7333; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19127333 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4250

Abstract

In March 2020, individuals shielding from coronavirus reported high rates of distress. This study investigated whether fear of contamination (FoC) and use of government-recommended behaviours (GRB; e.g., handwashing and wearing masks) were associated with psychological distress during February 2021. An online cross-sectional questionnaire assessed psychological distress in three groups (shielding self, shielding other/s, and control), and those shielding others also completed an adapted measure of health anxiety (α = 0.94). The sample (N = 723) was predominantly female (84%) with a mean age of 41.72 (SD = 15.15). Those shielding (self) demonstrated significantly higher rates of health anxiety and FoC in comparison to other groups (p < 0.001). The use of GRB was significantly lower in controls (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two shielding groups (p = 0.753). Rates of anxiety were higher when compared to March 2020 findings, except for controls. Hierarchical regressions indicated FoC and GRB accounted for 24% of variance in generalised anxiety (p < 0.001) and 28% in health anxiety, however, the latter was a non-significant predictor in final models. Those shielding themselves and others during the pandemic have experienced sustained levels of distress; special consideration must be given to those indirectly affected. Psychological interventions should account for realistic FoC and the impact of government-recommended health behaviours, as these factors are associated with distress in vulnerable groups and may extend beyond the pandemic. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs to monitor and better understand the clinical needs of those shielding, and those shielding others post-pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

15 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccine Misperceptions in a Community Sample of Adults Aged 18–49 Years in Australia

by Kristen Pickles, Tessa Copp, Gideon Meyerowitz-Katz, Rachael H. Dodd, Carissa Bonner, Brooke Nickel, Maryke S. Steffens, Holly Seale, Erin Cvejic, Melody Taba, Brian Chau and Kirsten J. McCaffery

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116883 - 04 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2995

Abstract

Central to a successful population vaccination program is high uptake of vaccines. However, COVID-19 vaccine uptake may be impeded by beliefs based on misinformation. We sought to understand the prevalence and nature of misbeliefs about COVID-19 vaccines, and identify associated factors, shortly after commencement of Australia’s national vaccine rollout. A cross-sectional survey was administered to unvaccinated young adults (n = 2050) in Australia aged 18–49 years (mean age 33 years), 13 July–21 August 2021. This sample was previously under-represented in COVID-19 research but shown to have less willingness to vaccinate. Two thirds of participants agreed with at least one misbelief item. Misperceptions about COVID-19 vaccines were found to be significantly associated with lower health literacy, less knowledge about vaccines, lower perceived personal risk of COVID-19, greater endorsement of conspiracy beliefs, and lower confidence and trust in government and scientific institutions. Misbeliefs were more common in participants with less educational attainment, in younger age groups, and in males, as per previous research. Understanding determinants and barriers to vaccination uptake, such as knowledge and beliefs based on misinformation, can help to shape effective public health communication and inform debunking efforts at this critical time and in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

16 pages, 850 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Risk of COVID-19 and Employee Decision-Making: How Psychological Distress during the Pandemic Increases Negative Performance Outcomes among Healthcare Workers

by Ngqabutho Moyo, Anita D. Bhappu, Moment Bhebhe and Farai Ncube

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6762; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116762 - 01 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3361

Abstract

In this research, we examined how COVID-19 impacts employee decision-making and performance, knowing that this virus has negatively affected public health, crippled economies, and transformed social and business environments across the globe. To quantitatively test our specific hypotheses regarding the effects of employees’ perceived risk of COVID-19 and psychological distress on negative performance outcomes, we surveyed 443 healthcare workers who were employed by a group of private hospitals in Zimbabwe. These essential workers were delivering day-to-day frontline services with high exposure to COVID-19 during the pandemic. We find that employees’ perceived risk of COVID-19 increases their disengagement, turnover intention, burnout, and low morale at a p < 0.05 significance level. These latter relationships are mediated by employees’ psychological distress at a p < 0.05 significance level. Our findings shed light on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the cognitions and behaviors of the frontline workers who are vulnerable to this contagious disease. Turnover intentions are amplified among healthcare employees, due to their perceived risk of COVID-19 and the resulting psychological distress. Similarly, burnout becomes predominant as these workers worry about contracting the coronavirus due to the poor working conditions they face. As such, our research confirms that the pandemic has intensified the precariousness of work and challenge of managing employee performance, especially for frontline healthcare workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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22 pages, 1166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Rapid Adaptation and Optimisation of a Digital Behaviour-Change Intervention to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Schools

by Georgia Treneman-Evans, Becky Ali, James Denison-Day, Tara Clegg, Lucy Yardley, Sarah Denford and Rosie Essery

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6731; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116731 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2200

Abstract

The rapid transmission of COVID-19 in school communities has been a major concern. To ensure that mitigation systems were in place and support was available, a digital intervention to encourage and facilitate infection-control behaviours was rapidly adapted and optimised for implementation as a whole-school intervention. Using the person-based approach, ‘Germ Defence’ was iteratively adapted, guided by relevant literature, co-production with Patient and Public Involvement representatives, and think-aloud interviews with forty-five school students, staff, and parents. Suggested infection-control behaviours deemed feasible and acceptable by the majority of participants included handwashing/hand-sanitising and wearing a face covering in certain contexts, such as crowded public spaces. Promoting a sense of collective responsibility was reported to increase motivation for the adoption of these behaviours. However, acceptability and willingness to implement recommended behaviours seemed to be influenced by participants’ perceptions of risk. Barriers to the implementation of recommended behaviours in school and at home primarily related to childcare needs and physical space. We conclude that it was possible to rapidly adapt Germ Defence to provide an acceptable resource to help mitigate against infection transmission within and from school settings. Adapted content was considered acceptable, persuasive, and accessible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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13 pages, 367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Differential Consequences of Fear, Anger, and Depression in Response to COVID-19 in South Korea

by Jounghwa Choi and Kyung-Hee Kim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6723; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19116723 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

Studies on previous outbreaks of contagious diseases suggest that the impact of the emotions associated with an epidemic can be greater than that of the epidemic in terms of the number of people affected. This study explores the relationships between the three most commonly expressed emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic (fear, anger, and depression) and two outcome variables (compliance with the social-distancing policy and the stigmatization of those infected by COVID-19). A large online, public opinion survey was conducted in South Korea (n = 1000) between 4 and 11 June 2020, which was between the first and the second waves of COVID-19. A series of regression analyses suggest that the emotional response was accompanied by differential behavioral and perceptual consequences. Fear was consistently positively related to all indicators of compliance with social-distancing policies (the voluntary practice of social distancing, support for the “routine-life-distancing” policy, and support for stronger social-distancing policies). Anger was positively related to both stigmatization indicators (responsibility attribution and stigmatizing attitude toward people infected with COVID-19). Finally, depression showed negative relationships with support for the “routine-life-distancing” policy and for stronger social-distancing policies but a positive relationship with the voluntary practice of social distancing. By examining whether and how certain types of emotional responses are more or less related to compliance with social distancing and stigmatization, the present study provides practical implications for effective public communication during an epidemic such as COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

11 pages, 2936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Increased COVID-19 Testing Rates Following Combined Door-to-Door and Mobile Testing Facility Campaigns in Oslo, Norway, a Difference-in-Difference Analysis

by Kristin Hestmann Vinjerui, Ingeborg Hess Elgersma and Atle Fretheim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11078; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111078 - 21 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2289

Abstract

High testing rates limit COVID-19 transmission. Attempting to increase testing rates, Stovner District in Oslo, Norway, combined door-to-door campaigns with easy access testing facilities. We studied the intervention’s impact on COVID-19 testing rates. The Stovner District administration executed three door-to-door campaigns promoting COVID-19 testing accompanied by drop-in mobile COVID-19 testing facilities in different areas at 2-week intervals. We calculated testing rates pre- and post-campaigns using data from the Norwegian emergency preparedness register for COVID-19 (Beredt C19). We applied a difference-in-difference approach using ordinary least square regression models and robust standard errors to estimate changes in COVID-19 testing rates. Door-to-door visits reached around one of three households. Intervention and comparison areas had identical testing rates before the intervention, and we observed an increase in intervention areas after the campaigns. We estimate a 43% increase in testing rates over the first three days following the door-to-door campaigns (p = 0.28), corresponding to an additional 79 (95% confidence interval, −54 to 175) people tested. Considering the shape of the time series curves and the large effect estimate, we find it highly likely that the campaigns had a substantial positive impact on COVID-19 testing rates, despite a p-value above the conventional levels for statistical significance. The results and the feasibility of the intervention suggest that it may be worth implementing in similar settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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7 pages, 620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can Face- and Smartphone-Touching Behaviors Be Altered with Personal Hygiene Reminders during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period? An Observational Study

by Lok-Yee Joyce Li, Shin-Yi Wang, Jinn-Moon Yang, Chih-Jou Chen, Cheng-Yu Tsai, Lucas Yee-Yan Wu and Cheng-Jung Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10038; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910038 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1622

Abstract

As part of the new measures to prevent the spread of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), medical students were advised to wear a mask in class and avoid touching their faces. Few studies have analyzed the influence of health education on the frequency of face- and smartphone-touching behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research compared the frequency of in-class face- and smartphone-touching behaviors of medical students before and after the delivery of personal hygiene education during the COVID-19 pandemic. A behavioral observational study was conducted involving medical students at Taipei Medical University. Eighty medical students were recruited during a lecture on otorhinolaryngology. All medical students were required to wear a mask. Their face- and smartphone-touching behavior was observed by viewing the 4 k resolution video tape recorded in class. The recording lasted for 2 h, comprising 1 h prior to the health educational reminder and 1 h afterwards. The frequencies of hand-to-face contact and hand-to-smartphone contact were analyzed before and after the delivery of health education emphasizing personal hygiene. Comprehensive health education and reminders effectively reduce the rate of face- and smartphone-touching behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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11 pages, 1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effectiveness of Free Face Mask Distribution on Use of Face Masks. A Cluster Randomised Trial in Stovner District of Oslo, Norway

by Atle Fretheim, Ingeborg Hess Elgersma, Fredrik Aaeng Kristiansen, Caroline Rømming Varmbo, Miriam Kristine Salame Olsbø, Iselin Havstein Strand Glover and Martin Flatø

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8971; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18178971 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4852

Abstract

Face masks are recommended as a means of reducing the spread of COVID-19, but there are practically no studies of interventions to increase face mask use. Over three weeks, nine grocery stores in the Stovner District of Oslo were randomly selected each day to have distribution of free face masks outside their entrance. Free face mask distribution increased the proportion of customers wearing a mask by 6.0 percentage points (adjusted, 95% CI 3.5–8.5). Mean mask usage was 91.7% in the control group and 97.1% in the treatment group (pooled SD 5.3%). Practically all those who wore masks had both nose and mouth covered. We conclude that free distribution of face masks increased their use. Similar trials can be conducted within a short period of time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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13 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“To Protect Myself, My Friends, Family, Workmates and Patients …and to Play My Part”: COVID-19 Vaccination Perceptions among Health and Aged Care Workers in New South Wales, Australia

by Katarzyna T. Bolsewicz, Maryke S. Steffens, Bianca Bullivant, Catherine King and Frank Beard

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8954; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18178954 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4468

Abstract

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has globally caused widespread disruption, morbidity and mortality. The uptake of COVID-19 vaccination is critical for minimising further impacts of the pandemic. Health and aged care workers (HACWs) play a central role in public confidence in vaccines and are one of the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination in Australia. Qualitative phone interviews with 19 HACWs aged 21–50 years old from New South Wales, Australia, were conducted, and the data were analysed thematically in order to understand the factors influencing HACWs’ acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. We found that HACWs reported a continuum of COVID-19 vaccination intentions with 12 enthusiastically accepting and 7 hesitant. Using the Behavioral and Social Drivers of COVID-19 Vaccination (BeSD) Framework, we found that participants’ acceptance of vaccination was primarily driven by their perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination (such as safety, risk and benefits) and by the information sources, people and norms they trusted. Informed by study findings, we propose several communication strategies which may be helpful in addressing HACWs vaccination acceptance. We note however that as the pandemic continues, further studies with HACWs from diverse backgrounds are needed in order to provide accurate data on diverse motivational and practical drivers of evolving perceptions and attitudes towards vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

Review

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13 pages, 819 KiB

Open AccessReview

Moving Forward: Understanding Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour during COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents—An Integrative Review and Socioecological Approach

by Rachel L. Knight, Melitta A. McNarry, Adam W. Runacres, James Shelley, Liba Sheeran and Kelly A. Mackintosh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1044; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031044 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3903

Abstract

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions have negatively impacted physical activity (PA) and sedentary time/behaviour. This integrative review systematically explored the socioecological factors that impacted and influenced these movement behaviours in children and adolescents during the pandemic. Five electronic databases were systematically searched in January 2021, with data extracted from 16 articles (n = 18,352; 5–17 years; 12 countries). Risk-of-bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT), with correlates identified, coded, and themed via thematic analysis. A socioecological model of during-pandemic PA and sedentary time/behaviour was conceptualised and mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of behaviour-change mechanisms, illustrating influences over five levels: Individual (biological)—age and sex; Individual (psychological)—mental health, and cognition, motivation, and behaviour; Social—family factors, and structured support; Environmental—area of residence and resources; and Policy—COVID-19-related rules. For sedentary time/behaviour, individual-(age and sex), social-(family factors) and policy-(COVID-19-related rules) level factors may be important correlates. There were no age or sex associations with PA levels, though there was some indication that sedentary time/behaviour increased with age. Interventions seeking to enhance young people’s movement behaviours during periods of enforced restrictions should focus on enhancing opportunities on a social and environmental level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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19 pages, 1259 KiB

Open AccessReview

Moving Forward: Understanding Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour during COVID-19—An Integrative Review and Socioecological Approach

by Rachel L. Knight, Melitta A. McNarry, Liba Sheeran, Adam W. Runacres, Rhys Thatcher, James Shelley and Kelly A. Mackintosh

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(20), 10910; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182010910 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4168

Abstract

Population-level physical activity (PA) and sedentary time/behaviour estimates represent a significant public health issue exacerbated by restrictions enforced to control COVID-19. This integrative review interrogated available literature to explore the pandemic’s impact on correlates of such behaviours in adults (≥18 years). Five electronic databases were systematically searched in January 2021. Data extracted from 64 articles were assessed for risk-of-bias using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool, with correlates identified, coded, and themed via thematic analysis. A socioecological model of during-pandemic PA was conceptualized and mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model of behaviour change mechanisms, which illustrates influences over five levels: Individual (biological)—general health; Individual (psychological)—mental health, cognition, motivation, and behaviour; Social—domestic situation, sociodemographic factors, support, and lifestyle choices; Environmental—resources and area of residence; and Policy—COVID-19-related rules. For sedentary time/behaviour, individual level factors, namely general and mental health, may be important correlates. Neither age or sex were clearly correlated with either behaviour. As we transition into a new normal, understanding which behaviour mechanisms could effectively challenge physical inactivity is essential. Targeting capability on a psychological level may facilitate PA and limit sedentary time/behaviour, whereas, on a physical level, maximizing PA opportunities could be crucial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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Other

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9 pages, 1119 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

The Israeli Experience with the “Green Pass” Policy Highlights Issues to Be Considered by Policymakers in Other Countries

by Ruth Waitzberg, Noa Triki, Sharon Alroy-Preis, Tomer Lotan, Liat Shiran and Nachman Ash

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11212; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111212 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2605

Abstract

In the first half of 2021, Israel had been ahead of other countries concerning the speed of its rollout and coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations. During that time, Israel had implemented a vaccine certificate policy, the “Green Pass Policy” (GPP), to reduce virus spread and to allow the safe relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in a time of great uncertainty. Based on an analysis of GPP regulations and public statements compiled from the Israeli Ministry of Health website, we describe the design and implementation of the GPP. We also look back and discuss lessons learned for countries that are considering a GPP policy, given the current upsurge of the Delta variant as of summer 2021. To reduce equity concerns when introducing a GPP, all population groups should be eligible for the vaccine (contingent on approval from the manufacturer) and have access to it. Alternatively, health authorities can grant temporary certificates based on a negative test. We also highlight the fact that in practice, there will be gaps between the GPP regulations and implementation. While some places might require a GPP without legal need, others will not implement it despite a legal obligation. The GPP regulations should have standardised epidemiological criteria, be implemented gradually, remain flexible, and change according to the epidemiological risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Behavioural Science during COVID-19)

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