Knowledge and attitude influence compliance and individuals' practices. The risk and protective factors associated with high compliance to these preventive measures are critical to enhancing pandemic ...preparedness.
This survey aims to assess differences in mental health, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of preventive measures for COVID-19 amongst healthcare professionals (HCP) and non-healthcare professionals.
Multi-national cross-sectional study was carried out using electronic surveys between May-June 2020.
Multi-national survey was distributed across 36 countries through social media, word-of-mouth, and electronic mail.
Participants ≥21 years working in healthcare and non-healthcare related professions.
Risk factors determining the difference in KAP towards personal hygiene and social distancing measures during COVID-19 amongst HCP and non-HCP.
HCP were significantly more knowledgeable on personal hygiene (AdjOR 1.45, 95% CI -1.14 to 1.83) and social distancing (AdjOR 1.31, 95% CI -1.06 to 1.61) compared to non-HCP. They were more likely to have a positive attitude towards personal hygiene and 1.5 times more willing to participate in the contact tracing app. There was high compliance towards personal hygiene and social distancing measures amongst HCP. HCP with high compliance were 1.8 times more likely to flourish and more likely to have a high sense of emotional (AdjOR 1.94, 95% CI (1.44 to 2.61), social (AdjOR 2.07, 95% CI -1.55 to 2.78), and psychological (AdjOR 2.13, 95% CI (1.59-2.85) well-being.
While healthcare professionals were more knowledgeable, had more positive attitudes, their higher sense of total well-being was seen to be more critical to enhance compliance. Therefore, focusing on the well-being of the general population would help to enhance their compliance towards the preventive measures for COVID-19.
IntroductionRegardless of having effective vaccines against COVID-19, containment measures such as enhanced physical distancing and good practice of personal hygiene remain the mainstay of ...controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries across Asia have imposed these containment measures to varying extents. However, residents in different countries would have a differing degree of compliance to these containment measures potentially due to differences in the level of awareness and motivation in the early phase of pandemic.ObjectivesIn our study, we aimed to describe and correlate the level of knowledge and attitude with the level of compliance with personal hygiene and physical distancing practices among Asian countries in the early phase of pandemic.MethodsA multinational cross-sectional study was carried out using electronic surveys between May and June 2020 across 14 geographical areas. Subjects aged 21 years and above were invited to participate through social media, word of mouth and electronic mail.ResultsAmong the 2574 responses obtained, 762 (29.6%) participants were from East Asia and 1812 (70.4%) were from Southeast Asia (SEA). A greater proportion of participants from SEA will practise physical distancing as long as it takes (72.8% vs 60.6%). Having safe distancing practices such as standing more than 1 or 2 m apart (AdjOR 5.09 95% CI (1.08 to 24.01)) or more than 3 or 4 m apart (AdjOR 7.05 95% CI (1.32 to 37.67)), wearing a mask when they had influenza-like symptoms before the COVID-19 pandemic, preferring online news channels such as online news websites/applications (AdjOR 1.73 95% CI (1.21 to 2.49)) and social media (AdjOR 1.68 95% CI (1.13 to 2.50) as sources of obtaining information about COVID-19 and high psychological well-being (AdjOR 1.39 95% CI (1.04 to 1.87)) were independent factors associated with high compliance.ConclusionsWe found factors associated with high compliance behaviour against COVID-19 in the early phase of pandemic and it will be useful to consider them in risk assessment, communication and pandemic preparedness.
Data and systematic research on Australia’s diverse immigrant population have been sparse. This study is the first empirical analysis of anxiety and depression symptoms in Russian-speaking skilled ...immigrants living in Australia. We compared levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in Russian-speaking skilled immigrants to Australia, Russian-speaking non-immigrants residing in one of the countries of the Former Soviet Union (FSU) and Anglo-Australians. 65 Russian-speaking immigrants from the FSU, 65 Russian-speaking non-immigrants residing in Russia, Ukraine, or Belarus, and 63 Anglo-Australians were recruited through social clubs, community web forums, churches, schools and universities. Participants completed online versions of the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, the Perceived Stress Scale and socio-demographic questionnaires. Results indicated that levels of anxiety and depression were higher in Anglo-Australians compared to the Russian-speaking immigrant and the Russian-speaking non-immigrant groups after controlling for age, gender, relationship status, highest educational level, employment and health status. The outcomes of this study provide valuable insight into the mental health status of this under investigated group and can serve as the first step towards culturally informed mental health service delivery. Future research should address the limitations of the current study such as employing better sampling methods and using more culturally relevant scales to measure depression and anxiety.
To consolidate existing qualitative studies which examined the experiences and needs of adults living with IBS, and to gather a holistic insight for future directions and avenues to support these ...adults.
A qualitative systematic review was conducted and six databases were searched for qualitative studies, beginning from each database's inception to July 2020. The qualitative data were meta-synthesised and thematic analysis was adopted. Any discrepancies that arose were discussed between the reviewers until a consensus was reached throughout the process of data screening, selection, critical appraisal and synthesis.
Seventeen studies with a total of 299 adults diagnosed with IBS were included. Four themes were identified: (1) physical, psychological, and social consequences; (2) impact of IBS on working adults; (3) dealing with IBS; and (4) sources of support and support needs.
Future research across geographically diverse locations are needed to gather a thorough perspective of the experiences and needs of adults living with IBS. The development and evaluation of technology-based, trained peer-led volunteers, and interventions that adopt mindfulness, active coping strategies, cognitive behavioural therapy and acceptance, and commitment therapy are needed. Ultimately, the collaboration between the relevant stakeholders is essential for standardised instruments and materials for accurate testing, diagnosis, assessment, treatment and management of IBS.
•Perspectives of adults living with IBS were gathered.•We suggest that tech-based, peer-led, and anti-stigma interventions are evaluated.•Future IBS interventions could adopt mindfulness and active coping strategies.•Employers could create an open and health-promoting environment for working adults.•The collaboration between relevant stakeholders is crucial for IBS standardisation.
Background and Aim
Gastrointestinal manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may mimic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and social distancing measures may affect IBS patients ...negatively. We aimed to study the impact of COVID‐19 on respondents with self‐reported IBS.
Methods
We conducted an anonymized survey from May to June 2020 in 33 countries. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on personal hygiene and social distancing as well as psychological impact of COVID‐19 were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences in well‐being and compliance to social distancing measures between respondents with and without self‐reported IBS. Factors associated with improvement or worsening of IBS symptoms were evaluated.
Results
Out of 2704 respondents, 2024 (74.9%) did not have IBS, 305 (11.3%) had self‐reported IBS, and 374 (13.8%) did not know what IBS was. Self‐reported IBS respondents reported significantly worse emotional, social, and psychological well‐being compared with non‐IBS respondents and were less compliant to social distancing measures (28.2% vs 35.3%, P = 0.029); 61.6% reported no change, 26.6% reported improvement, and 11.8% reported worsening IBS symptoms. Higher proportion of respondents with no change in IBS symptoms were willing to practice social distancing indefinitely versus those who deteriorated (74.9% vs 51.4%, P = 0.016). In multivariate analysis, willingness to continue social distancing for another 2–3 weeks (vs longer period) was significantly associated with higher odds of worsening IBS.
Conclusion
Our study showed that self‐reported IBS respondents had worse well‐being and compliance to social distancing measures than non‐IBS respondents. Future research will focus on occupational stress and dietary changes during COVID‐19 that may influence IBS.
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