scholarly journals Health Perceptions and Misconceptions Regarding COVID-19 in China: Online Survey Study

10.2196/21099 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (11) ◽  
pp. e21099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei Zhou ◽  
Bishwajit Ghose ◽  
Ruoxi Wang ◽  
Ruijun Wu ◽  
Zhifei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Perception ◽  
Western China ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Health Perceptions ◽  
Misleading Information ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Background Great efforts have been made to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including national initiatives to promote the change of personal behaviors. The lessons learned from the 2003 SARS outbreak indicate that knowledge and attitudes about infectious diseases are related to panic among the population, which may further complicate efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Misunderstandings may result in behaviors such as underestimation, panic, and taking ineffective measures to avoid infection; these behaviors are likely to cause the epidemic to spread further. Objective The purpose of this study is to assess public health perceptions and misunderstandings about COVID-19 in China, and to propose targeted response measures based on the findings to control the development of the epidemic. Methods The study was conducted in April 2020 through an online survey, with participants in 8 provinces in Eastern, Central, and Western China. We designed a questionnaire with a health knowledge section consisting of 5 questions (4 conventional questions and 1 misleading question) on clinical features of and preventive measures against COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, binary logistic regression, and Mantel-Haenszel hierarchical analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results In total, 4788 participants completed the survey and the mean knowledge score was 4.63 (SD 0.67), gained mainly through experts (76.1%), television (60.0%), newspapers (57.9%), and opinions (46.6%) and videos (42.9%) from social media. Compared to those who obtained information from only 1 or 2 channels, people who obtained information from >3 channels had increased health perception and a better ability to identify misleading information. Suggestions from experts were the most positive information source (χ2=41.61), while information on social media was the most misleading. Those aged >60 years (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.11), those with a lower or middle income (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.00-1.83), those not working and not able to work (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.04-3.21), those with a household income <100,000 RMB (<US $14,954; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.67), and those with >2 suspected symptoms (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.50-5.80) were more likely to be misled by videos on social media, but the error correction effect of expert advice was limited in these groups. Conclusions Multiple information channels can improve public health perception and the identification of misleading information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Videos on social media increased the risk of rumor propagation among vulnerable groups. We suggest the government should strengthen social media regulation and increase experts’ influence on the targeted vulnerable populations to reduce the risk of rumors spreading.

scholarly journals Health Perceptions and Misconceptions Regarding COVID-19 in China: Online Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiawei Zhou ◽  
Bishwajit Ghose ◽  
Ruoxi Wang ◽  
Ruijun Wu ◽  
Zhifei Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Perception ◽  
Western China ◽  
Expert Advice ◽  
Health Perceptions ◽  
Misleading Information ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

BACKGROUND Great efforts have been made to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including national initiatives to promote the change of personal behaviors. The lessons learned from the 2003 SARS outbreak indicate that knowledge and attitudes about infectious diseases are related to panic among the population, which may further complicate efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Misunderstandings may result in behaviors such as underestimation, panic, and taking ineffective measures to avoid infection; these behaviors are likely to cause the epidemic to spread further. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to assess public health perceptions and misunderstandings about COVID-19 in China, and to propose targeted response measures based on the findings to control the development of the epidemic. METHODS The study was conducted in April 2020 through an online survey, with participants in 8 provinces in Eastern, Central, and Western China. We designed a questionnaire with a health knowledge section consisting of 5 questions (4 conventional questions and 1 misleading question) on clinical features of and preventive measures against COVID-19. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, binary logistic regression, and Mantel-Haenszel hierarchical analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS In total, 4788 participants completed the survey and the mean knowledge score was 4.63 (SD 0.67), gained mainly through experts (76.1%), television (60.0%), newspapers (57.9%), and opinions (46.6%) and videos (42.9%) from social media. Compared to those who obtained information from only 1 or 2 channels, people who obtained information from &gt;3 channels had increased health perception and a better ability to identify misleading information. Suggestions from experts were the most positive information source (χ2=41.61), while information on social media was the most misleading. Those aged &gt;60 years (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.11), those with a lower or middle income (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.00-1.83), those not working and not able to work (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.04-3.21), those with a household income &lt;100,000 RMB (&lt;US $14,954; OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.08-1.67), and those with &gt;2 suspected symptoms (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.50-5.80) were more likely to be misled by videos on social media, but the error correction effect of expert advice was limited in these groups. CONCLUSIONS Multiple information channels can improve public health perception and the identification of misleading information during the COVID-19 pandemic. Videos on social media increased the risk of rumor propagation among vulnerable groups. We suggest the government should strengthen social media regulation and increase experts’ influence on the targeted vulnerable populations to reduce the risk of rumors spreading.

Preparedness 3.0: Addressing the Future

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 728-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges C. Benjamin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Extreme Weather ◽  
Common Occurrence ◽  
Public Health Preparedness ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
State Sponsorship ◽  
The Future

ABSTRACTThe last 14 years has taught us that that we are facing a new reality; a reality in which public health emergencies are a common occurrence. Today, we live in a world with dangerous people without state sponsorship who are an enormous threat to our safety; one where emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are waiting to break out; a world where the benefits of globalization in trade, transportation, and social media brings threats to our communities faster and with a greater risk than ever before. Even climate change has entered into the preparedness equation, bringing with it the forces of nature in the form of extreme weather and its complications. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:728–729)

scholarly journals Drug use, harm-reduction practices and attitudes toward the utilisation of drug safety testing services in an Irish cohort of festival-goers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-Hanna Ivers ◽  
Nicki Killeen ◽  
Eamon Keenan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Drug Safety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Safety Testing ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Drug Checking

Abstract Background Festival drug-related deaths are a growing public health concern. Aim To examine drug use and related harm-reduction practices and attitudes towards utilisation of drug safety testing services. Methods Data collection took place over the 2019 festival season (June–October). The questionnaire was self-reported. Data was gathered via the online survey, which was promoted through online and social media platforms and outlets. Social media communication methods were used to reach the targeted population more effectively. Results A total of 1193 Irish festival attendees over the age of 18 completed an anonymous online survey. Alcohol, MDMA powder/crystals, ecstasy pills and cocaine were the highest reported drugs used by Irish festival attendees. The vast majority of participants reported polysubstance use (86.8%/n = 1036). Forty percent of participants (39.98%/n = 477) reported having had sex following the use of a drug at a festival; of these, 66% (n = 316) said that the sex was unprotected. Most participants (84.0%/n = 1003) engaged in some form of harm reduction when taking drugs at festivals. Overwhelmingly, participants reported a willingness to engage with drug-checking services. The vast majority (96.3%; n = 1149) and would use drug checking services more than three-quarters (75.1%/n = 897) reported that they would use an ‘amnesty bin’ for drugs if it were part of an alert system to notify if dangerous drugs are in circulation. A chi-square test of Independence was conducted to examine whether age and utilisation of drug safety testing service a festival were independent. Moreover, when all cases are taken together, the difference between testing modalities (onsite, offsite and amnesty bin) shows a significant difference p < 001 between those who would use onsite and offsite drug testing facilities. Conclusion The evidence from this survey indicates that those young people who use drugs at festivals would be prepared to utilise drug checking services and amnesty bins should help inform the public health response to this important area.

scholarly journals Prioritisation for future surveillance, prevention and control of 98 communicable diseases in Belgium: a 2018 multi-criteria decision analysis study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofieke Klamer ◽  
◽  
Nina Van Goethem ◽  
Daniel Thomas ◽  
Els Duysburgh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Data Gaps ◽  
National Public Health ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Weighted Score ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background National public health agencies are required to prioritise infectious diseases for prevention and control. We applied the prioritisation method recommended by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to rank infectious diseases, according to their relative importance for surveillance and public health, to inform future public health action in Belgium. Methods We applied the multi-criteria-decision-analysis approach. A working group of epidemiologists and statisticians from Belgium (n = 6) designed a balanced set of prioritisation criteria. A panel of Belgian experts (n = 80) allocated in an online survey each criteria a weight, according to perceived relative importance. Next, experts (n = 37) scored each disease against each criteria in an online survey, guided by disease-specific factsheets referring the period 2010–2016 in Belgium. The weighted sum of the criteria’s scores composed the final weighted score per disease, on which the ranking was based. Sensitivity analyses quantified the impact of eight alternative analysis scenarios on the top-20 ranked diseases. We identified criteria and diseases associated with data-gaps as those with the highest number of blank answers in the scoring survey. Principle components of the final weighted score were identified. Results Working groups selected 98 diseases and 18 criteria, structured in five criteria groups. The diseases ranked highest were (in order) pertussis, human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Among the five criteria groups, overall the highest weights were assigned to ‘impact on the patient’, followed by ‘impact on public health’, while different perceptions were identified between clinicians, microbiologists and epidemiologists. Among the 18 individual criteria, ‘spreading potential’ and ‘events requiring public health action’ were assigned the highest weights. Principle components clustered with thematic disease groups. Notable data gaps were found among hospital-related diseases. Conclusions We ranked infectious diseases using a standardised reproducible approach. The diseases ranked highest are included in current public health programs, but additional reflection for example about needs among risk groups is recommended. Cross-reference of the obtained ranking with current programs is needed to verify whether resources and activities map priority areas. We recommend to implement this method in a recurrent evaluation cycle of national public health priorities.

scholarly journals Knowledge About COVID-19 Among Adults in China: Cross-sectional Online Survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengyun Yu ◽  
Pascal Geldsetzer ◽  
Anne Meierkord ◽  
Juntao Yang ◽  
Qiushi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Western China ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Recommended Care ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

BACKGROUND A detailed understanding of the public’s knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 could inform governments’ public health actions in response to the pandemic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among adults in China and its variation among provinces and by sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS Between May 8 and June 8, 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among adults in China who were registered with the private survey company KuRunData. We set a target sample size of 10,000 adults, aiming to sample 300-360 adults from each province in China. Participants were asked 25 questions that tested their knowledge about COVID-19, including measures to prevent infection, common symptoms, and recommended care-seeking behavior. We disaggregated responses by age; sex; education; province; household income; rural–urban residency; and whether or not a participant had a family member, friend, or acquaintance who they know to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. All analyses used survey sampling weights. RESULTS There were 5079 men and 4921 women who completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Out of 25 knowledge questions, participants answered a mean and median of 21.4 (95% CI 21.3-21.4) and 22 (IQR 20-23) questions correctly, respectively. A total of 83.4% (95% CI 82.7%-84.1%) of participants answered four-fifths or more of the questions correctly. For at least one of four ineffective prevention measures (using a hand dryer, regular nasal irrigation, gargling mouthwash, and taking antibiotics), 68.9% (95% CI 68.0%-69.8%) of participants answered that it was an effective method to prevent a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although knowledge overall was similar across provinces, the percent of participants who answered the question on recommended care-seeking behavior correctly varied from 47.0% (95% CI 41.4%-52.7%) in Tibet to 87.5% (95% CI 84.1%-91.0%) in Beijing. Within provinces, participants who were male, were middle-aged, were residing in urban areas, and had higher household income tended to answer a higher proportion of the knowledge questions correctly. CONCLUSIONS This online study of individuals across China suggests that the majority of the population has good knowledge of COVID-19. However, a substantial proportion still holds misconceptions or incorrect beliefs about prevention methods and recommended health care–seeking behaviors, especially in rural areas and some less wealthy provinces in Western China. This study can inform the development of tailored public health policies and promotion campaigns by identifying knowledge areas for which misconceptions are comparatively common and provinces that have relatively low knowledge.

scholarly journals ADOPTION OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING AMONG AGROPRENEURS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nolila Mohd Nawi ◽  
Najihah Baharudin ◽  
Nurul Nadia Ramli
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
The World ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Social media has become one of the main platforms for businesses around the world to markettheir products or services. However, some entrepreneurs still feel doubtful whether social mediamarketing is effective enough compared to the traditional marketing on seeking attention fromtheir targeted audience based on the different generation. Besides, people still think that socialmedia is used as the medium for people around the world to socialize with everyone instead ofmarketing their product or services, especially agro-based products. Entrepreneurs also did not usesocial media marketing because they do not have the sufficient knowledge on how to fully utilizethe social media to market their product. This will hinder them from using social media marketingin their business because they might need more time and assistance to learn how to employ socialmedia marketing. Thus, the main objective of this study is to investigate the adoption of socialmedia marketing among agropreneurs in Peninsular Malaysia. Primary data was collected usingstructured questionnaire via online survey. The questionnaire have been distributed through socialmedia platforms and e-mailed to the targeted respondents using purposive sampling method. Atotal of 113 respondents from 12 states in Peninsular Malaysia was successfully participated inthis study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square analysis and factoranalysis. The results of this study indicated that the adoption level of social media marketingamong agropreneurs in Peninsular Malaysia is on the medium high level and the highest socialmedia platform adopted is Facebook. Besides that, the results of chi-square analysis showed thatrespondent’s demographic and business profile including gender, age, education level and typesof agro-based business operated has an association with the adoption of social media marketingamong agropreneurs. The results of factor analysis discovered four factors that influencingadoption of social media marketing among agropreneurs namely; perceived usefulness, socialinfluence, perceived ease of use and facilitating conditions. Hence, entrepreneurs that alreadyadopted social media marketing should cooperate and create an association of online agropreneursto encourage other entrepreneurs so that they start adopting social media marketing.

scholarly journals Electronic cigarette usage patterns: a case study combining survey and social media data

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongcheng Zhan ◽  
Jean-François Etter ◽  
Scott Leischow ◽  
Daniel Zeng
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Data ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Media Data

Abstract Objective To identify who were social media active e-cigarette users, to compare the use patterns from both survey and social media data for data triangulation, and to jointly use both datasets to conduct a comprehensive analysis on e-cigarette future use intentions. Materials and Methods We jointly used an e-cigarette use online survey (n = 5132) and a social media dataset. We conducted analysis from 3 different perspectives. We analyzed online forum participation patterns using survey data. We compared e-cigarette use patterns, including brand and flavor types, ratings, and purchase approaches, between the 2 datasets. We used logistic regression to study intentions to use e-cigarettes using both datasets. Results Male and younger e-cigarette users were the most likely to participate in e-cigarette-related discussion forums. Forum active survey participants were hardcore vapers. The e-cigarette use patterns were similar in the online survey data and the social media data. Intention to use e-cigarettes was positively related to e-liquid ratings and flavor ratings. Social media provided a valuable source of information on users’ ratings of e-cigarette refill liquids. Discussion For hardcore vapers, social media data were consistent with online survey data, which suggests that social media may be useful to study e-cigarette use behaviors and can serve as a useful complement to online survey research. We proposed an innovative framework for social media data triangulation in public health studies. Conclusion We illustrated how social media data, combined with online survey data, can serve as a new and rich information source for public health research.

scholarly journals Fake news and fallacies: Exploring vaccine hesitancy in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Avania Bangalee ◽  
Varsha Bangalee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Shed Light

Historically, vaccine hesitancy (VH) has been a thorn in the side of public health efforts to contain and eradicate infectious diseases. This phenomenon is magnified in light of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Surveys conducted across South Africa since the outbreak of COVID-19 demonstrate the complexity of factors that contribute towards VH in this population. Amidst the negative press that the COVID-19 vaccine has received, especially across social media, understanding and combatting VH remains important to achieve herd immunity. This article aims to shed light on key factors fuelling COVID-19 VH in South Africa and provides a framework from which to address this problem.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding-related social media: an online survey of UK mothers’ perceptions

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Visram ◽  
T Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Breastfeeding Duration ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Breastfeeding Rates

Abstract Background Breastfeeding is beneficial for both maternal and infant health, contributing to reduced risk of infections and chronic disease. Despite public health efforts, just 1% of mother-infant dyads in the UK meet international recommendations to breastfeed exclusively until six months. Numerous studies have investigated the influences on suboptimal breastfeeding rates, exposing a myriad of interconnected physiological, psychological and social barriers. Conversely, social support has been shown to be positively associated with breastfeeding duration. The objective of this study was to determine whether and how UK mothers use social media to access breastfeeding advice and support. Methods An online survey was developed, piloted and distributed via social media using a snowball sampling approach. Responses to closed questions were analysed using SPSS and appropriate statistical tests performed. Free-text responses were analysed manually using thematic analysis. Results The survey was completed by 1012 mothers, with 992 (98%) reporting use of social media for breastfeeding advice and/or support. Responses revealed a largely positive perception of breastfeeding-related social media. Supportive peer networks and easily accessible information were highlighted as unique features that help to encourage and normalise breastfeeding. Non-university educated mothers were significantly more likely to report this support as “very influential” with regard to how comfortable they felt breastfeeding in public (p = 0.006). Peer-led groups were preferentially used over professional-led groups, particularly by younger women (p = 0.007). Conclusions There is growing interest in social media as a health platform, particularly in light of recent funding cuts impacting on access to formal support services. By supporting mothers and normalising breastfeeding, social media may help to increase UK breastfeeding rates and reduce health inequalities. Key messages Many mothers successfully use breastfeeding-related social media for information and support, with a preference for peer-led as opposed to professional-led groups. Future research should explore how public health services can update their practice to better harness these platforms for breastfeeding promotion.

scholarly journals Knowledge About COVID-19 Among Adults in China: Cross-sectional Online Survey

10.2196/26940 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e26940
Author(s):  
Fengyun Yu ◽  
Pascal Geldsetzer ◽  
Anne Meierkord ◽  
Juntao Yang ◽  
Qiushi Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Western China ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Recommended Care ◽  
Care Seeking Behavior ◽  
Seeking Behavior

Background A detailed understanding of the public’s knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 could inform governments’ public health actions in response to the pandemic. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among adults in China and its variation among provinces and by sociodemographic characteristics. Methods Between May 8 and June 8, 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among adults in China who were registered with the private survey company KuRunData. We set a target sample size of 10,000 adults, aiming to sample 300-360 adults from each province in China. Participants were asked 25 questions that tested their knowledge about COVID-19, including measures to prevent infection, common symptoms, and recommended care-seeking behavior. We disaggregated responses by age; sex; education; province; household income; rural–urban residency; and whether or not a participant had a family member, friend, or acquaintance who they know to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. All analyses used survey sampling weights. Results There were 5079 men and 4921 women who completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Out of 25 knowledge questions, participants answered a mean and median of 21.4 (95% CI 21.3-21.4) and 22 (IQR 20-23) questions correctly, respectively. A total of 83.4% (95% CI 82.7%-84.1%) of participants answered four-fifths or more of the questions correctly. For at least one of four ineffective prevention measures (using a hand dryer, regular nasal irrigation, gargling mouthwash, and taking antibiotics), 68.9% (95% CI 68.0%-69.8%) of participants answered that it was an effective method to prevent a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although knowledge overall was similar across provinces, the percent of participants who answered the question on recommended care-seeking behavior correctly varied from 47.0% (95% CI 41.4%-52.7%) in Tibet to 87.5% (95% CI 84.1%-91.0%) in Beijing. Within provinces, participants who were male, were middle-aged, were residing in urban areas, and had higher household income tended to answer a higher proportion of the knowledge questions correctly. Conclusions This online study of individuals across China suggests that the majority of the population has good knowledge of COVID-19. However, a substantial proportion still holds misconceptions or incorrect beliefs about prevention methods and recommended health care–seeking behaviors, especially in rural areas and some less wealthy provinces in Western China. This study can inform the development of tailored public health policies and promotion campaigns by identifying knowledge areas for which misconceptions are comparatively common and provinces that have relatively low knowledge.

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