scholarly journals Assessment of the Effectiveness of Identity-Based Public Health Announcements in Increasing the Likelihood of Complying With COVID-19 Guidelines: Randomized Controlled Cross-sectional Web-Based Study

10.2196/25762 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. e25762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander S Dennis ◽  
Patricia L Moravec ◽  
Antino Kim ◽  
Alan R Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Christian Identity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Identity Based

Background Public health campaigns aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 are important in reducing disease transmission, but traditional information-based campaigns have received unexpectedly extreme backlash. Objective This study aimed to investigate whether customizing of public service announcements (PSAs) providing health guidelines to match individuals’ identities increases their compliance. Methods We conducted a within- and between-subjects, randomized controlled cross-sectional, web-based study in July 2020. Participants viewed two PSAs: one advocating wearing a mask in public settings and one advocating staying at home. The control PSA only provided information, and the treatment PSAs were designed to appeal to the identities held by individuals; that is, either a Christian identity or an economically motivated identity. Participants were asked about their identity and then provided a control PSA and treatment PSA matching their identity, in random order. The PSAs were of approximately 100 words. Results We recruited 300 social media users from Amazon Mechanical Turk in accordance with usual protocols to ensure data quality. In total, 8 failed the data quality checks, and the remaining 292 were included in the analysis. In the identity-based PSA, the source of the PSA was changed, and a phrase of approximately 12 words relevant to the individual’s identity was inserted. A PSA tailored for Christians, when matched with a Christian identity, increased the likelihood of compliance by 12 percentage points. A PSA that focused on economic values, when shown to individuals who identified as economically motivated, increased the likelihood of compliance by 6 points. Conclusions Using social media to deliver COVID-19 public health announcements customized to individuals’ identities is a promising measure to increase compliance with public health guidelines. Trial Registration ISRCTN Registry 22331899; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN22331899.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Effectiveness of Identity-Based Public Health Announcements in Increasing the Likelihood of Complying With COVID-19 Guidelines: Randomized Controlled Cross-sectional Web-Based Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander S Dennis ◽  
Patricia L Moravec ◽  
Antino Kim ◽  
Alan R Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Amazon Mechanical Turk ◽  
Christian Identity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Identity Based

BACKGROUND Public health campaigns aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 are important in reducing disease transmission, but traditional information-based campaigns have received unexpectedly extreme backlash. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether customizing of public service announcements (PSAs) providing health guidelines to match individuals’ identities increases their compliance. METHODS We conducted a within- and between-subjects, randomized controlled cross-sectional, web-based study in July 2020. Participants viewed two PSAs: one advocating wearing a mask in public settings and one advocating staying at home. The control PSA only provided information, and the treatment PSAs were designed to appeal to the identities held by individuals; that is, either a Christian identity or an economically motivated identity. Participants were asked about their identity and then provided a control PSA and treatment PSA matching their identity, in random order. The PSAs were of approximately 100 words. RESULTS We recruited 300 social media users from Amazon Mechanical Turk in accordance with usual protocols to ensure data quality. In total, 8 failed the data quality checks, and the remaining 292 were included in the analysis. In the identity-based PSA, the source of the PSA was changed, and a phrase of approximately 12 words relevant to the individual’s identity was inserted. A PSA tailored for Christians, when matched with a Christian identity, increased the likelihood of compliance by 12 percentage points. A PSA that focused on economic values, when shown to individuals who identified as economically motivated, increased the likelihood of compliance by 6 points. CONCLUSIONS Using social media to deliver COVID-19 public health announcements customized to individuals’ identities is a promising measure to increase compliance with public health guidelines. CLINICALTRIAL ISRCTN Registry 22331899; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN22331899.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards COVID-19 among Social Media Users in an Engineering College, South India

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (02) ◽  
pp. 35-42
Author(s):  
Kathleen Anne Mathew ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
South India ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Public ◽  
College Going ◽  
The Right

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the global health system profoundly. Various measures have been taken to contain the disease spread. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices in relation to COVID-19 in social media users among college-going students. Methods: A cross –sectional web-based study was conducted among the students of an engineering college in south India. The study questionnaire was adapted from an earlier study which included four segments to collect information regarding socio-demographic details, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding COVID-19. Descriptive statistics was employed and the results were expressed as numbers and percentages. Results: A total of 252 engineering students took part in the study. 251 participants (99.6 %) had knowledge about the symptoms of COVID-19 and 243 (96.4%) participants knew the methods of transmission of the virus. With regard to the attitude towards COVID-19, 246 (97.6%) individuals felt that taking adequate precautions will reduce disease transmission, and 179 (71.0%) individuals completely agreed with the government’s decision to implement the lockdown. Regarding practices related to COVID-19, 214 (84.9%) individuals regularly disinfected their hands, 249 (98.8%) respondents wore a mask regularly, and 226 (89.7%) participants adhered to social distancing norms. Conclusion: The respondents in this study who were social media users in an engineering college in south India had fairly good knowledge, displayed a positive attitude and followed responsible practices with regard to COVID-19. Promotion of knowledge and awareness about the right practices related to COVID-19 among the public is necessary to ensure the adoption of effective preventive behaviours.

Estimating the number of cases during COVID-19 pandemics using a web-based tool: first week results of “COVID-19 TRENDS” social media project in the Araba-Alava province in Basque country, Spain. (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Garitano ◽  
Manuel Linares ◽  
Laura Santos ◽  
Ruth Gil ◽  
Elena Lapuente ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Estimate Number ◽  
Media Project

UNSTRUCTURED On 28th February a case of COVID-19 was declared in Araba-Álava province, Spain. In Spain, a confinement and movement restrictions were established by Spanish Government at 14th March 2020. We implemented a web-based tool to estimate number of cases during the pandemic. We present the results in Áraba-Álava province. We reached a response rate of 10,3% out a 331.549 population. We found that 22,4 % fulfilled the case definition. This tool rendered useful to inform public health action.

Instagramming our way through public health communication: why and who is using it?

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Vareda ◽  
T Garcia ◽  
J Rachadell
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases

Abstract Background From disease prevention to health promotion, communication is key for Public Health (PH) practice and, according to the 9th Essential Public Health Operation its goal is to improve populations health literacy and capacity to access, understand and use information. Though social media is frequently presented as a potentially useful tool for PH communication, there is a lack of evidence about its effectiveness and impact on PH outcomes. This study researches Instagram® as a PH tool and aims to know who is using it, what content is shared on the platform and how much engagement there is. Methods This cross-sectional study regards information on 1000 Instagram® posts with the hashtags publichealth, publichealthpromotion, healthpromotion, publichealthmatters and publichealtheducation. Authors categorized post content and creators, and reviewed the number of likes and comments per post to determine engagement. Data analysis was performed on IBM SPSS® Statistics. Results The most common content categories were communicable diseases (n = 383), non-communicable diseases (n = 258) and healthy lifestyles (n = 143). Health professionals post more about communicable diseases (43,6%) and non-professionals about healthy lifestyles (36,1%). Non-professionals (n = 191) post about PH issues almost as much as health professionals (n = 220) and PH associations (n = 201). Most don't reference their sources (n = 821). Posts on communicable diseases have the most likes and comments per post (mean of 172 likes and 3,1 comments). Conclusions Half the Instagram® posts analysed in this study were made by health professionals or organizations. Communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases and healthy lifestyles were the most frequent content categories and had the most engagement. The majority of posts didn't reference their sources. Though Instagram® seems to be a potential PH communication tool, further research is needed to confirm its benefits for PH. Key messages Social media platforms like Instagram® are potentially powerful tools for PH communication. There is a need to understand the efficacy of social media as health promotion tools.

scholarly journals Genomic analysis of group B Streptococcus from milk demonstrates the need for improved biosecurity: a cross-sectional study of pastoralist camels in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinah Seligsohn ◽  
Chiara Crestani ◽  
Taya L. Forde ◽  
Erika Chenais ◽  
Ruth N. Zadoks
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Tetracycline Resistance ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Camel Milk ◽  
Interspecies Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Group B

Abstract Background Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, (GBS)) is the leading cause of mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) among dairy camels in Sub-Saharan Africa, with negative implications for milk production and quality and animal welfare. Camel milk is often consumed raw and presence of GBS in milk may pose a public health threat. Little is known about the population structure or virulence factors of camel GBS. We investigated the molecular epidemiology of camel GBS and its implications for mastitis control and public health. Results Using whole genome sequencing, we analysed 65 camel milk GBS isolates from 19 herds in Isiolo, Kenya. Six sequence types (STs) were identified, mostly belonging to previously described camel-specific STs. One isolate belonged to ST1, a predominantly human-associated lineage, possibly as a result of interspecies transmission. Most (54/65) isolates belonged to ST616, indicative of contagious transmission. Phylogenetic analysis of GBS core genomes showed similar levels of heterogeneity within- and between herds, suggesting ongoing between-herd transmission. The lactose operon, a marker of GBS adaptation to the mammary niche, was found in 75 % of the isolates, and tetracycline resistance gene tet(M) in all but two isolates. Only the ST1 isolate harboured virulence genes scpB and lmb, which are associated with human host adaptation. Conclusions GBS in milk from Kenyan camel herds largely belongs to ST616 and shows signatures of adaptation to the udder. The finding of similar levels of within- and between herd heterogeneity of GBS in camel herds, as well as potential human-camel transmission highlights the need for improved internal as well as external biosecurity to curb disease transmission and increase milk production.

scholarly journals The Influence of Social Media use on Practice of Covid-19 Preventive Measures Among Ethiopian Residents: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Abinet Arega Sadore ◽  
Demelash Woldeyohannes Handiso ◽  
Tekle Ejajo Wontamo ◽  
Dejene Ermias Mekango ◽  
Sisay Moges
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Preventive Practice ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Study Participants

Abstract Background: Infection with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a severe public health issue worldwide. A broad amount of information related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was disseminated by social media in Ethiopia. To date, there is limited evidence on the influence of social media use for covid-19 related information on covid-19 preventive practice. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of social media use on the practice of COVID-19 preventive measures in Ethiopia. Methods: This study employed an anonymous internet-based online cross-sectional survey using Google forms to collects the data from the respondents from 15 May to 17 June 2020 in Ethiopia. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between social media usage as a predictor and COVID-19 preventive practice, after adjusting for socio-demographic and risk perception of COVID-19 variables. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 372 respondents have participated in the study. From 372, 208(55.9%) respondents in this study were male. Study participants who had good utilization of social media to get COVID-19 related information were 9.5 times engaged in COVID-19 preventive practices compared to study participants who had poor utilization of social media to get covid-19 related information (AOR= 9.59, 95% CI = 5.70 - 16.13). Also, study participants who had a high-risk perception of COVID-19 were 2.6 times engaged in COVID-19 practices compared to study participants who had a low-risk perception of covid-19 (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.58 - 4.38). Study participants who were students at the time of this study were four times more likely to show adequate COVID-19 preventive practice score compared to those who had another occupational status (AOR= 4.07, 95% CI= 1.66 - 9.98) Conclusions: Our results show that the usage of social media networks can have a positive effect on the practice of preventive measures and public safety against COVID-19; high-risk perception contributed to preventive activities against COVID-19. Social networking platforms can be used by public health agencies as an important method to raise public health understanding by disseminating concise messages to targeted audiences.

scholarly journals A Men Who Have Sex With Men–Friendly Doctor Finder Hackathon in Guangzhou, China: Development of a Mobile Health Intervention to Enhance Health Care Utilization (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyan Li ◽  
Yuan Xiong ◽  
Hao Fong Sit ◽  
Weiming Tang ◽  
Brian J Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
Sex With Men

BACKGROUND Mobile health (mHeath)–based HIV and sexual health promotion among men who have sex with men (MSM) is feasible in low- and middle-income settings. However, many currently available mHealth tools on the market were developed by the private sector for profit and have limited input from MSM communities. OBJECTIVE A health hackathon is an intensive contest that brings together participants from multidisciplinary backgrounds to develop a proposed solution for a specific health issue within a short period. The purpose of this paper was to describe a hackathon event that aimed to develop an mHealth tool to enhance health care (specifically HIV prevention) utilization among Chinese MSM, summarize characteristics of the final prototypes, and discuss implications for future mHealth intervention development. METHODS The hackathon took place in Guangzhou, China. An open call for hackathon participants was advertised on 3 Chinese social media platforms, including Blued, a popular social networking app among MSM. All applicants completed a Web-based survey and were then scored. The top scoring applicants were grouped into teams based on their skills and content area expertise. Each team was allowed 1 month to prepare for the hackathon. The teams then came together in person with on-site expert mentorship for a 72-hour hackathon contest to develop and present mHealth prototype solutions. The judging panel included experts in psychology, public health, computer science, social media, clinical medicine, and MSM advocacy. The final prototypes were evaluated based on innovation, usability, and feasibility. RESULTS We received 92 applicants, and 38 of them were selected to attend the April 2019 hackathon. A total of 8 teams were formed, including expertise in computer science, user interface design, business or marketing, clinical medicine, and public health. Moreover, 24 participants self-identified as gay, and 3 participants self-identified as bisexual. All teams successfully developed a prototype tool. A total of 4 prototypes were designed as a mini program that could be embedded within a popular Chinese social networking app, and 3 prototypes were designed as stand-alone apps. Common prototype functions included Web-based physician searching based on one’s location (8 prototypes), health education (4 prototypes), Web-based health counseling with providers or lay health volunteers (6 prototypes), appointment scheduling (8 prototypes), and between-user communication (2 prototypes). All prototypes included strategies to ensure privacy protection for MSM users, and some prototypes offered strategies to ensure privacy of physicians. The selected prototypes are undergoing pilot testing. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of using a hackathon to create mHealth intervention tools. This suggests a different pathway to developing mHealth interventions and could be relevant in other settings.

scholarly journals Feasibility of an Educational Program for Public Health Nurses to Promote Local Healthcare Planning: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoko Yoshioka-Maeda ◽  
Takafumi Katayama ◽  
Misa Shiomi ◽  
Noriko Hosoya ◽  
Hitoshi Fujii ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Public Health Nurses ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Healthcare Planning ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Self Learning ◽  
Local Healthcare

Abstract Background: The promotion of local healthcare planning is crucial to assist public health nurses in improving community health inequities. However, there is no effective educational program for developing relevant skills and knowledge among these nurses. Therefore, this study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a newly developed web-based self-learning program, designed to promote the involvement of public health nurses in the local healthcare planning process. Methods: This pilot randomized control trial will randomly allocate eligible public health nurses to intervention and control wait-list groups [1:1]. The intervention group will be exposed to six web-based learning modules from July to October 2021. After collecting post-test data, the wait-list group will be exposed to the same modules to ensure learning equity. We will then evaluate the primary outcomes by implementing a validated and standardized scale designed to measure public health policy competencies both at baseline and post-intervention, while secondary outcomes will be measured on an action scale to demonstrate the necessity of healthcare activities. The third outcome will be knowledge and skills related to local healthcare planning by public health nurses. Participants will also provide feedback on both trial feasibility and the web-based self-learning program itself, which will help us identify improvement points for continual refinement. Feedback will be given through free descriptions. Discussion: This pilot study will assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a web-based self-learning program designed to develop the competencies of public health nurses involved in local healthcare planning. We will examine all outcome scales and data collection procedures in preparation for a future definitive randomized controlled trial. This will provide preliminary data for an intervention aimed at improving relevant competencies among public health nurses who are tasked with resolving health inequities in their respective communities through local health planning. Trial registration: The protocol for this study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry and approved by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (No. UMIN000043628, March 23, 2021).

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