scholarly journals Correction: Effects of COVID-19 Emergency Alert Text Messages on Practicing Preventive Behaviors: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey in South Korea

10.2196/28660 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. e28660
Author(s):  
Minjung Lee ◽  
Myoungsoon You

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minjung Lee ◽  
Myoungsoon You

BACKGROUND Sending emergency messages via mobile phone text messaging can be a promising communication tool to rapidly disseminate information and promote preventive behavior among the public during epidemic outbreaks. The battle to overcome COVID-19 is not yet over; thus, it is essential that the public practices preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reading and obtaining information via emergency alert SMS text messages and their effects on the individual's practice of preventive behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey comprising 990 participants was conducted over 3 days (March 25-27, 2020). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the sociodemographic factors that might influence the behavior of reading emergency alert text messages. A hierarchical linear regression model estimated the associations between reading emergency alert text messages for each precautionary behavior practiced against COVID-19. Additionally, the indirect effects of reading the text messages on each precautionary behavior via psychological factors (ie, perceived risk and response efficacy) were calculated. All data were weighted according to the 2019 Korea census data. RESULTS Overall, 49.2% (487/990) of the participants reported that they always read emergency alert text messages and visited the linked website to obtain more information. Factors such as female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.21) and older age (30-39 years: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; 40-49 years: OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.80-4.47; 50-59 years: OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.01-5.06; 60 years and above: OR 3.12, 95% CI 2.00-4.86 versus 18-29 years) were identified to be associated with a higher frequency of reading the text messages. Participants who always read the text messages practiced wearing facial masks (β=.074, P=.01) more frequently than those who did not. In terms of social distancing, participants who reported they always read the text messages avoided crowded places (β=.078, P=.01) and canceled or postponed social gatherings (β=.103, P<.001) more frequently than those who did not read the text messages. Furthermore, reading text messages directly and indirectly affected practicing precautionary behaviors, as the mediation effect of response efficacy between reading text messages and practicing preventive behaviors was significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that emergency alert text messages sent to individuals' mobile phones are timely and effective strategies for encouraging preventive behavior in public. Sending emergency alert text messages to provide the public with accurate and reliable information could be positively considered by the health authorities, which might reduce the negative impact of infodemics.


10.2196/24165 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. e24165
Author(s):  
Myoungsoon You ◽  
Minjung Lee

Background Sending emergency messages via mobile phone text messaging can be a promising communication tool to rapidly disseminate information and promote preventive behavior among the public during epidemic outbreaks. The battle to overcome COVID-19 is not yet over; thus, it is essential that the public practices preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reading and obtaining information via emergency alert SMS text messages and their effects on the individual's practice of preventive behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey comprising 990 participants was conducted over 3 days (March 25-27, 2020). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the sociodemographic factors that might influence the behavior of reading emergency alert text messages. A hierarchical linear regression model estimated the associations between reading emergency alert text messages for each precautionary behavior practiced against COVID-19. Additionally, the indirect effects of reading the text messages on each precautionary behavior via psychological factors (ie, perceived risk and response efficacy) were calculated. All data were weighted according to the 2019 Korea census data. Results Overall, 49.2% (487/990) of the participants reported that they always read emergency alert text messages and visited the linked website to obtain more information. Factors such as female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.21) and older age (30-39 years: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; 40-49 years: OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.80-4.47; 50-59 years: OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.01-5.06; 60 years and above: OR 3.12, 95% CI 2.00-4.86 versus 18-29 years) were identified to be associated with a higher frequency of reading the text messages. Participants who always read the text messages practiced wearing facial masks (β=.074, P=.01) more frequently than those who did not. In terms of social distancing, participants who reported they always read the text messages avoided crowded places (β=.078, P=.01) and canceled or postponed social gatherings (β=.103, P<.001) more frequently than those who did not read the text messages. Furthermore, reading text messages directly and indirectly affected practicing precautionary behaviors, as the mediation effect of response efficacy between reading text messages and practicing preventive behaviors was significant. Conclusions Our findings suggest that emergency alert text messages sent to individuals' mobile phones are timely and effective strategies for encouraging preventive behavior in public. Sending emergency alert text messages to provide the public with accurate and reliable information could be positively considered by the health authorities, which might reduce the negative impact of infodemics.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myoungsoon You ◽  
Minjung Lee

BACKGROUND Sending emergency messages via mobile phone text messaging can be a promising communication tool to rapidly disseminate information and promote preventive behavior among the public during epidemic outbreaks. The battle to overcome COVID-19 is not yet over; thus, it is essential that the public practices preventive measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reading and obtaining information via emergency alert SMS text messages and their effects on the individual's practice of preventive behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey comprising 990 participants was conducted over 3 days (March 25-27, 2020). A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the sociodemographic factors that might influence the behavior of reading emergency alert text messages. A hierarchical linear regression model estimated the associations between reading emergency alert text messages for each precautionary behavior practiced against COVID-19. Additionally, the indirect effects of reading the text messages on each precautionary behavior via psychological factors (ie, perceived risk and response efficacy) were calculated. All data were weighted according to the 2019 Korea census data. RESULTS Overall, 49.2% (487/990) of the participants reported that they always read emergency alert text messages and visited the linked website to obtain more information. Factors such as female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% CI 1.28-2.21) and older age (30-39 years: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.25-3.28; 40-49 years: OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.80-4.47; 50-59 years: OR 3.19, 95% CI 2.01-5.06; 60 years and above: OR 3.12, 95% CI 2.00-4.86 versus 18-29 years) were identified to be associated with a higher frequency of reading the text messages. Participants who always read the text messages practiced wearing facial masks (β=.074, <i>P=</i>.01) more frequently than those who did not. In terms of social distancing, participants who reported they always read the text messages avoided crowded places (β=.078, <i>P=</i>.01) and canceled or postponed social gatherings (β=.103, <i>P&lt;</i>.001) more frequently than those who did not read the text messages. Furthermore, reading text messages directly and indirectly affected practicing precautionary behaviors, as the mediation effect of response efficacy between reading text messages and practicing preventive behaviors was significant. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that emergency alert text messages sent to individuals' mobile phones are timely and effective strategies for encouraging preventive behavior in public. Sending emergency alert text messages to provide the public with accurate and reliable information could be positively considered by the health authorities, which might reduce the negative impact of infodemics.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1479.1-1479
Author(s):  
R. te Kampe ◽  
A. Boonen ◽  
T. Jansen ◽  
J. M. Elling ◽  
M. Flendrie ◽  
...  

Background:Adherence to prescribed urate-lowering therapy (ULT) among gout patients is considered to be among the poorest of all chronic conditions. eHealth programs can be a possible opportunity to foster ULT adherence.Objectives:This study describes the development and usability evaluation of a web-based tool to support ULT adherence among gout patients, specifically designed for a complement to usual care.Methods:The Integrated Change (I-Change) model was used as theoretical basis for the development. The model combines various socio-cognitive theories and differentiates between three phases: a pre-motivational, a motivational, and a post-motivational phase. In practices, the I-Change gout tool contains three sessions, following the three phases of the I-Change model. Patients receive tailored feedback based on their answers in the form of animated videos and text messages after each session, and are prompted to set specific goals and action plans for their ULT adherence. The content and development of the I-Change gout tool was determined along an iterative process within a steering group of clinicians and researchers, supported by patient interviews and gout specific literature related to key aspects of medication adherence behavior. A cross-sectional mixed methods design was used to test usability of the support tool consisting of a think aloud method and a usability questionnaire.Results:The steering group decided on the content of the three sessions of the I-Change gout tool. Depending on the intention to change ULT adherence behavior patients were navigated through the I-Change gout tool, patients with a low intention go through all 3 sessions and patients with a high intention go through the pre- and post-motivational session (figure 1). In total, the I-Change gout tool contains three sessions with 80 questions, 66 tailored textual feedback messages, and 40 tailored animated videos.Figure 1.Flowchart of the computer-tailored I-Change gout tool for urate-lowering therapy adherence.Twenty gout patients and seven healthcare professionals participated in the usability tests. The program end score rating for the gout tool was on average 8.4±0.9 (range 6-10) for patients and 7.7±1.0 (range 6-9) for healthcare professionals. Furthermore, participants reported a high intention to use and/or recommend the program in the future. Yet, participants identified some issues for further improvement of the systems user-friendliness by addressing barriers (e.g. more explicitly navigation) and weaknesses (e.g. technical and health literacy). The I-Change gout tool was updated according suggestions of improvements of the participants.Conclusion:This study provides initial support for the usability by patients and healthcare professionals of a ULT adherence I-Change gout tool. Further studies need to be conducted to assess its efficacy and (cost-) effectiveness in daily practice.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


10.2196/23729 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. e23729
Author(s):  
Ying Chen ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
Boyan Chen ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
...  

Background The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose an international public health threat. Prevention is of paramount importance to protect the high-risk group of older adults until specific treatments for COVID-19 become available; however, little work has been done to explore factors that promote preventive behaviors among this population. Objective This study aims to investigate the knowledge, perceived beliefs, and preventive behaviors towards COVID-19 of older adults in China and determine the factors that influence their practice of preventive behaviors. Methods From February 19 to March 19, 2020, a cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to Chinese older adults in all 31 provinces of mainland China using a convenience sampling method to assess the respondents’ knowledge, perceived beliefs, and preventive behaviors towards COVID-19. Standard descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Results A total of 1501 participants responded to the survey, and 1263 valid responses (84.1%) were obtained for further analysis. The overall correct rate on the knowledge questionnaire was 87%, overall positive beliefs regarding COVID-19 were found, and the mean behavior score was 13.73/15 (SD 1.62, range 5-15). The hierarchical linear regression showed that respondents who were married or cohabitating and who lived in areas with community-level control measures were more likely to practice preventive behaviors (P<.01). Knowledge (β=0.198, P<.001), perceived susceptibility (β=0.263, P=.03), perceived benefits (β=0.643, P<.001), and self-efficacy in preventing COVID-19 (β=0.468, P<.001) were also found to be significantly associated with preventive behaviors. Conclusions Most older residents had adequate knowledge and positive beliefs regarding COVID-19 and engaged in proactive behaviors to prevent the disease. Knowledge and beliefs were confirmed to be significantly associated with behavior responses. Our findings have significant implications in enhancing the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention programs targeting the older population; these programs must be continued and strengthened as the epidemic continues.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Chen ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
Boyan Chen ◽  
Hao Chen ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose an international public health threat. Prevention is of paramount importance to protect the high-risk group of older adults until specific treatments for COVID-19 become available; however, little work has been done to explore factors that promote preventive behaviors among this population. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the knowledge, perceived beliefs, and preventive behaviors towards COVID-19 of older adults in China and determine the factors that influence their practice of preventive behaviors. METHODS From February 19 to March 19, 2020, a cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to Chinese older adults in all 31 provinces of mainland China using a convenience sampling method to assess the respondents’ knowledge, perceived beliefs, and preventive behaviors towards COVID-19. Standard descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 1501 participants responded to the survey, and 1263 valid responses (84.1%) were obtained for further analysis. The overall correct rate on the knowledge questionnaire was 87%, overall positive beliefs regarding COVID-19 were found, and the mean behavior score was 13.73/15 (SD 1.62, range 5-15). The hierarchical linear regression showed that respondents who were married or cohabitating and who lived in areas with community-level control measures were more likely to practice preventive behaviors (<i>P</i>&lt;.01). Knowledge (<i>β</i>=0.198, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), perceived susceptibility (<i>β</i>=0.263, <i>P</i>=.03), perceived benefits (<i>β</i>=0.643, <i>P</i>&lt;.001), and self-efficacy in preventing COVID-19 (<i>β</i>=0.468, <i>P</i>&lt;.001) were also found to be significantly associated with preventive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Most older residents had adequate knowledge and positive beliefs regarding COVID-19 and engaged in proactive behaviors to prevent the disease. Knowledge and beliefs were confirmed to be significantly associated with behavior responses. Our findings have significant implications in enhancing the effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention programs targeting the older population; these programs must be continued and strengthened as the epidemic continues.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e045845
Author(s):  
Jungah Kim ◽  
Myoungsoon You ◽  
Changwoo Shon

ObjectivesThis study investigated the factors influencing unmet healthcare needs of people during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. The findings help to identify people who have difficulty accessing healthcare services during a pandemic situation.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study using a proportionate quota sampling method according to five major districts, sex and age, using an online survey. We analysed the key characteristics of influencing factors of unmet healthcare needs based on the Andersen behavioural model of healthcare utilisation: predisposing factors (eg, sex, age), need factors (eg, health status, illness) and enabling factors (eg, income, efficacy belief).SettingThe questionnaire was sent via email and mobile text messages from the end of April to the beginning of May 2020 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsA sample of 813 respondents was used, and the respondent information was anonymised in the analysis process.ResultsFor the predisposing factors, sex, age, education level and occupational cluster were associated with unmet needs for healthcare. Chronic diseases and mental health were the influencing factors as an enabling factor that exerted an influence on the unmet need for healthcare in South Korea. Women, younger persons, those with lower education and persons with white-collar jobs were more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs. In addition, the more chronic diseases people had, the more COVID-19 negatively affected them mentally; and the more people felt fear of COVID-19, the higher chances they experienced unmet healthcare needs.ConclusionGovernment and policymakers are guided to draw out measures such as health communication and telemedicine to reduce the unmet healthcare needs during the pandemic and to recognise the different influencing factors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minjung Lee ◽  
Bee-Ah Kang ◽  
Myoungsoon You

Abstract Background The public must routinely practice precautionary behaviors to control the spread of COVID-19, as no vaccines and antiviral treatments are currently available. This paper examines the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 and their relationships and identified the pandemic’s vulnerable populations to provide recommendations for behavioral interventions and policies. Methods Data collection took place over 3 days (June 26–29) via an online survey 5 months after the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) confirmed the first COVID case in South Korea; 970 subjects were included in the statistical data analysis. Results Knowledge directly affected both attitudes (e.g., perceived risk and efficacy belief) and practices (e.g., personal hygiene practices and social distancing). Among the influencing factors of COVID-19 preventive behaviors, efficacy belief was the most influential and significant practice factor. It mediated the relationship between knowledge and all three preventive behaviors (wearing facial masks, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding crowded places). The level of knowledge varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Females (β = 0.06, p <  0.05) and individuals with higher levels of education (β = 0.06, p <  0.05) demonstrated higher levels of knowledge. Conclusion To increase precautionary behaviors among the public, health officials and policymakers must promote knowledge and efficacy belief. Future interventions and policies should also be developed in a ‘person-centered’ approach, targeting vulnerable subgroups, embracing them, and closing the gap of KAP toward COVID-19.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-157
Author(s):  
Fika Muntahaya ◽  
Thoriq Fajar Batuah ◽  
Hoirun Nisa

The increase in COVID-19 cases encourages the need for health efforts from various sectors. The number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Palangka Raya City is the highest in Central Kalimantan province. The Ministry of Education urged the implementation of 3M education, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and social distancing, to stop the transmission of COVID-19. This study aims to describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 and the association between knowledge and attitudes with preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 in students of MAN Kota Palangka Raya. This research is a cross-sectional study that involved 339 students as respondents. Data was collected using google form in October 2020. 98.8% of students had good knowledge of COVID-19, and 87.0% of students had positive attitudes about preventing COVID-19, but only 54.6% of students had good preventing behaviors related to COVID-19. Association was found between attitudes toward COVID-19 with preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 in MAN Palangka Raya City students in 2020. 3M's preventive behavior education efforts still need to be improved to stop the transmission of COVID-19.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document