scholarly journals Multilevel determinants of COVID-19 vaccination uptake among South Asian ethnic minorities in Hong Kong: cross-sectional online survey (Preprint)

10.2196/31707 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akansha Singh ◽  
Angel Hor Yan Lai ◽  
Jingxuan Wang ◽  
Saba Asim ◽  
Paul Shing-Fong Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Uptake

scholarly journals Multilevel Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among South Asian Ethnic Minorities in Hong Kong: Cross-sectional Web-Based Survey (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akansha Singh ◽  
Angel Hor Yan Lai ◽  
Jingxuan Wang ◽  
Saba Asim ◽  
Paul Shing-Fong Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Ethnic Minorities ◽  
South Asian ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Vaccine Uptake ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Religious Reasons

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a disproportionate effect on ethnic minorities. Across countries, greater vaccine hesitancy has been observed among ethnic minorities. After excluding foreign domestic helpers, South Asians make up the largest proportion of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. It is necessary to plan for COVID-19 vaccination promotional strategies that cater to the unique needs of South Asians in Hong Kong. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among a sample of South Asians in Hong Kong. We examined the effects of sociodemographic data and factors at individual level (perceptions), interpersonal level (information exposure on social media), and sociostructural level (cultural) based on the socioecological model. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on May 1-31, 2021. Participants were South Asian people aged 18 years or older living in Hong Kong; able to comprehend English, Hindi, Nepali, or Urdu; and having access to a smartphone. Three community-based organizations providing services to South Asians in Hong Kong facilitated the data collection. The staff of the community-based organizations posted the study information in WhatsApp groups involving South Asian clients and invited them to participate in a web-based survey. Logistic regression models were fit for data analysis. RESULTS Among 245 participants, 81 (33.1%) had taken at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (one dose, 62/245, 25.2%; and both doses, 19/245, 7.9%). After adjusting for significant background characteristics, cultural and religious reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.97; <i>P</i>=.02). At the individual level, having more positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination (AOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.55; <i>P</i>=.002), perceived support from significant others (AOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.60; <i>P</i>=.03), and perceived higher behavioral control to receive COVID-19 vaccination (AOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.65-4.19; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) were associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine uptake, while a negative association was found between negative attitudes and the dependent variable (AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.85; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Knowing more peers who had taken the COVID-19 vaccine was also associated with higher uptake (AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.74; <i>P</i>=.01). At the interpersonal level, higher exposure to information about deaths and other serious conditions caused by COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower uptake (AOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33-0.86; <i>P</i>=.01). CONCLUSIONS In this study, one-third (81/245) of our participants received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Cultural or religious reasons, perceptions, information exposure on social media, and influence of peers were found to be the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among South Asians. Future programs should engage community groups, champions, and faith leaders, and develop culturally competent interventions.

scholarly journals Diabetes knowledge, risk perception, and quality of life among South Asian caregivers in young adulthood

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e001268
Author(s):  
Angela Koipuram ◽  
Sandra Carroll ◽  
Zubin Punthakee ◽  
Diana Sherifali
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
South Asian ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Design And Methods

IntroductionPersons of South Asian descent have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The management of T2DM in the South Asian community has required the support of adult children, potentially impacting the quality of life, diabetes-related knowledge, and risk perception among these caregivers.Research design and methodsTo investigate diabetes-related knowledge, quality of life, risk perception, and actual risk of developing diabetes among South Asian young adults whose parents are living with T2DM. A cross-sectional study was conducted (n=150). An online survey was administered. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in diabetes-related knowledge between males and females (p<0.001). Males (in comparison to females) had a lower risk perception of developing diabetes (p=0.06). Further, risk perception and diabetes-related knowledge were positively associated with caregiver’s physical health (p=0.002).ConclusionFindings highlight the importance of providing gender-specific and culturally tailored diabetes educational interventions.

Resilience, pessimism, and depression in undergraduates in Hong Kong during Covid-19: A cross-sectional online survey study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Yi Sum ◽  
Sherry Kit Wa Chan ◽  
Gloria Hoi Yan Wong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Family Conflict ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood is a period of heightened risk of mental disorders onset. The Covid-19 pandemic may have impacted the daily lives and learning of students, exposing them to risks of emotional distress. Understanding factors associated with individual differences in distress can inform remedial strategies for schools. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of Covid-19 on undergraduate students’ lifestyle and learning, and explore relationship between depressive symptoms, resilience, and optimism/pessimism bias in undergraduate students in Hong Kong. METHODS Cross-sectional online survey of undergraduate students in a university (n=1020) before and during the third wave of Covid-19 outbreak in Hong Kong between May and August 2020. Changes in habits and family conflicts, depressive symptoms (measured using Patient Health Questionnaire-9), resilience (measured using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), optimism/pessimism towards Covid-19 risks, and knowledge about Covid-19 were recorded. Multivariable linear regression and mediation analyses were used to explore relationships with depressive symptoms. RESULTS 61.7% of respondents have mild to severe depressive symptoms. The regression model found that 18.5% of the variance in depressive symptoms was explained by resilience, pessimism bias, changes in sleep, decrease in study at home, and increase in family conflict. Mediation analysis showed that resilience is indirectly related to depressive symptoms through its relationship with pessimism (ab = -0.042, CI = -0.057 to -0.013). Higher resilience was associated with lower depressive symptoms even after accounting for resilience’s indirect effect through pessimism (c’ = 0.311, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the mental health vulnerability of undergraduate students. Measures to reduce family conflict, maintain healthy daily habits, adjust optimism/pessimism bias, and enhance resilience may be useful for improving the mental wellbeing of undergraduate students during the pandemic.

Understanding Client Empowerment: An Online Survey of Social Workers Serving People with Mental Health Issues

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialiang Cui ◽  
Limin Mao ◽  
Grenville Rose ◽  
Christy E Newman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract This study explored how social workers located in Sydney and Hong Kong conceptualised client empowerment. Further, it investigated these professionals’ perceived facilitators and barriers to their empowerment practices, based on an ecological framework. A cross-sectional online survey was used, where the original Empowerment Scale for clients with mental health issues was adapted to measure conceptualisation of client empowerment from social workers’ perspectives. Eighty-three social workers serving people with mental health issues (MHIs) in Sydney and eighty in Hong Kong responded. A two-factor model was generated suggesting that practitioners tend to conceptualise client empowerment into two aspects: a relation-based dimension and a resource-oriented one. Compared with their Sydney counterparts, the Hong Kong practitioners considered resource-oriented empowerment as more integral to client empowerment (t(161) = 4.17, p &lt; 0.001). Several key factors were found to be independently associated with endorsement of the two-factor client-empowerment model by practitioners: perceived less support from medical specialists but more support from teams serving the same client, perceived benefits of social work training and, finally, beliefs in the importance of social workers’ role in client empowerment. The study highlights the multiple dimensions of client empowerment and a wide range of inter-professional and sociostructural factors enabling social workers’ practices that support empowerment. Our paper highlights the role of professional empowerment as a stepping stone to enable their client-empowerment practices through policy support and inter-professional collaboration.

scholarly journals Can psychological flexibility and prosociality mitigate illness perceptions toward COVID-19 on mental health? A cross-sectional study among Hong Kong adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuen Yu Chong ◽  
Wai Tong Chien ◽  
Ho Yu Cheng ◽  
Angelos P. Kassianos ◽  
Andrew T. Gloster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Illness Perceptions ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Best Fit

Abstract Background The negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health can be persistent and substantial over a long period of time, but little is known regarding what psychological factors or processes can buffer such impact. The present study aimed to examine the mediating roles of coping, psychological flexibility and prosociality in the impacts of perceived illness threats toward COVID-19 on mental health. Method Five-hundred and fourteen Hong Kong citizens (18 years or above) completed an online survey to measure illness perceptions toward COVID-19, coping, psychological flexibility, prosociality, and mental health, together with their socio-demographic variables. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the explanatory model that was the best-fit to illustrate the relationships between these constructs. Results Serial mediation structural equation model showed that only psychological flexibility (unstandardised beta coefficient, β = − 0.12, 95% CI [− 0.20, − 0.02], p = 0.031) and prosociality (unstandardised β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.08], p = 0.001) fully mediated the relationship between illness perceptions toward COVID-19 and mental health. In addition, psychological flexibility exerted a direct effect on prosociality (standardised β = 0.22, 95% CI [0.12, 0.32], p < 0.001). This best-fit model explained 62% of the variance of mental health. Conclusions Fostering psychological flexibility and prosocial behaviour may play significant roles in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 and its perceived threats on public mental health.

scholarly journals Reported COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Members of Athens Medical Association: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1134
Author(s):  
Georgios Marinos ◽  
Dimitris Lamprinos ◽  
Panagiotis Georgakopoulos ◽  
Georgios Patoulis ◽  
Georgia Vogiatzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Medical Association ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Uptake ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

There are limited data on the prevalence and determinants of COVID-19 vaccination coverage among physicians. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online study was conducted among the members of the Athens Medical Association (I.S.A.) over the period 25 February to 13 March 2021. All members of I.S.A. were invited to participate in the anonymous online survey. A structured, anonymous questionnaire was used. Overall, 1993 physicians participated in the survey. The reported vaccination coverage was 85.3%. The main reasons of no vaccination were pending vaccination appointment followed by safety concerns. Participants being informed about the COVID-19 vaccines by social media resulted in lower COVID-19 vaccination coverage than health workers being informed by other sources. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that no fear over COVID-19 vaccination-related side effects, history of influenza vaccination for flu season 2020–2021, and the perception that the information on COVID-19 vaccination from the national public health authorities is reliable, were independent factors of reported COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Our results demonstrate a considerable improvement of the COVID-19 vaccination uptake among Greek physicians. The finding that participants reported high reliability of the information related to COVID-19 vaccination provided by the Greek public health authorities is an opportunity which should be broadly exploited by policymakers in order to combat vaccination hesitancy, and further improve COVID-19 vaccination uptake and coverage among physicians/HCWs, and the general population.

scholarly journals Low vaccination coverage for human papillomavirus disease among young men who have sex with men, France, 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (50) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppina Ortu ◽  
Anne-Sophie Barret ◽  
Kostas Danis ◽  
Lucie Duchesne ◽  
Daniel Levy-Bruhl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Papillomavirus ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Hpv Vaccination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vaccination Uptake ◽  
Sex With Men

Background In France, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been recommended in 2016 for men who have sex with men (MSM) up to age 26 years. Aim We aimed to estimate HPV vaccine coverage in 18–28 year-old MSM and identify uptake determinants. Methods We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted diseases (STI) screening and vaccination uptake using a voluntary cross-sectional online survey conducted in 2019 targeting MSM. We calculated coverage of at least one dose of HPV vaccine and prevalence ratios (PR) of determinants with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Poisson regression. Results Of 9,469 respondents (age range: 18–28 years), 15% (95% CI: 14–16) reported being vaccinated for HPV. Coverage was significantly higher among MSM < 24 years (PR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.13–1.39), with education level below university degree (PR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.08–1.32), living in rural areas (PR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.08–1.36), attending sex parties (PR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03–1.33), using HIV-related biomedical prevention methods (PR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.12–1.54), with STI diagnosis (PR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.08–1.38) and with hepatitis A or B vaccination (PR: 4.56; 95% CI: 3.63–5.81 vs PR: 3.35; 95% CI: 2.53–4.44). Conclusions The HPV vaccination uptake among MSM in France was not satisfactory. It was higher among MSM benefitting from other vaccinations and biomedical preventive methods against HIV, suggesting a synergistic effect of the national preventive sexual health recommendations for MSM. Further efforts to improve HPV vaccination coverage targeting MSM are warranted.

Family e-chat group use was associated with family well-being and personal happiness in Hong Kong adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Jie Gong ◽  
Bonny Yee Man Wong ◽  
Sai Yin Ho ◽  
Agnes Yuen Kwan Lai ◽  
Shengzhi Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Communication Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Voice Calls

BACKGROUND Family e-chat groups are commonly used, but little is known about its associations with family and individual well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link project, we examined the associations of family e-chat group use amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with family well-being and personal happiness, and the mediating effects of family communication quality on these associations. METHODS A territory-wide self-administered online survey was conducted in May 2020 on Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Respondents reported the number of family e-chat groups (0, 1, 2, ≥3), the instant messaging (IM) functions used (receiving/sending text messages, photos/pictures, short videos, voice messages, making voice calls and video calls), and the average numbers of IM messages sent and received daily (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) in family e-chat groups. Prevalence was weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for IM function use by demographics were calculated. Adjusted β for family well-being (health, harmony, and happiness), and personal happiness (all scale 0-10, higher scores indicate better outcomes) by number of family e-chat groups and IM function use were calculated, and the mediation effect of family communication quality on these associations examined. RESULTS Of 4890 respondents, 4046 (82.7%) had ≥1 family e-chat group. Sending/receiving text messages was most commonly used (weighted prevalence: 78.4%), followed by receiving/sending photos/pictures (76.5%), making voice calls (46.2%), receiving/sending short videos (37.2%) and voice messages (13.8%), and making video calls (8.2%). Women and older age were associated with having more groups (aPRs: 1.04-1.22, all P≤.03) and non-text function use (aPRs: 1.10-3.10, P≤.02). Better family well-being was associated with having more groups (β: 0.23-0.77), receiving/sending photos/pictures (β: 0.33), voice calls (β: 0.18), video calls (β: 0.45), more IM functions used (β: 0.43-0.51), and more IM messages received/sent daily (β: 0.38-0.54) (all P≤.01). Higher personal happiness was associated with having more groups (β: 0.30-0.72), receiving/sending photos/pictures (β: 0.30), video calls (β: 0.32), more IM functions use (β: 0.36-0.42) and more IM messages received/sent daily (β: 0.42-0.67) (all P≤.01). Family communication quality mediated the associations of more groups and more IM functions used with family well-being (mediated proportions: 75.5% and 69.5%, respectively) and personal happiness (mediated proportions: 66.4% and 46.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing that, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, having more family e-chat groups and using more IM functions including sending/receiving photos/pictures and making video calls in family e-chat groups, were associated with better family well-being and personal happiness, and about half to three-quarters of these associations were mediated by family communication quality. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the associations. People without or with low use of family e-chat groups would need more attention and assistance.

How Do Doctors and Nurses in Emergency Departments in Hong Kong View Their Disaster Preparedness? A Cross-Sectional Territory-Wide Online Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rex P. K. Lam ◽  
Satchit Balsari ◽  
Kevin K. C. Hung ◽  
Kai-hsun Hsiao ◽  
L. P. Leung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Disaster Preparedness ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Humanitarian Response ◽  
Perceived Preparedness ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the level of all-hazards disaster preparedness and training needs of emergency department (ED) doctors and nurses in Hong Kong from their perspective, and identify factors associated with high perceived personal preparedness.DesignThis study was a cross-sectional territory-wide online survey conducted from 9 September to 26 October, 2015.ParticipantsThe participants were doctors from the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine and nurses from the Hong Kong College of Emergency Nursing.MethodsWe assessed various components of all-hazards preparedness using a 25-item questionnaire. Backward logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with perceived preparedness.ResultsA total of 107 responses were analyzed. Respondents lacked training in disaster management, emergency communication, psychological first aid, public health interventions, disaster law and ethics, media handling, and humanitarian response in an overseas setting. High perceived workplace preparedness, length of practice, and willingness to respond were associated with high perceived personal preparedness.ConclusionsGiven the current gaps in and needs for increased disaster preparedness training, ED doctors and nurses in Hong Kong may benefit from the development of core-competency-based training targeting the under-trained areas, measures to improve staff confidence in their workplaces, and efforts to remove barriers to staff willingness to respond. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018; 12: 329–336)

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document