COVID-19 awareness, knowledge and perception towards digital health in an urban multi-ethnic Asian population

Cong Ling Teo,Miao Li Chee,Sahil Thakur,Yih-Chung Tham,Rachel Marjorie Wei Wen Tseng,Dinesh Visva Gunasekeran,Charumathi Sabanayagam,Shivani Majithia,Simon Nusinovici,Tien Yin Wong,Kai Hui Koh,Ching-Yu Cheng

doi:10.1038/s41598-021-90098-6

Abstract

This study aimed to determine COVID-19-related awareness, knowledge, impact and preparedness among elderly Asians; and to evaluate their acceptance towards digital health services amidst the pandemic. 523 participants (177 Malays, 171 Indians, 175 Chinese) were recruited and underwent standardised phone interview during Singapore’s lockdown period (07 April till 01 June 2020). Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the associations between demographic, socio-economic, lifestyle, and systemic factors, with COVID-19 awareness, knowledge, preparedness, well-being and digital health service acceptance. The average perception score on the seriousness of COVID-19 was 7.6 ± 2.4 (out of 10). 75.5% of participants were aware that COVID-19 carriers can be asymptomatic. Nearly all (≥ 90%) were aware of major prevention methods for COVID-19 (i.e. wearing of mask, social distancing). 66.2% felt prepared for the pandemic, and 86.8% felt confident with government’s handling and measures. 78.4% felt their daily routine was impacted. 98.1% reported no prior experience in using digital health services, but 52.2% felt these services would be helpful to reduce non-essential contact. 77.8% were uncomfortable with artificial intelligence software interpreting their medical results. In multivariable analyses, Chinese participants felt less prepared, and more likely felt impacted by COVID-19. Older and lower income participants were less likely to use digital health services. In conclusion, we observed a high level of awareness and knowledge on COVID-19. However, acceptance towards digital health service was low. These findings are valuable for examining the effectiveness of COVID-19 communication in Singapore, and the remaining gaps in digital health adoption among elderly.

Highlights

As of end January 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected approximately 100 million people, leading to more than 2 million deaths g lobally[1]
Older participants were less receptive to use digital medical service. In this multi-ethnic Asian elderly group, we evaluated the pandemic’s impact on the participant’s well-being, as well as their knowledge and awareness of COVID-19
This study presents present novel data on the perceptions of a multi-ethnic Asian population on COVID-19

Summary

Introduction

As of end January 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infected approximately 100 million people, leading to more than 2 million deaths g lobally[1]. Given the rapid spread of COVID-19, a society’s awareness and knowledge of COVID-19, key preventative measures (e.g., wearing masks) and acceptance of new models of care (e.g., video-consultations)[2] is important. Having a high level of awareness about recommended preventive health behaviour (e.g., mask wearing, hand hygiene) are essential safeguards against the community spread of COVID-19. All of these can significantly improve disease prevention, timely diagnosis and management. To determine COVID-19-related awareness, knowledge, impact and preparedness among elderly Asian adults. To evaluate their acceptance towards digital health services amidst the pandemic. Findings from this study would provide useful insights to aid development and design of COVID-19 related public measures, as we enter a new normal post COVID-19

Objectives

Results

Conclusion