Confinement Period Research Articles

Air pollution and health impacts during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Grenoble, France

It is undeniable that exposure to outdoor air pollution impacts the health of populations and therefore constitutes a public health problem. Any actions or events causing variations in air quality have repercussions on populations’ health. Faced with the worldwide COVID-19 health crisis that began at the end of 2019, the governments of several countries were forced, in the beginning of 2020, to put in place very strict containment measures that could have led to changes in air quality. While many works in the literature have studied the issue of changes in the levels of air pollutants during the confinements in different countries, very few have focused on the impact of these changes on health risks. In this work, we compare the 2020 period, which includes two lockdowns (March 16 - May 10 and a partial shutdown Oct. 30 - Dec. 15) to a reference period 2015–2019 to determine how these government-mandated lockdowns affected concentrations of NO2, O3, PM2.5, and PM10, and how that affected human health factors, including low birth weight, lung cancer, mortality, asthma, non-accidental mortality, respiratory, and cardiovascular illnesses. To this end, we structured 2020 into four periods, alternating phases of freedom and lockdowns characterized by a stringency index. For each period, we calculated (1) the differences in pollutant levels between 2020 and a reference period (2015–2019) at both background and traffic stations; and (2) the resulting variations in the epidemiological based relative risks of health outcomes. As a result, we found that relative changes in pollutant levels during the 2020 restriction period were as follows: NO2 (−32%), PM2.5 (−22%), PM10 (−15%), and O3 (+10.6%). The pollutants associated with the highest health risk reductions in 2020 were PM2.5 and NO2, while PM10 and O3 changes had almost no effect on health outcomes. Reductions in short-term risks were related to reductions in PM2.5 (−3.2% in child emergency room visits for asthma during the second lockdown) and NO2 (−1.5% in hospitalizations for respiratory causes). Long-term risk reductions related to PM2.5 were low birth weight (−8%), mortality (−3.3%), and lung cancer (−2%), and to NO2 for mortality (−0.96%). Overall, our findings indicate that the confinement period in 2020 resulted in a substantial improvement in air quality in the Grenoble area.

Chapitre 3. Enjeux juridiques et éthiques d’une téléconsultation préopératoire : analyse à partir du point de vue d’une patiente

This article is the result of an analysis carried out by two Master 2 students in medical liability law during an internship at the Center for Medical Ethics. Based on a patient’s account of a pre-opérative teleconsultation implemented during the first period of confinement, they carried out an analysis of the legal and ethical lessons that could be drawn from such a situation.

ICT Motivation in Sixth-Grade Students in Pandemic Times—The Influence of Gender and Age

Information and communication technology (ICT) is being immersed in people’s daily lives at an increasingly younger age. It has been key for adolescents to pursue distance education, and their use and mastery of technological means and tools with Internet access has increased. In this study, the motivation, specifically in the interest, digital competence, autonomy, and social interaction, generated by ICTs in the daily lives of adolescents during the pandemic caused by COVID-19 was analyzed. In the study, the objective was to study the motivation, use and commitment generated by ICTs in these students in relation to their gender and age after their confinement to the classroom caused by the first wave of incoming students. An experimental method of descriptive and correlative design was used along with a quantitative method to analyze the data. The data were obtained in the year 2020 through a validated questionnaire committed to the ICT scale used by PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). A total of 924 students from the sixth grade of primary education in the autonomous city of Ceuta (Spain), aged between 10 and 13, participated in the sample. The results reveal that the motivation and commitment to ICT in these age groups were medium in relation to the total mean of results on a Likert-5 scale. Boys scored higher in all the variables analyzed, and both age and gender show correlations, in addition to the factor of prediction. In conclusion, students in the sixth year of primary education, after the confinement period, were medium-high in their use and engagement of ICT. In addition, gender and age affected ICT use and engagement.

The impact of social isolation by COVID-19 on the epidemiological and clinical profiles of the burn patients. A retrospective study

BackgroundSocial isolation, imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, may imply changes in the clinical-demographic and epidemiological profiles of burn trauma victims. ObjectiveEvaluate the changes in the epidemiological profile of patients with burns that resulted in hospitalization during the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing with the same period in the previous year. MethodsThe medical records of burn patients who were hospitalized in our Burn Center during the local confinement period (March 18th to August 31st, 2020) and during the same period in 2019 were analyzed. Data on demographic, clinical and hospitalization aspects were studied. Results470 patients were evaluated. In the pediatric population, a significant increase in the number of cases up to 2 years old (P = 0.0003), median of %TBSA (P = 0.037), full-thickness burns (P < 0.0001), involvement of hands (P = 0.024), debridement (P = 0.046) and grafting (P = 0.032) procedures, and higher scores of severity (P < 0.0001) were noted. In the adult population, it was only observed an increase in the burn-hospitalization interval (P = 0.029). ConclusionThe pediatric population was heavily impacted by the imposed period of social isolation, presenting a greater severity of burns. In contrast, the epidemiology of burns for the adult population was slightly altered during the pandemic period.

A qualitative study of adolescents and young adults’ experience and perceived needs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

AimsCOVID-19 has led to unprecedented public health measures such as school and university closures across the world. While initial surveys show an increase in anxiety, we have little information on the subjective experience of adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The aims of this study were to understand the lived experience and needs of AYAs related to home confinement and preventive measures due to COVID-19. Demographics and settingsA total of 25 AYAs (13–24 years old) with diverse gender, age, or health conditions, living in Québec (Canada), were interviewed in May 2020, during the COVID-19 home confinement period. MethodologyFour virtual focus groups were held via a virtual video-conferencing platform (Zoom©). Thematic analysis was conducted. ResultsThematic analysis revealed five main themes: (1) challenges and opportunities related to the experience of home confinement; (2) variable risk perception of COVID-19 infection; (3) development of coping strategies to maintain well-being; (4) need for information and accompaniment; (5) apprehensions related to perceptions of the future. ConclusionAYAs did not feel considered in public health decisions, fostering an increase in anxiety, especially in more vulnerable AYAs living with chronic diseases.

Experience of women with multiple sclerosis during the period of compulsory home confinement due to COVID-19 in Spain

ABSTRACT Compulsory home confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic has had an influence on the physical and emotional health. Nevertheless, it has been more prevalent in women and in people with chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis, so the aim of this study was to know the experience of women with multiple sclerosis during the home confinement period in Spain. Seven women aged over 18 years, with a definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and who belonged to multiple sclerosis associations completed semi-structured interviews. Two main themes and multiple subthemes were identified. The first them was “living with multiple sclerosis during home confinement” which included the physical and emotional impact, confinement coping ability and time for reflection. The second theme was “the environment during confinement” and it included solidarity and support, family cooperation, importance of peer contact and adjustments in the health environment during the pandemic. The period of compulsory home confinement in Spain did not worsen the physical and emotional symptoms of these women. This might be related to the increased support they had received as well as the continuity of their rehabilitation activities at home. Regarding changes in health system, the participants referred the necessity to return to face-to-face visits.

THE IMPACT OF CANCEL CULTURE ON KAROL CONKÁ CAREER

This paper analyzes the impact of the cancel culture on Karol Conká’s career after participating at brazilian´s TV Globo show called Big Brother Brasil in 2021. Conká was invited to participate as a celebrity and social media influencer to join the reality show and compete for the money prize with non-celebrities. Considering the visibility that the program provides to participants and audience, the research proposes a case study on the transgressions that caused the cancellation of the artist during the period of confinement in the house and the strategies used to reconstruct her public image. This work at Social Communication main field of studies aimed to reference as theoretical concepts digital social media, visibility and digital influencers, to trace a path to the functioning of social networks dynamics. Karol Conká is a justified case study because she was eliminated with the highest rejection rate at Big Brother Brother´s history. The conflicts she was involved in during the show resulted in a loss of thousands followers on Instagram and brought important consequences for her career. As a result, the case study shows that the strategy of silence followed by mental balance narrative was well succeeded to recover audience empathy.

The Impact of Lockdown during COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity: a Web-based Cross-sectional Survey

INTRODUCTION: Home lockdown enforced during COVID-19 pandemic may have affected individuals’ lifestyles and, possibly, their physical activity (PA) levels. In this study, we aimed to assess changes in Portuguese PA levels during lockdown.METHODS: We conducted an online survey based on the Special eurobarometer public opinion survey on sports and physical activity in April 2020 in order to collect data about the Portuguese PA levels before and during the home confinement period. PA was assessed by three outcome variables: (i) compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) aerobic PA recommendations, (ii) daily sitting time, (iii) and weekly walking time, with pre- lockdown and during lockdown levels being compared for each. Multinomial regression models were used to identify variables that were associated to changes in PA levels.RESULTS: We obtained 1281 responses (36.4% males). Most participants had high academic levels (73%) and were employed (76.3%). Lockdown was associated with significant decreases in aerobic PA levels (50.0% participants met WHO recommendations for aerobic PA levels before lockdown versus 38.8% during that period; p&lt;0.001) and average weekly walking time (97.2 versus 72.4 minutes; p&lt;0.001), as well as with increases in daily sitting time (p&lt;0.001). We did not identify variables consistently associated with increasing or decreasing PA during lockdown.CONCLUSION: Home lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with a decrease in PA levels. In the likely event of another waves, when confinement may again be implemented, these data can be used to better prepare and to promote PA during that period.

Changes in the Lifestyle of the Spanish University Population during Confinement for COVID-19.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on eating and physical activity behavior, in a university population. A healthy diet such as the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern, rich in fruit and vegetables, can prevent degenerative diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. We conducted a cross-sectional study and data were collected by an anonymous online questionnaire. Participants completed a survey consisting of 3 sections: sociodemographic data; dietary behavior and physical activity; the Mediterranean Diet questionnaire (MEDAS-14) and the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ). A total of 168 participants completed the questionnaire: 66.7% were women, 79.2% were from Spain, 76.8% were students, 76.2% lived in their family home and 66.1% were of normal weight. During lockdown our population shopped for groceries 1 time or less per week (76.8%); maintained the same consumption of fruits (45.2%), vegetables (50.6%), dairy products (61.9%), pulses (64.9%), fish/seafood (57.7%), white meat (77.4%), red and processed meat (71.4%), pastries and snacks (48.2%), rice/pasta/potatoes (70.2%) and nuts (62.5%), spirits (98.8%) and sugary drinks (91.7%). Cooking time increased (73.2%) and the consumption decreased of low alcohol drinks (60.1%), spirits (75%) and sugary drinks (57.1%), and physical activity also diminished (49.4%). University Employees (UE) gained more weight (1.01 ± 0.02) than students (0.99 ± 0.03) (p < 0.05) during the confinement period. A total of 79.8% of the participants obtained a Medium/High Adherence to the MD during lockdown. Emotional and very emotional eaters were higher in the female group (p < 0.01). In the event of further confinement, strategies should be implemented to promote a balanced and healthy diet together with the practice of physical activity, taking special care of the female and UE groups.

Impact of the 2020 French lockdown due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on emergency consultations for pediatric burns in a regional referral hospital

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2 pandemic required the establishment of total lockdown in France from March 17 to May 11, 2020. We analyzed the impact of this lockdown on the pediatric burn population consulting in our burn unit during this period compared to data from previous years in order to analyze our model of emergency care for children burned during this unprecedented situation.Material and methodsWe carried out a retrospective single-center study by reviewing files concerning emergency consultations for children burns during the total lockdown in France in 2020 (COVID group) compared to the same weeks of 2018 and 2019 (no-COVID group).ResultsWe find a significant decrease in the number of consultations (P = 0.02) during the confinement period. In the “COVID” group, we found a significant increase in burn to the hand (P = 0.03) and lower limbs (P = 0.03). The other criteria evaluated did not find any difference between the groups. Assessment of a possible rebound effect within 2 weeks of total lockdown found an increased incidence of the children burn consultation, an increased number of older children and mainly male.ConclusionThe decrease in the number of consultations alerts us to a potential increase in the functional sequelae of burns in these patients at risk. Longer-term follow-up will allow us to assess the consequences of this lockdown on this particularly at-risk population.

"COVID-19 in Trials and Tribulations" Project: A Self-Regulation-Based Support Response for Confined Families through Social Networks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed today’s society in an unprecedented scenario. During Portugal’s first home confinement period (March–July 2020), the online-based “COVID-19 in Trials and Tribulations” project was implemented to support families with school-aged children. The project was grounded on the self-regulation framework and delivered through Facebook® and Instagram® pages. Being responsive to ongoing developments of the pandemic, activities were conveyed in two phases. Phase 1 occurred during lockdown (school was suspended). Phase 2 occurred while students were enrolled in at-distance (online) school. The present study aimed to examine the reach of the project, while examining the content and format of delivery that generated the most engagement among the users (4500 Facebook® effective followers; 1200 Instagram® effective followers) during the confinement period. Results showed that, at the individual page level, Facebook® had higher reach indicators compared to Instagram®, except for video. At the Facebook® post level, followers and users showed more engagement with the page prior to the at-distance schooling phase; however, videos still generated engagement (p = 0.002). Both the post type (p < 0.01) and frequency (p < 0.001) of publication were suggested to be good predictors of engagement. The information gathered will help design and inform future interventions that may be implemented as new lockdowns are set in place.

Detraining Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Fitness, Cytokines, C-Reactive Protein and Immunocytes in Men of Various Age Groups.

Background and Objectives: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus II, levels of physical inactivity have become more severe and widespread than ever before. Physical inactivity is known to have a negative effect on the human body, but the extent to which reduced physical fitness has effected immune function before and after the current pandemic has not yet been uncovered. The aim of this study was to investigate the detraining effects of the COVID-19 confinement period on physical fitness, immunocytes, inflammatory cytokines, and proteins in various age groups. The participants of this study included sixty-four male adults who did not exercise during the pandemic, although they had exercised regularly before. Materials and Methods: Participants were classified by age group, which included the 20s group (20s’G, n = 14), 30s group (30s’G, n = 12), 40s group (40s’G, n = 12), 50s group (50s’G, n = 12), and 60s group (60s’G, n = 14). Results: Regarding body composition, muscle mass significantly decreased, whereas fat mass, fat percentage, and waist/hip ratio significantly increased in most groups. Cardiopulmonary endurance and strength significantly decreased in all groups, while muscle endurance and flexibility decreased in some groups compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic. This study confirmed the immunocytopenia and enhanced inflammation due to physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a greater detrimental decrease mainly after the age of 50. Conclusion: This study confirmed a decrease in physical fitness after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by an increase in fat mass and a decrease in muscle mass, thereby increasing cytokines and reducing immunocytes in the body. While social distancing is important during the pandemic, maintaining physical fitness should also be a top priority.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Lifestyles of University Students: A Spanish Online Survey.

The present study aimed to investigate the perceived changes in lifestyle behaviors among Spanish university students during COVID-19-related confinement. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted during April 2020. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were then obtained. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was used to assess the lifestyles of the 488 participants who took part in the study. Of the participants, 76.3% were female. Overall, the lifestyles of university students significantly deteriorated during the period of confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. University female students were especially affected compared to their male fellows (p = 0.010). For women, social and family relationships (p < 0.001), personality (p < 0.001), interior (p < 0.001), and career (p < 0.001) were the aspects that worsened during confinement. For men, lack of physical exercise (p < 0.001), social and family relationships (p < 0.001), and career (p = 0.002) were affected to a greater extent. In both cases, confinement was a protective factor against the consumption of tobacco, toxins (p < 0.001), and alcohol (p < 0.001). Gender (p = 0.008) and obesity (p = 0.044) were the two factors that most affected the change in the score of the FANTASTIC questionnaire. Spanish university students’ lifestyles worsened during the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those of women, who were the most affected. Some aspects, such as those related to social and emotional behaviors, were deeply affected, while confinement could be a protective factor against previous toxic habits.

Changes in dietary behaviors and food-related accessibility issues and information needs during the COVID-19 pandemic: comparison based on household economic status

Objective This study aimed to assess the household income changes during COVID-19 pandemic among Japanese adults, and to evaluate how this was related to changes in dietary behaviors and food-related accessibility issues and information needs during the emergency period.Method We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in July, 2020 among residents (aged 20-69 years) of the 13 prefectures under special confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were asked about their dietary behaviors before the pandemic (before February 2020) and during the confinement period (April-May 2020), as well as about their food-related accessibility issues and information needs during the confinement period. Data from 2,225 residents were analyzed. Participants were divided into three groups (decreased, unchanged, and increased) based on the household income changes due to COVID-19. Demographics, dietary behaviors, and food-related accessibility issues and information needs were then compared among these three groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the effect of household income changes on dietary behavior changes, food-related accessibility issues, and food-related information needs, while adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Furthermore, the effect of household income changes and subjective economic status were also analyzed using multiple logistic regression analyses.Result The participant distribution in each group were as follows: decreased (34.6%), unchanged (63.9%), and increased (1.6%). Higher proportion of those who were employed part-time, self-employed, or unemployed during the confinement period were found among the decreased group. The odds ratios (OR) of the decreased group were significantly higher than the unchanged group for lower frequency of eating out, and for higher frequency of home-cooking, consuming ready-to-eat convenience meals, and eating with children during the confinement period. Furthermore, regardless of the subjective economic status, the decreased group experienced difficulties in accessing required foods because of shortages and congestion in grocery stores, as well as increased prices. Additionally, food-related information needs regarding reduction of food expenses were also high among the decreased group.Conclusion Participants with a decreased household income were more likely to experience difficulties with food accessibility and desire information about lowering food-related expenses. Furthermore, they reported lower frequency of eating out, and higher frequency of home-cooking and consuming ready-to-eat convenience meals during the confinement period than before the pandemic. Future studies should evaluate the direction (positive or negative) of these changed food consumption patterns.

English

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is now a major global health issue and quarantine is being applicated worldwide as a suppression measure. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychological and behavioural modifications associated with the first phase of the confinement period in Spanish population. Material and method: Variables of anxiety, sleep quality, motivation, food intake and physical activity habits and body weight were analysed in ninety-one participants (35.7±10.4 years old) at the beginning of the quarantine, after three days, one week, two weeks and three weeks of the confinement decreed in Spain. Results: A significant (P&lt;0.05) increase of 20% prevalence was found in the number of participants that started to exercise. Despite this, anxiety levels increased throughout the confinement, being significant after 2 weeks of isolation compared to the initial moment. None of the other variables significantly presented modifications. Correlation analysis showed that anxiety levels were positively related to the number of daily food intakes and negatively to sleep quality. On the other hand, the time dedicated to aerobic exercise was negatively related to body weight and the number of intakes, and positively to the time dedicated to anaerobic exercise (p &lt;0.05 for all correlations). Conclusion: We found how first phase of confinement period in the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain produced a significant increase in anxiety levels, and subjects that started to exercise, do not significantly affecting body weight, food intakes, sleep quality and motivation of subjects. Higher food ingestions per day positively correlated with anxiety and negatively with sleep quality

VR Users Are More Relaxed and Optimistic during COVID Lockdown than Others

Numerous studies have shown how the confinement period linked to the health situation of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) has been psychologically destructive for many people. These psychological disorders are generally linked to confinement and isolation. At the same time, virtual reality tools are becoming more popular, the level of immersion in cheap HMD (Head Mounted Display) helmets today allows access to a satisfactory level of presence. Our theory, widely supported by substantial literature, is that the regular use of immersive Virtual Reality during periods of confinement could allow users to better endure the psychological constraints. We observed the correlation between the weekly use of HMD Virtual Reality headsets, during the COVID-19 confinement period and the levels of well-being of users. Our study involved n = 56 participants divided into two groups of users and non-users of HMD headset. They answered 2 SWEMWBS and ONS questionnaires plus a social trust question. The results show a significant correlation between the use of virtual reality headset during COVID-19 lockdown and the level of relaxation and optimistic feeling but also a correlation between this use of VR (Virtual Reality) HMD and the feeling of being less close to others during the same period.

Autonomía emocional feminista: bordando experiencias cotidianas del confinamiento

This article approaches the generation of emotional autonomy’s narratives for women in a period of pandemic and confinement, conditions that in Mexico and Latin America have resisted the situation of violence against them, severe even before the health crisis occurred. These narratives have been elaborated based on personal experience from virtual collective initiatives through embroidery as a form of feminist political action from the everyday with favorable consequences on mental health.

Prevalence and characterization of forgoing care: comparison of two prospective multicentre cohorts between pre-COVID-19 era and a lockdown period

BackgroundLittle is known about patients who forego healthcare, although it is an important provider of unfavorable health-related outcomes. Forgoing healthcare characterizes situations in which people do not initiate or interrupt a care process, even though they perceive the need for it, whether or not this need is medically proven. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence and the determinants of patients who forego healthcare. The second aim was to compare the characteristics of patients who gave up healthcare during the French lockdown due to COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted two multicenter cross-sectional studies in 2017 and 2020 carried out in French patients presenting to the emergency departments. Patients who gave their consent to participate were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. It consisted of two parts: epidemiological characteristics and health care refusal. A third part concerning the renunciation of care during the COVID-19 period was added to the second study period.ResultsA total of 1878 patients had completed the questionnaire during the interview with the physicians, 900 during the first period in 2017 (47.9%) and 978 (52.1%) during the second period. A total of 401/1878 patients reported not seeking care in the last 12 months (21.4% [95%CI: 19.5–23.3%]). In 2020, patients forewent care more during the confinement period than outside with different characteristics of the foregoing care populations.ConclusionForgoing care is common in a universal health care system such as France’s and increased during the pandemic. Key public health messages targeted at the reasons for not seeking care must now be disseminated in order to combat this.

Short confinement of sows after farrowing, but not pen type affects live-born piglet mortality

Over the last decades, permanent crating of farrowing and lactating sows has led to serious public concerns with regard to sow welfare. As one alternative, it has been suggested to restrict crating to the period when suckling piglets are at the highest risk to die. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate live-born piglet mortality with regard to different confinement periods (CFP) as well as farrowing pen types. On three research farms (A, B and C), four confinement periods were compared: In CFP 0 (control), sows were not confined at all, sows in CFP 3 were crated after the end of farrowing for three days. In CFP 4, sows were confined one day before the due date of farrowing until three days after parturition and sows in CFP 6 were crated one day before expected farrowing until five days after parturition. Furthermore, five different pen types designed for temporary crating (PT; 5.5–7.3 m2) were compared. In total, production data from 638 litters were analysed. For each piglet found dead (n = 1 580), the cause of death was determined by the farm personnel and verified by necropsy (all three farms) and additional video analysis (farms A and B only). Data were analysed using logistic mixed models with CFP 0 and pen type Fluegel as reference categories (CFP 0 was control and this pen type was present on all three farms and the largest number of litters was born in this pen type). Live-born piglet mortality was lower in temporarily crated sows than in sows without confinement (CFP 0; P < 0.015). Pairwise posthoc tests did not reveal differences between CFP 3, CFP 4 and CFP 6 (odds ratios 0.75, 0.59 and 0.69), nor between pen types. Additional factors associated with increasing live-born piglet mortality were larger litter size, higher sow parity as well as the administration of hormones around farrowing. Factors influencing mortality due to crushing were similar to those for total live-born mortality with the exception of CFP 3 not differing significantly from CFP 0. It can be concluded, that confinement of the sow for three days after farrowing is an effective measure to reduce live-born piglet mortality in the pen types tested. An extension of the confinement period to five days after parturition does not result in a further reduction of live-born mortality rate.

Fear and Attitude towards SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection in Spanish Population during the Period of Confinement.

In January 2020, the WHO classified SARS-CoV-2 infection as a public health emergency and it was declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020. The media warned about the danger of infection, fuelling the population’s fear of the new situation and increasing the perception of risk. This fear can cause behaviour that will determine the course of the pandemic and, therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyse the fear of infection from COVID-19 among the Spanish population during the state of emergency. A cross-sectional, descriptive observational study was conducted with 16,372 participants. Data on sociodemographic factors, health factors, risk perception and fear were collected through an online survey. Level of fear is associated with older age, a lower level of education, having a person infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the immediate surroundings and living with and belonging to the most socioeconomically vulnerable group of people. Risk perception is associated with increased preventive behaviour. This paper provides relevant information for the public health sector since it contributes first-hand knowledge of population data that is highly useful in terms of prevention. Understanding the experiences of people in this pandemic helps to create more effective future intervention strategies in terms of planning and management for crisis situations.