Fear Of Coronavirus Research Articles

Investigation of the level of physical activity, coronavirus fear, and quality of life in oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Background/Aim: There are no studies examining quality of life, anxiety levels, physical activities, and Covid-19 fear levels in people with cancer. The aim of this study was to examine physical activity status, coronavirus fear levels, and quality of life in oncological individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This study was conducted among oncology patients. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Scale (RAPA 1), the level of fear with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the quality of life with the COVID-19 Impact on Quality of Life Scale (COV19-QoLTR). Results: The study was completed by 78 patients. Thirty-eight patients tested positive for COVID-19. Patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher FCV-19S and COV19-QoL scores and lower scores of RAPA 1 (P<0.001). Also, FCV-19S was positively correlated with COV19-QoLTR and negatively correlated with RAPA 1 scores (P<0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest the need for more clarity and tailoring of physical activity-related advice for oncology patients with COVID-19 and improved support to resume activities important to individual well-being.

Coronavirus fear of contagion and compliance with social distancing measures: evidence for a sample of a Spanish university community.

Social distancing measures have been one of the core pillars of the strategy against COVID-19 in all the countries. This study aims at understanding what motivates behaviours and compliance with social distancing measures among students and workers from a Spanish public university. We carry out two logistics models considering two different dependent variables: not maintaining social relation with non-cohabiting people and not to leave home except for emergencies (n=507, sample is formed by students and workers from the University of Cantabria in the North of Spain). Being very concerned about getting ill suggests higher risk of not maintaining social relation with non-cohabiting people. Getting older increase the probability of not leaving home except for emergencies as happens with those who are very concerned about getting ill. Young people often living with vulnerable older relatives may affect students' behaviour. Our findings suggest that compliance with social distancing measures depends on several factors related to age, the number or kind of cohabiting people and level of concern about getting ill. Policies should address all these factors through a multidisciplinary perspective.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental status of health workers at sports clubs

Objective: COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people as well as athletes and healthcare professionals mentally. Although there are many studies examining the effect of the pandemic on the mental status of athletes and hospital staff, its effect on the psychological status of professionals providing athlete health care is unknown. This study investigates the effect of the pandemic on the mental health status of health workers of employed in sports clubs. Method: A total of 192 physicians, physiotherapists and masseurs employed in four different sports branches (football, basketball, volleyball, handball) participated in this survey study, which was conducted one year after the outbreak of the pandemic. Three questionnaires, including Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Coronavirus Fear Scale were administered to evaluate the mental status of the participants. Results: Physiotherapists' DASS-21 total and stress subgroup scores were found to be higher than those of masseurs (p=0.013, p=0.016, respectively). When compared by sports branches, the measurement results of healthcare professionals were similar (p>0.05). The DASS-21 anxiety subgroup scores were found to be higher in those who had COVID-19 infection than in those who did not (p=0.004). Nevertheless, the mean scores of the participants were in the normal range. Conclusion: In this study, which was conducted about a year after the beginning of the pandemic, the COVID-19 pandemic and the coronavirus infection did not have a significant effect on the mental state of the sports health workers. This can be attributed to the fact that healthcare professionals have adapted to the pandemic process.

Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome and Fear of COVID-19 among Adolescent University Students.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout syndrome in adolescents entering university studies, to detect differences in burnout levels, personality factors and fear of coronavirus in a pandemic context due to COVID-19. A cross-sectional predictive study was performed with a sample that comprised 134 individuals in their first year of a Psychology degree at Spanish universities. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale were applied. The prevalence of burnout is estimated according to three methods: Maslach and Jackson's severity classification, Golembiewski's phase model and Maslach et al.'s profile model. The estimates show significant differences. The results indicated that between 9 and 21% of students were at risk of developing burnout. On the other hand, students who reported having suffered psychological consequences of the pandemic showed greater emotional exhaustion, neuroticism and fear of COVID-19, and a lower level of personal accomplishment than those who did not suffer such consequences. Neuroticism was the only significant predictor for all burnout dimensions, and fear of COVID-19 did not contribute to any of them.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine attitude in people with multiple sclerosis, its correlation with demographic factors, and fear of coronavirus: A cross-sectional survey.

Background: Despite special global considerations which have been made to prioritize vaccination of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), some are reluctant to get vaccinated. This study was aimed to evaluate the attitude toward coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccine and its probable correlations. Methods: Considering the study objectives, two valid questionnaires including Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and attitude questionnaires were administered pre and post COVID-19 vaccination among people with MS. Results: The questionnaires were administered among 349 people with MS pre and post vaccination. The mean age of participants was 38.78 ± 8.68 (range: 19 to 64) years. They all received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Sinopharm). Although about 90% of participants felt satisfied after getting vaccinated and respected the preventive actions like social distancing and wearing face mask after vaccination, about 40% of them did not recommend vaccination to other patients. None of the demographic data was predictor of attitude score in COVID-19 vaccine and the only effective factor regarding fear of COVID-19 among people with MS was gender (P = 0.001). It was found that the more a patient's fear score was, the more he/she felt satisfied after vaccination. Those patients who had got the influenza vaccine last year felt more satisfied with the vaccine and accepted the COVID-19 vaccine easier than others. Conclusion: This study revealed that there was an inverse correlation between fear of coronavirus and less trust in the vaccine in patients with MS. However, it should be mentioned that the patients felt more satisfied after COVID-19 vaccination.

The effect of COVID-19 fear on prenatal distress and childbirth preference in primipara

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of COVID-19 fear on prenatal distress and childbirth preference in primipara. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 206 primipara women in Istanbul between June and December 2021. The data were collected with an information form, "The Fear of COVID-19 Scale" and "The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire." The median of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was 14.00 (7-31) and the median of the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire was 10.00 (0-21). A statistically significant positive and weak correlation was found between "The Fear of COVID-19 Scale" and "The Prenatal Distress Questionnaire" (r=0.21; p=0.00). Overall, 75.2% of pregnant women preferred normal (vaginal) delivery. There was no statistically significant relationship between "The Fear of COVID-19 Scale" and childbirth preference (p>0.05). It was determined that fear of coronavirus increases prenatal distress. Women should be supported to cope with fear of COVID-19 and prenatal distress, both during the preconceptional and antenatal periods.

Determining the COVID-19 Knowledge, Awareness and Anxiety Levels of Intern Dentists

Introduction: COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The nature of dentistry leads to close contact with patients and exposure to saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids during treatment processes and it is a field where high-frequency devices that can make it easier for virus contamination are used. This study aims to determine the knowledge and approaches of COVID-19 infection control of intern dentists who have begun face-to-face education and their COVID-19-related fear and anxiety levels. Methods: The study comprised 4th and 5th-year students who began face-to-face education at the Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry 2020/2021 spring semester. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool for this study. The data were collected using a knowledge questionnaire and a COVID-19 fear and anxiety scale. Results: The average COVID-19 knowledge score of the students was 63.65±9.64, their coronavirus fear average score was 17.63±5.57, and their anxiety average score was found to be 2.37±3.32. A positive relationship was found between the anxiety scores and the COVID-19 fear scores. The results of this study show that the COVID-19 knowledge level and fear of dentistry students are moderate and that their COVID-19 anxiety level is low. Conclusion: It was found that the knowledge and fear of coronavirus levels of intern dentistry students were moderate and that their coronavirus anxiety level was low.

Investigation of the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mother to infant bonding in postpartum women

<b>Objective: </b>The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and mother to infant bonding in postpartum women.<br /> <b>Material and methods: </b>This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted online from social media platforms. The women who were in the postpartum period (between 1-40 days), using smart phones, and healthy for themselves and their babies were included in the study. The sample was determined by power analysis and the study was completed with 205 puerperal women. Personal Information Form, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fear Scale and Mother to Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) were used to collect data.<br /> <b>Results: </b>It was determined that the mean score of the Women's Fear of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Scale was 16.85±6.42 and the mean score of the Mother to Infant Bonding Scale was 3.18±3.58. It was found that there was no significant relationship between fear of coronavirus and mother to infant bonding levels of the women participating in the study (r=0.046, p=0.478). It has been observed that the income status of women, regular doctor check-ups, having a coronavirus disease, being vaccinated against COVID-19 affect the fear of COVID-19, while mother to infant bonding is affected by regular doctor check-ups, being vaccinated against COVID-19, and losing their family due to COVID-19.<br /> <b>Conclusion: </b>It was concluded that women in the postpartum period should be supported by health professionals from the pregnancy period in order to cope with the fear of COVID-19 and to achieve safe and healthy mother to infant bonding.

FEAR OF COVID-19 İN FACULTY OF HEALTH SCİENCES STUDENTS

Çalışmada Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi öğrencilerinin COVID-19 korku düzeylerinin ve ilişkili faktörlerin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Tanımlayıcı nitelikte olan bu çalışma bir üniversitenin Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi’nde öğrenim gören olasılıksız örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilen 341 gönüllü öğrencinin katılımıyla tamamlanmıştır. Veri toplama aracı olarak anket formu ve Koronavirüs Korku Ölçeği kullanılmış olup anket formu ve Koronavirüs Korku Ölçeği internet ortamında hazırlanıp sosyal medya üzerinden öğrencilere link gönderilerek gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma için etik kurul ve kurum izni alınmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk, t-testi, One Way Anova, Post Hoc testi olarak LCD kullanılmıştır. Öğrencilerin yaş ortalaması 21,19±0,13 yıl, %8,2’si erkek, %78,3’ü kentsel bölgede yaşamakta, %12,6’sı sigara içmekte, %8,2’si alkol tüketmekte ve %8,8’inin kronik hastalığı mevcut olup %9,1’i sürekli ilaç kullanmaktadır. Öğrencilerin Koronavirüs Korku Ölçeğinden aldıkları puan ortalaması 17,70±5,84’tür. Ekonomik durumunu kötü olarak ifade eden ve COVID-19 ile ilgili haberleri takip eden öğrencilerin koronavirüs korku düzeyleri daha yüksek bulunurken, sigara kullanımı, yakınında COVID-19 tanısı almış birey bulunma ve ailede 65 yaş ve üstü birey olma durumu ile koronavirüs korku düzeyi arasında fark bulunmamıştır. Konuyla ilgili diğer çalışmalara benzer şekilde Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi öğrencilerinin koronavirüs korkusunun orta düzeyde olduğu ve ekonomik durum ile çeşitli haber kaynaklarının takibinin koronavirüs korkusunu arttırdığı bulunmuştur. Çalışmanın sonlandırıldığı tarihten sonra dünya genelinde ve Türkiye’de görülen vaka artışlarının öğrencilerin korku düzeylerinde bir değişikliğe yol açıp açmadığını ortaya koyacak yeni çalışmaların yapılması faydalı olacaktır.

EPH67 Sleep Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The aim of our research is to define sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and stress that can be associated with the coronavirus during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in 2021, by non-random sampling (n=222) in Hungary. We applied a questionnaire survey. Group of questions: socio-demographic variables, economic activity during the pandemic and quarantine, health behaviour. Validated questionnaires: Zung self-rating anxiety scale, COVID Stress Scale, Patient health questionnaire, Groningen Sleep Quality questionnaire. In addition to the descriptive statistical analysis χ2-test, Independent t-test, ANOVA were applied (p<0.05) with SPSS software. 18% of patients had moderate to severe depression and 5% had severe depression. Women (66.1%) have a significantly higher rate of depression (p=0.028) than men (33.9%). Physically active (14.3%) p=0.021) and non- or low-smokers had a lower rate of moderate to severe depression than those with no change in physical activity (63.4%) and less exercise (22%). 82.4% of respondents had normal and 17.6% had mild anxiety levels. 58.6% of respondents had sleep disorders. Among those without depression, there was a significantly (p<0.001) lower rate of sleep disorder (30% vs. 37.7%). According to the COVID-19 stress scale, the highest score is observed on the sub-scales for fear of danger (9.5) and related compulsion (7.8). Men (11.29) reported significantly (p<0.001) higher values on the coronavirus fear subscale (7.5) and the xenophobia subscale (3.8). On the subscale of compulsive checks, the stress score of women (7.39) was also significantly (p=0.009) lower than that of men (9.29). Insomnia, anxiety, and depression were very common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health prevention programs are needed to prevent chronicity and reduce adverse outcomes.

The Relationship between the Need for Closure and Coronavirus Fear: The Mediating Effect of Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19.

This study investigated the relationship between fear of the coronavirus, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and dimensions of the need for cognitive closure. As there is evidence of associations between these variables, we hypothesized that the relationship between the need for closure dimensions and coronavirus fear may be mediated by conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19. We analyzed the results from 380 individuals who completed online versions of three scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, a short version of the Need for Closure Scale, and-designed for this study-the Conspiracy Theories about the Coronavirus Scale. The results showed that belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories fully mediated the relationship between the fear of the coronavirus and avoidance of ambiguity, as well as closed-mindedness. The findings provided evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories may play a significant role in reducing the level of coronavirus fear in people with high levels of these traits. In addition, a partial mediation between the fear of the coronavirus and the need for predictability was found. The limitations and implications of the research are discussed.

The Effect of Fear of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on Attitudes Toward Cancer Screening

Background: Although cancer screening plays a critical role in the early detection of cancer, fear caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is reported to have significantly obstructed cancer screening programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of fear of coronavirus (Covid-19) on attitudes toward cancer screening. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was completed with 300 individuals. The data were collected from patients presenting to the clinic of an education and research hospital between April and July, 2021. An information form, the Fear of Covid-19 Scale, and the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening were employed as data collection tools. Results: The mean age of the participants was 46.66±13.39 years, 56.7% were women, and 44% were university graduates. The mean Fear of Covid-19 Scale score was 20.53, and the mean Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening score was 99.79. Conclusion: Participants in this study experienced a moderate level of fear and exhibited positive attitudes toward cancer screening programs, although positive attitudes regarding cancer screening decreased as fear of Covid-19 increased.

Investigation of The Relationship Between Precautionary Behaviors, Fear of Coronavirus And Locus of Control During The Coronavirus Outbreak

Koronavirüs (Covid-19) kısa zamanda dünyanın tamamına yayılmış ve pandemi olarak tanımlanmıştır. İnsanlara riski en aza indirmek için birçok önleyici davranış önerilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, koronavirüs korkusu, kontrol odağı ve hastalıktan korunmaya yönelik hijyen davranışları arasındaki ilişkiler incelenmiştir. Araştırmanın örneklemi 18-60 yaş arasında 208 kişiden oluşmaktadır. Katılımcılara, ‘Covid-19 Korkusu Ölçeği’, ‘Covid-19 Hijyen Ölçeği’ ve ‘Kontrol Odağı Ölçeği’ uygulanmış ve veriler çevrimiçi olarak toplanmıştır. Sonuçlar, koronavirüs korkusunun kadınlarda daha yüksek olduğunu ve kadınların koronavirüsten korunmaya yönelik daha fazla hijyen davranışlarında bulunduğunu göstermiştir. Koronavirüs korkusunun hijyen davranışlarının tüm alt boyutlarını (salgınla değişen hijyen davranışları, ev hijyeni, sosyal mesafe ve maske kullanımı, alışveriş hijyeni, el hijyeni ve dışarıdan eve gelindiğinde hijyen) pozitif yönde yordadığı bulunmuştur. Ayrıca kişilerin dış kontrol algısı arttıkça maske kullanımına ve sosyal mesafeye daha az uyum gösterdikleri saptanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, cinsiyetler arasındaki farklılıklar, koronavirüs korkusu düzeyi ve kontrol odağı önlemlere uyum açısından dikkat edilmesi gereken noktalardır. Önlem alma davranışıyla ilişkili etmenlerin açıklanmasının, kişilerin uyumunu sağlamaya yönelik müdahalelerin geliştirilmesine de katkı sağlayacağı öngörülmektedir.

An integrated model of psychotherapeutic support in the system of therapy for COVID-19 patients

Introduction. To date, it has been already established that COVID-19 has a negative impact not only on the physical condition, but also on the mental health of the population in every country of the world. Many people have a fear of coronavirus, which is usually associated with the possible risk of infection, the lack of pathogenetic treatment, unpredictable course of the disease, as well as total uncertainty. All of the above causes negative psychological reactions. according to a scientific review published by the World Health Organization, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a quarter of a percent in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to develop an integrated model of psychotherapeutic support for patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: а comprehensive clinical-psychopathological and psychodiagnostic examination of 125 patients with COVID-19 and non-psychotic mental disorders, of both sexes, with an average age of 36.0±3.4 years, was conducted. Results. The findngs of the clinical-psychopathological study suggest that the clinical picture of non-psychotic mental disorders in the examined patients is represented by astheno-neurotic, anxious, depressive and cognitive syndromes. The psychotherapeutic program included indivi­dual and group psychotherapy and psychoeducation. An important component of the psychothe­rapeutic support program was psychoeducation aimed at developing an adequate system of ideas about the neurotoxic impact and consequences of COVID-19, understanding the main psychopathological syndromes caused by the disease, involving patients in active participation in treatment, and teaching methods of overcoming immersion in the disease. Conclusions. The analysis of the clinical findings of using the developed program showed a positive dynamic of the emotional state, a decrease in the expressiveness of anxiety-depressive symptoms, a positive transformation of coping strategies, the transition of non-constructive types of attitudes to the disease into adaptive, constructive ones, and an increase in the quality of life. Keywords: professionally important qualities, nuclear terrorism, hostages, performance of professional functions, neuropsychological stability, NPP control panel operators.

Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome Moderates the Relationship Between Fear of Coronavirus and Symptoms of Coronavirus-Specific Health Anxiety

This study was aimed at exploring the possible roles of the cognitive attentional syndrome (CAS) and metacognitive beliefs in moderating the relationships between fear of coronavirus during the pandemic and health anxiety. Because some symptoms of health anxiety may overlap with symptoms of other anxiety disorders, we also tried to ascertain whether our hypothesized relations would be maintained when taking other anxiety disorder symptoms into account. We hypothesized that CAS strategies and meta-beliefs would play a role in the progression from fears of the coronavirus to coronavirus health anxiety. The method done was a cross-sectional study with n = 783 participants who completed questionnaires on fear of coronavirus, coronavirus-specific health anxiety, CAS, and symptoms of anxiety disorders. Fear of coronavirus and coronavirus health anxiety are correlated with medium effect size. CAS and metacognitive beliefs moderate the relationship between fear of coronavirus and symptoms of coronavirus-specific health anxiety. CAS predicts a unique part of health anxiety symptoms variance above symptoms of other anxiety disorders. The results of this cross-sectional study preclude causal inferences but tentatively suggest that CAS strategies may play a role in moderating the relationship between fear of coronavirus and coronavirus-related health anxiety. These relationships were obtained after controlling for variance shared with agoraphobia, social phobia, and general physical symptoms of anxiety.

Fear of COVID-19 among residents of Soran district

Abstract The study aims to identify the level of fear of the Corona virus Covid-19 among the residents of Soran district and to demonstrate the differences between the scores of the sample members on the scale of fear of the Corona virus “Covid-19” according to the sex variable. The sample includes (384) participants, 211 (54.9%) male and 173 (45.1%) female. In order to collect data, they are selected in a non-random, quota manner in (10) administrations in Soran district. After the psychometric procedures of the questionnaire, a measuring instrument of 22 items is prepared according to (five-likert scale). Then, by using (One Sample t. Test) law the research concludes that the level of fear of Covid-19 was low. After that, depending on (Independent Sample Test), it identifies that there are statistically significant differences according to the gender variables; females face greater fear of Corona virus in comparison to males. Key words: Fear, COVID-19, residents of Soran District

A Study of Psychiatric Comorbidity and Fear of Corona Virus in Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder during Covid-19 Pandemic

Background and objective: The WHO declared the Chinese outbreak of COVID-19 to be health risk of National and International Concern from 30th January 2020. This has significant implications on mental health , especially for patients of OCD in various ways. This study was aimed to study Psychiatric comorbidity and Fear of Corona virus in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during COVID-19 pandemic and compare socio-demographic &amp; clinical variables between patients of OCD with or without psychiatric comorbidity during COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: In person interview including 96 old and new symptomatic patients of OCD diagnosed as per ICD 10-DCR, who had onset of illness prior to COVID-19 (march 2020), between the age of 18-60 years was conducted. The disease severity was recorded on D-YBOCS, HAM-A and HAM-D. The two groups of OCD, with comorbidity and without comorbidity were compared. Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to analyse fear of corona virus.Results: Depression was the most common psychiatric comorbidity. The fear of coronavirus in 59.4% OCD patients was observed to be mild in severity and the mean FCV-19S score to be 14.42 ± 4.19. Positive correlation was found between FCV-19S score and the YBOCS obsession subtotal score, YBOCS compulsion subtotal score, YBOCS total score, HAM-D score and HAM-A score. FCV-19S score also had a statistically significant positive correlation with D-YBOCS severity score for contamination and cleaning, severity score for hoarding and collecting, severity score for symmetry and severity score for aggression. Among the OCD patients with comorbidity, a statistically significant higher YBOCS score, D-YBOCS severity score for Contamination and Cleaning and FCV-19S score were observed when compared to OCD patients without comorbidity.Conclusions: Fear of corona virus was seen in majority of the OCD patients and was associated with increased severity of disease. The OCD patients with comorbidity had significantly higher Y-BOCS score mainly for Contamination and Cleaning.

Euro 2020 Held during the COVID-19 Period: Budapest Residents’ Perceptions

Organising the 2020 European Football Championship was fraught with the uncertainties of the pandemic period. Budapest hosted its four allocated matches during the postponed event without stadium capacity restrictions. Drawing on both social exchange theory (SET) and social representation theory (SRT), the study aimed to investigate how the level of fear of COVID-19 before the start of Euro 2020 influenced the perception of the tournament among residents of Budapest. Data were collected by telephone interview during the five days preceding the event based on a representative sample of Budapest residents (n = 1003, adult population aged 18 years and over), accounting for gender, age and place of residence. Cluster analysis identified three groups of residents based on fear of coronavirus: concerned, neutral and unconcerned. Although our study only investigated the opinions of residents in one host city, the relevance of the research appears compelling in that it highlights the crucial role of COVID-19 in influencing responses to the expected impact of Euro 2020. Examining the views of local residents and understanding the factors that influence their opinions play a key role in more successful and sustainable delivery of sporting events.

Measuring Distance Learning System Adoption in a Greek University during the Pandemic Using the UTAUT Model, Trust in Government, Perceived University Efficiency and Coronavirus Fear

The COVID-19 pandemic has led most universities around the world using e-learning services as an alternative to their curricula. These distance learning tools can help universities expand and enhance their curricula with flexible learning techniques. In order to measure distance learning systems adoption in the University of Macedonia, a Greek university in the city of Thessaloniki, an extended version of the UTAUT model is introduced by using the constructs of Trust in Government regarding the management of the pandemic, Perceived University Efficiency on issues regarding distance learning provision and Corona Fear. To analyze the proposed model, an online survey of 471 university students was conducted. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares. The findings revealed that students’ attitudes toward University Efficiency affect key variables of the proposed model, such as Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitation Conditions and Use Behavior. Additionally, Trust in Government affects Perceived University Efficiency, and Use Behavior and Corona Fear affects University Efficiency and Trust in the Government in the management of pandemic issues. In contradiction with other research, Corona Fear has no moderating effects. University efficiency, Trust in Government and Corona Fear, because of the effects that they have on key variables, may have important managerial implications when considering the adoption of distance learning systems during the pandemic and in general.

Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Fear of Coronavirus Vaccination Scale in the Prospective Study among a Representative Sample of Polish, Israeli, Slovenian, and German Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Although concerns about harm and side effects are among the most important factors determining vaccine hesitancy, research on the fear of vaccination is sparse. The purpose of this study is a validation the Fear of Coronavirus Vaccination Scale (FoCVVS), adapted from the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. A representative sample of 1723 young adults aged 20–40 from Poland, Israel, Slovenia, and Germany participated during two time-points of the third COVID-19 pandemic wave. The online survey included demographic variables and several well-being dimensions, including gender, vaccination status, fear of coronavirus (FoCV-19S), physical health (GSRH), life satisfaction (SWLS), and perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed at T1, and confirmatory analysis (CFA) at T2. The second-order two-factor structure demonstrated the best fit and very good discriminant and convergent validation. The general factor of the FoCVVS included two subscales assessing the emotional and physiological symptoms of fear of vaccination. Unvaccinated people showed higher levels of fear of vaccination than those vaccinated. A vaccination status, fear of vaccination T1, and fear of COVID-19 T1 were significant predictors of fear of vaccination T2. Vaccination-promoting programs should be focused on decreasing fear and enhancing the beneficial effects of vaccination.