COVID-19 Concern Research Articles

Understanding American Public Support for COVID-19 Risk Mitigation: The Role of Political Orientation, Socio-Demographic characteristics, Personal Concern, and Experience, the United States, 2020.

Objectives: COVID-19 is the most challenging public health crisis in decades in the United States. It is imperative to enforce social distancing rules before any safe and effective vaccines are widely available. Policies without public support are destined to fail. This study aims to reveal factors that determine the American public support for six mitigation measures (e.g., cancel gatherings, close schools, restrict non-essential travel). Methods: Based on a nationally representative survey, this study uses Structural Equation Modelling to reveal the relationships between various factors and public support for COVID-19 mitigation. Results: 1). Democrats are more likely than Republicans to support mitigation measures; 2).Favorability towards the political leader (Biden or Trump) can slant public support for COVID-19 mitigation measures among different segments of the public.; 3). Indirect experience, rather than direct experience with COVID-19 can motivate people to support mitigation; 4). Concern for COVID-19 is a strong motivator of support for mitigation. Conclusion: Political polarization poses an enormous challenge to societal well-being during a pandemic. Indirect experience renders COVID-19 an imminent threat.

Faith and science mindsets as predictors of COVID-19 concern: A three-wave longitudinal study

The COVID-19 pandemic allowed for a naturalistic, longitudinal investigation of the relationship between faith and science mindsets and concern about COVID-19. Our goal was to examine two possible directional relationships: (Model 1) COVID-19 concern ➔ disease avoidance and self-protection motivations ➔ science and faith mindsets versus (Model 2) science and faith mindsets ➔ COVID-19 concern. We surveyed 858 Mechanical Turk workers in three waves of a study conducted in March, April, and June 2020. We found that science mindsets increased whereas faith mindsets decreased (regardless of religious type) during the early months of the pandemic. Further, bivariate correlations and autoregressive cross-lagged analyses indicated that science mindset was positive predictor of COVID-19 concern, in support of Model 2. Faith mindset was not associated with COVID-19 concern. However, faith mindset was a negative predictor of science mindset. We discuss the need for more research regarding the influence of science and faith mindsets as well as the societal consequences of the pandemic.

Oral Health Literacy and COVID-19 Pandemic Anxiety and Concerns Among Iranian Orthodontic Patients.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic appointments, and the concerns and anxiety levels of orthodontic patients in Iran. An anonymous 40-question questionnaire was sent online to the patients of private orthodontic clinics in 2 cities of Birjand, and Mashhad, capitals of Eastern provinces of Iran. Orthodontic patients of Mashhad dental school received the questionnaire as well. Descriptive statistics were reported, and the association between gender, oral health literacy (OHL), and adherence to orthodontic appointments and attendance, along with data on feeling, concern, and level of anxiety regarding quarantine/coronavirus pandemic were evaluated using the chi-square analysis. Three hundred twenty-four patients, with a mean age of 32.43 years, answered the questionnaire. Fifty-seven percent of participants said that they only left home for their daily requirements. Seventy-two percent of the participants reported feeling calm about the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. Most of the patients (74%) said that they would attend their orthodontic appointment in case of urgency, and 41% of patients declared that their greatest concern was the probability of a delay in completion of treatment. Forty-five percent of patients had adequate OHL. There was a significant association between OHL and willingness to attend orthodontic treatment, concerns regarding the impact of the pandemic on orthodontic treatment, and the frequency of daily teeth brushing. Women respected the quarantine more than men. Patients with higher OHL were more willing to attend their appointments, but only in case of an emergency, due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Women were more concerned and had better oral hygiene behaviors.

Associations of political orientation, xenophobia, right-wing authoritarianism, and concern of COVID-19: Cognitive responses to an actual pathogen threat

Previous research has related the existence of pathogenic threat to an individual's social cognition, with people avoiding physical interactions with those who have potential contagion risks. These pathogenic induced behavioral responses have broader social consequences, such as avoidance of outgroup members or negative reactions to individuals foreign to one's own group. Specially, higher pathogen threat is associated with xenophobic attitudes and ideological tendencies, such as authoritarianism and political conservatism. The COVID-19 pandemic provides an unprecedented opportunity to investigate the effect of pathogenic threat on the above-mentioned variables in a real-world situation. Collecting data during a low (N = 598) and heightened (N = 309) perceived threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US, our results reveal that Right-Wing Authoritarian traits, but not xenophobia, increase with a rise in the number of national pathogenic cases. Moreover, our results replicate previous findings regarding the associations between pathogen threat, political orientation, xenophobia, and Right-Wing Authoritarianism, in an actual pathogen threat scenario.

Verbal memory is associated with adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors in community dwelling older adults.

BackgroundAdherence to protective behaviors is central to limiting the spread of COVID-19 and associated risk of serious illness and mortality in older populations. Whether cognition predicts adherence to protective behaviors has not been examined in older adults.AimsTo examine whether specific cognitive abilities predict adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors in older adults, independent of other relevant factors.MethodsData from 431 older adults (i.e., ≥ 65 years) who took part in the COVID-19 module of the Health and Retirement Study were included in the present study. Separate binary logistic regression models were used to examine whether performance on measures of immediate and delayed recall and working memory predicted adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors, controlling for demographics, level of COVID-19 concern, depressive symptoms, and medical conditions.ResultsFor every unit increase in immediate and delayed recall, the probability of adhering to COVID-19 protective behaviors increased by 47% and 69%, respectively. There was no association between the measure of working memory and adherence.DiscussionIt is of public interest to understand the factors that reduce adherence to protective behaviors so that we can better protect those most vulnerable and limit community spread. Our findings demonstrate that reduced memory predicts non-adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors, independent of virus concern, and other relevant demographic and health factors.ConclusionsPublic health strategies aimed at increasing adherence to COVID-19 protective behaviors in community dwelling older adults, should account for the role of reduced cognitive function in limiting adherence.

A survey on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and concern among Malaysians

BackgroundVaccination is an effective way to curtail the burden of COVID-19 in which success depends on a high acceptance of the vaccine. However, addressing concerns among vaccine-hesitant individuals is essential to avoid failure of the immunisation programme. This study sought to assess the concerns and acceptance rates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine among Malaysians.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed to 1411 respondents via a snowball sampling method among Malaysians aged 18 years and above.ResultsThe majority of the respondents were young adults (40.7%), female (62.8%), Malay (63.8%), Muslim (72.3%), married (52.9%), with tertiary education (86.8%) and without medical illness (85%). Social media (97.4%) was the primary source of information regarding COVID-19. The overall acceptance rate was high (83.3%), with the lowest rates among the elderly aged 60 years and above (63.4%) and pensioners (64.6%). Hesitance was caused by concerns regarding side effects (95.8%), safety (84.7%), lack of information (80.9%), effectiveness (63.6%) and religious (20.8%) and cultural factors related to the COVID-19 vaccine (6.8%). Respondents with diabetes mellitus (24.7%) and hypercholesterolemia (23%) were more hesitant to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, at 16.1 and 15.8%, respectively. Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitance were age, religion, and current residence.ConclusionsThe results indicate a high rate of acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among Malaysians. Thus, the Malaysian government and other related agencies should increase their campaign and prepare to implement the COVID-19 mass immunisation programme among Malaysians. However, despite the high acceptance rate, it remains important to address concerns among hesitant individuals by building trust in vaccine safety and effectiveness through adequate information regarding the vaccine.

The relation between knowledge and concern: A global study of children and COVID-19.

COVID-19 messages vary around the world, and populations receive these messages in different ways. Children are a vulnerable audience, especially in terms of risk communication. As messages are being developed, communicated, and disseminated about this pandemic, it is important to know the relation between COVID-19 knowledge and concern among preadolescents. In Spring 2020, children (N= 4,249) from 8 global regions completed an online survey (Mage= 11.0, 54% female, 46% male). We assessed children's COVID-19 knowledge by asking about prevention and symptoms, as well as myths about the virus. We also assessed children's concerns by asking about worries about self and others getting sick, missing school, and interruption of activities. Our analyses revealed different relations between knowledge and concern by region. Among children from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Arabian region, Asia, and North America, there was a positive relation between knowledge and concern. For those from Latin America, Oceania, Europe, and Southeast Asia, the relation was flat or negative. When producing messages for children during a public health crisis, health communicators must know that more knowledge is not always associated with less concern.

Communication 2.0 as Action to Fight Covid-19 Concerns during Pregnancy

After the transformation of Schiavonia hospital into a dedicated Covid Hospital, the biggest in Veneto Region, we wanted to investigate how this event affected the choice of the birth place and how COVID-19 emergency influenced the pregnancy experience.

COVID-19 dimensions are related to depression and anxiety among US college students: Findings from the Healthy Minds Survey 2020

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought about tremendous social and economic turmoil, which has been associated with increased levels of depression and anxiety. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study (Fall Semester Cohort 2020), a non-probability sample of students across multiple colleges who completed an online survey between September – December 2020. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the associations between COVID-19 dimensions (concern, racial/ethnic discrimination, financial distress, infection, illness of loved one, death of loved one, caregiving) and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and international student status. ResultsNearly a fifth of the sample reported moderately severe or severe depression, and nearly a third reported moderately severe or severe anxiety over the past two weeks. When accounting for all COVID-19 dimensions in the same model, COVID-19 concern, racial/ethnic discrimination, financial distress, and infection were significantly associated with moderately severe or severe depression; COVID-19 concern, financial distress, and infection were significantly associated with moderately severe or severe anxiety. ConclusionsThis study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic may have shaped mental health through a range of potential social and environmental dimensions. Interventions are required that consider multiple dimensions of COVID-19 to improve mental health during and after the pandemic.

P018. Case Study of Heart Failure Exacerbation Management via Tele-Health

<h3>Background</h3> • 6.5 million American adults have heart failure • Advance Practice Providers (APP) can successfully manage CHF exacerbation via Tele-Health Case Study •HPI: 74-year-old male with a PMHx of ICM, HFrEF (EF 25-30%), HTN, HLD, obesity, OSA, hx of tobacco use and EtOH abuse. Cardiology consulted for worsening edema, weight gain, escalating SOB and DOE. • NP provided same day Tele-Health visit and diagnosed patient with CHF exacerbation. Treatment plan in alignment with Goal Direct Medical Therapy (GDMT) developed for inpatient diuresis. NP adapted plan for outpatient setting after patient refused admission citing concern for COVID-19. • Patient educated and performed in-home self-monitoring of weight and BP. Labs drawn in outpatient clinic. • NP tailored & provided close patient monitoring via weekly Tele-visits for 6-8 weeks thereafter bi-weekly visits and one F2F visit bundled with echocardiogram, additional PRN visits provided for symptomatic changes. <h3>Results</h3> Patient presented weighing 209lbs, diuresis to 180.8lbs (-28.2lbs) over 2 months. BNP decreased from 2534 to 496. <b>Labs:</b> Stable electrolytes/renal panel (K+4.2-4.9, Cr 0.99-1.21) throughout care. <b>QoL:</b> Minimal symptoms, no longer sleeping in recliner and improved energy level. <b>Plan:</b> Continue bi-weekly and PRN phone visits. Continue GDMT. Refers to cardiac catheterization and device/clinic for ICD/defibrillator evaluation. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This case occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NP successfully provided outpatient management of a CHF exacerbation in accordance to GDMT via Tele-Health visits. To date patient is without hospitalization and symptomatically markedly improved. Overall optimizing patient safety, autonomy, and cost savings related to hospitalization.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with obesity undergoing bariatric care.

BackgroundPatients with obesity are at increased risk of developing severe COVID-19. The pandemic has caused delays in preoperative preparation, progression, and completion of bariatric surgeries.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on bariatric surgery patients and assess their concern of COVID-19 as they continue the preoperative process.SettingPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaMethodsA questionnaire was administered to patients to assess the impact of COVID-19 on their weight loss goals, physical activity, and diet. Time points assessed were initial bariatric consultation (T1), as well as the beginning (T2), and the end (T3) of lockdown restrictions in the region.ResultsSeventy-four participants were invited and 50 completed the survey, for a response rate of 67.6%. The average age of participants was 44.1 years. Two-thirds of patients reported significant concern that COVID-19 would affect their weight loss goals. Patients reported significant improvements in their diet from T1 to T2 (P < .01). However, at T3, some patients returned to behaviors held at T1, with snacking behaviors significantly increasing between T2 and T3 (P < .01). Physical activity decreased in 60% of patients between T2 to T3. The vast majority (90%) wanted to have their surgery as soon as possible; 56% reported low levels of concern for COVID-19 infection.ConclusionBariatric patients were highly motivated to proceed with bariatric surgery despite the risks imposed by the pandemic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage, Concerns, and Preferences Among Chinese ICU Clinicians: A Nationwide Survey

Background: Health care workers in intensive care units (ICU) have been prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. In a nationwide vaccination campaign since March in China, better understanding of concerns and preferences of COVID-19 vaccines remain crucial for improving vaccination uptake.Methods: ICU clinicians throughout China’s mainland were contacted to participate in an online survey during March 24-April 10, 2021. We compared concerns by vaccination outcome, and through a discrete choice experiment (DCE) assessed preferences for vaccines in terms of effectiveness (95% vs 80%), risk of adverse reactions (5% vs 10%), duration of immunity (6 vs 12 months), and whether or not coworkers have been vaccinated.Findings: Among 11,951 ICU respondents from 252 prefecture-level cities, vaccination coverage of COVID-19 vaccines was 75·4%, with an additional 9·2% not vaccinated but planning to, and 16·1% not vaccinated and not intending to. Among women not pregnant, vaccination coverage was 82·6%, with lower coverage in those pregnant (11·4%) or breastfeeding (19·7%). ICU clinicians not intending to be vaccinated significantly expressed more concerns about the speed of vaccine development (30·1%) and adverse reactions (65·9%), compared to those already vaccinated. In the DCE, by COVID-19 vaccination status, the only significant difference in preferences of a COVID-19 vaccine was for safety, with those not vaccinated having a stronger preference for a vaccine with fewer adverse reactions (OR=4·49) compared to those already vaccinated (OR=2·90) or those intending to vaccinate (OR=3·46) (PInterpretation: Increasing vaccination coverage among Chinese ICU clinicians will require strong norms surrounding vaccination and transparency about safety information. Funding Information: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (#82041028) and Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (#20692110200).Declaration of Interests: The authors declared that they have no conflict of interest to this work.Ethics Approval Statement: The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Fudan University School of Public Health (IRB 00002408 and FWA 00002399) under IRB #2021-03-0888. Secondary data analysis at the University of Michigan was deemed exempt by the University of Michigan Health Sciences and Behavioral Sciences Institutional Review Board (#HUM00198183). Online informed consent was obtained when the interviewees agreed to fulfill the online questionnaire.

Predictors of Change in Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Cross-sectional data suggest that depression, anxiety, and stress have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, longitudinal research is needed to test changes in mental health and determine factors that contribute to change. The purpose of this study was to compare anxiety, depression, and stress pre-pandemic to during the pandemic within the same sample and identify predictors of change (i.e., disease threat, changes to daily life, social isolation, financial worries). Method: Three national samples of U.S. adults were recruited through an online platform (Amazon's Mechanical Turk). Participants completed online surveys pre-pandemic (September – December 2019) and during the pandemic(April - June 2020). Results: Across the three samples, mini-meta analyses revealed significant increases in anxiety and stress (Cohen's ds = 0.17, 0.16, respectively; ps < 0.01). Financial concern and effects of COVID-19 on daily life predicted higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during the pandemic across all three samples (ds = 0.24, 0.40, and 0.40, respectively; ps < 0.001). Limitations: Response rates for follow-up surveys were relatively low, with some noted differences between those who did and did not complete both surveys. Conclusions: Significant increases in anxiety and stress were observed across three samples of U.S. adults from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial concern and effects of the pandemic on daily life emerged as the most consistent predictors of psychological distress across these samples.

Abstract P046: Prevalence Of Covid-19 Related Concerns And The Association With Participant Characteristics Among Adults With Heart Disease Engaged In Telebehavioral Therapy During The Pandemic

Introduction: Individuals with cardiac conditions may be at increased risk for behavioral health issues, as well as for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and types of COVID-19 related concerns, and associated characteristics, among U.S. adults with heart disease engaged in a telebehavioral therapy program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The analytic sample comprised de-identified data from a consecutive cohort of 480 adults with heart disease (62% female, 27% non-white race/ethnicity, mean age 70.9 ± 12.6 years) that completed an initial consultation for an evidence-based telebehavioral therapy program between March 23 - April 11, 2020. Baseline characteristics including age, sex, race/ethnicity, U.S. region, marital status, living alone, employment status, self-rated health (from the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey), and psychological symptom severity (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21) were obtained through standardized assessment conducted by a licensed therapist. COVID-19 related concerns were abstracted from clinical notes and characterized using qualitative research methods. Associations between participant characteristics and the presence of a COVID-19 concern were evaluated using chi-square statistics and logistic regression. Results: Forty percent of participants (191/480) reported at least one COVID-19 related concern at their initial consultation. The three most prevalent concerns were anxious feelings associated with the pandemic (14.2%), isolation (11.9%), and health-related concerns (e.g., contracting COVID-19; 11.9%). Depression (39.9%), anxiety (40.1%), and stress (26.3%) symptoms were prevalent among participants. There were no significant associations between having a COVID-19 concern and age &gt;=65 years, U.S. region, unmarried/unpartnered status, living alone, unemployed status, poor/fair self-rated health (p&gt;.05). Female vs. male sex (45% vs. 32%; p=.006) and white vs. non-white race/ethnicity (43% vs. 30%; p=.006) were each associated with higher odds of having a COVID-19 related concern; after multivariate adjustment these associations remained significant (OR female sex = 1.8, 95%CI 1.2-2.7; OR white race/ethnicity = 1.9, 95%CI = 1.2-3.0). Conclusion: COVID-19 related concerns were common among adults with heart disease engaged in telebehavioral health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more common among female and white participants.

Covid-19 vaccine, acceptance, and concern of safety from public perspective in the state of Odisha, India

ABSTRACT Introduction: No medication or therapies were found to be effective in controlling the covid-19 pandemic. The fast-track development of covid-19 vaccine brought some hope among health practitioners globally. The major challenge seems to be safety, efficacy, and acceptance of the vaccine. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the community of the state of Odisha, India, to find out the concerns of safety and acceptance for the vaccine. Methods: A self-administered multiple-choice questionnaire containing 23 items with three sections was prepared in Google form and deployed following snow ball sampling method. The participants recruited were above 18 years of age residing in Odisha. The participation in the survey was completely voluntary. The survey was conducted during February 2021. Results and discussion: In total, 359 members participated in the survey. Majority of the respondent strongly agree/agree that covid-19 vaccine is safe for adults and children. Significant variation among all the groups was found regarding acquisition of higher immunity following infection rather by vaccination, effectiveness in infection prevention, safety in children, provision of mandatory vaccination by government, and public health protection following government guidelines. Conclusion: The major barrier to the covid-19 vaccination was found to be safety and awareness. But there is well acceptance to covid-19 vaccine among the community of Odisha, India, and further efforts to create awareness concerning safety and vaccination will be instrumental in the eradication of this infection.

Prejudicial beliefs and COVID-19 disruptions among sexual minority men living with and not living with HIV in a high SARS-CoV-2 prevalence area.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound health and social impacts. COVID-19 also affords opportunities to study the emergence of prejudice as a factor in taking protective actions. This study investigated the association of COVID-19 concerns, prejudicial beliefs, and personal actions that involve life disruptions among people not living with and people living with HIV. 338 Black/African American men not living with HIV who reported male sex partners and 148 Black/African American men living with HIV who reported male sex partners completed a confidential survey that measured COVID-19 concern, COVID-19 prejudice, and personal action and institutionally imposed COVID-19 disruptions. Participants reported having experienced multiple social and healthcare disruptions stemming from COVID-19, including reductions in social contacts, canceling medical appointments, and inability to access medications. Mediation analyses demonstrated that COVID-19 concerns and COVID-19 prejudice were associated with personal action disruptions, indicating that these social processes are important for understanding how individuals modified their lives in response to COVID-19. It is imperative that public health efforts combat COVID-19 prejudice as these beliefs undermine investments in developing healthcare infrastructure to address COVID-19 prevention.

Settling down without settling: Perceived changes in partner preferences in response to COVID-19

The goal of this study was to explore the positive association between concern related to COVID-19 and single individuals’ perceived changes to their partner preferences. In addition, we investigated the mediating role of fear of being single. Results indicated that people with greater COVID-19 concern perceived an increase in the importance of stability, family commitment, and physical/social attractiveness, as well as fear of being single. Fear of being single only negatively predicted the importance of physical/social attractiveness, whereas it positively predicted the importance of stability and family commitment. Thus, in most cases, people with a greater concern for COVID-19 perceived themselves to become more selective, even when they exhibit higher levels of fear of being single.

COVID-19 and prejudice against migrants: the mediating roles of need for cognitive closure and binding moral foundations. A comparative study

ABSTRACT What mitigates prejudice against migrants in situations of uncertainty? Addressing this question, we explored how individuals with greater COVID-19 concern perceive migrants as a greater threat and show prejudice against them, indirectly through the mechanism of need for cognitive closure and binding moral foundations. This study was conducted in two European countries: Malta and Italy. Six hundred and seventy-six individuals participated in this quantitative study (Malta: N = 204; Italy N = 472). Results from this study showed that the need for cognitive closure and binding moral foundations mediate the relationship between COVID-19 concern and prejudice against migrants in both countries. When testing the three binding moral foundations (loyalty, authority, and purity), the authority foundation seems to be the most consistent predictor. The implications of the findings contribute to theories about how situational uncertainty caused by COVID-19, together with the need for epistemic certainty and binding morality, contribute to increased prejudiced attitudes against migrants.

P120 Self-reported disease activity was the main determinant of the perceived impact of COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and young patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and juvenile onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE)

Background/Aims The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent and young patients with chronic diseases is likely to be multi-factorial, and influenced by various aspects, such as age, sex, education, ethnicity, as well as disease control or personal coping strategies. Adolescents and young adults are at a time in their live when disruption in their education and social life, as well as uncertainty related to professional prospects and long-term disease outcomes are all associated with significant personal concerns. The aim of this survey was to assess the main determinants of COVID-19 associated concern in adolescent and young adults with JSLE and JDM as well as their well-being and resilience. Methods Questionnaires comprising of questions related to patient and disease characteristics, wellbeing, resilience and concern about the COVID-19 pandemic were disseminated through hospital contacts and patient charities social media platforms. Participation was voluntary and implied consent. The preliminary results of this ongoing survey have been analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression (R). Results The main patient and disease characteristics, self-reported well-being, resilience and perceived concern about the COVID-19 pandemic are presented in comparison in male vs. female patients. Linear regression showed that the strongest determinant of COVID-19 concern was self-reported disease activity (p < 0.0003). The self-reported disease activity was associated with the COVID-19 concern level in both female (P = 0.003) and male patients (p = 0.004) and also with disease duration in males (P = 0.018). The COVID concern was not affected by any other factors such as, employment, education, well-being or resilience. Conclusion The preliminary analysis of our survey showed that patient-reported COVID-19 concern during the pandemic was strongly determined by the self-reported disease activity irrespective of patients’ sex, despite significantly increased concern in the female compared to male patients, and association with disease duration in male patients only. We propose that further strategies for better patient support during the pandemic should focus on their optimal disease control as well as take into consideration the sex-biased patient concerns. P120 Table 1:FemaleMalep-valueNumber389Current age mean (IQR)22.21 (18.25- 25.75)18.89 (14.00-26.00)Age at diagnosis years mean (IQR)13.01 (9.00-15.00)9.333 (7.00-11.00)Disease durationMean (IQR)9.197 (4.000-13.000)9.556 (2.000-13.000)0.4841Ethnicity;WhiteNon-white25 (65.8%)13 (34.2%)7 (77.8%)2 (22.2%)0.4841Location;England (%)Other (%)35 (92.1%)3 (7.9%)9 (100%)0 (0%)0.2578091Well-being(VAS -2 to + 2)mean (IQR)-0.6765 (-2.0000 – 0.0000)-0.4286 (-1.0000 – 0.0000)0.5667Resilience (VAS 1-7)mean (IQR)4.906 (4.000 - 6.000)5.0 (4.5 - 5.5)0.8718Self-reported disease activity (VAS 1-100)mean (IQR)35.32 (15.00- 53.00)18.67 (3.00-25.00)0.06429Self-reported COVID concern (VAS 1-100)mean (IQR)62.92 (50.00-80.00)32.33 (15.00- 40.00)0.01052Still in educationNoYesNot recorded16 (42.1%)18 (47.4%)4 (10.5%)3 (33.3%)4 (44.4%)2 (22.2%)Currently workingNoYesNot recorded24 (63.2%)10 (26.3%)4 (10.5%)5 (55.6%)2 (22.2%)2 (22.2%) Funding statement: This work was supported by Versus Arthritis (21593) Disclosure A. Khatun: None. W. Wu: None. J. Peng: None. L. Hennelly: None. M. Sloan: None. M. Bosley: None. P. Howard: None. L. Jury: None. C. Ciurtin: None.

Attitudes, behaviours and barriers to public health measures for COVID-19: a survey to inform public health messaging

BackgroundPublic support of public health measures including physical distancing, masking, staying home while sick, avoiding crowded indoor spaces and contact tracing/exposure notification applications remains critical for reducing spread of COVID-19. The aim of our work was to understand current behaviours and attitudes towards public health measures as well as barriers individuals face in following public health measures. We also sought to identify attitudes persons have regarding a COVID-19 vaccine and reasons why they may not accept a vaccine.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted in August 2020, in Alberta, Canada in persons 18 years and older. This survey evaluated current behaviours, barriers and attitudes towards public health measures and a COVID-19 vaccine. Cluster analysis was used to identify key patterns that summarize data variations among observations.ResultsOf the 60 total respondents, the majority of persons were always or often physically distancing (73%), masking (65%) and staying home while sick (67%). Bars/pubs/lounges or nightclubs were visited rarely or never by 63% of respondents. Persons identified staying home while sick to provide the highest benefit (83%) in reducing spread of COVID-19. There were a large proportion of persons who had not downloaded or used a contact tracing/exposure notification app (77%) and who would not receive a COVID-19 vaccine when available (20%) or were unsure (12%). Reporting health authorities as most trusted sources of health information was associated with greater percentage of potential uptake of vaccine but not related to contact tracing app download and use. Individuals with lower concern of getting and spreading COVID-19 showed the least uptake of public health measures except for avoiding public places such as bars. Lower concern regarding COVID-19 was also associated with more negative responses to taking a potential COVID-19 vaccine.ConclusionThese results suggest informational frames and themes focusing on individual risks, highlighting concern for COVID-19 and targeting improving trust for health authorities may be most effective in increasing public health measures. With the ultimate goal of preventing spread of COVID-19, understanding persons’ attitudes towards both public health measures and a COVID-19 vaccine remains critical to addressing barriers and implementing targeted interventions and messaging to improve uptake.