COVID-19 Related Risk Research Articles

COVID-19 Specific Risk Markers for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) rates have grown alongside the sweeping changes, challenges, and transitions necessitated by the onset of COVID-19. The goal of this exploratory study was to examine COVID-19 related risk markers for IPV perpetration. Data were collected from a national sample of 365 U.S. individuals who were in a relationship during August 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic. Unadjusted odds ratios were calculated for 27 unique risk markers related to lifestyle changes due to COVID-19, mental health, isolation, financial impacts, and COVID-19 diagnoses. The strongest risk markers for IPV perpetration were feelings of loneliness, followed by anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, fear, boredom, substance use and lifestyle changes. Understanding risk markers associated with an increase in IPV perpetration can aid helping professionals identify individuals who may be at risk for IPV, or target these factors to aid in IPV prevention and intervention efforts.

1164 St Andrew’s COVID Surgery Safety (StACS) Study: Skin Cancer

Abstract Background Skin cancer represents the most common malignancy worldwide and it is imperative that we develop strategies to ensure safe and sustained delivery of cancer care which are resilient to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Objective This study prospectively evaluates the COVID-19 related patient risk and skin cancer management at a single tertiary referral centre, which rapidly implemented national COVID-safety guidelines. Method A prospective cohort study was performed in all patients who underwent surgery for elective skin cancer service management, during the UK COVID-19 pandemic peak (April-May 2020). ‘Real-time’ 30-day hospital database deceased data were collected. Random selection was undertaken for patients who either underwent operative (surgery group) management or remained on the waiting list (control group); these groups were also prospectively followed-up within a controlled cohort study design and telephoned at the end of June 2020 for the control group or 30 days post-operatively. Results Of the 767 patients who had operations, there were no COVID-19 related deaths. Both the surgery (n = 384) and control (n = 100) groups were matched for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, presence of comorbidities, smoking and positive COVID-19 contact. There were no differences in post-operative versus any symptom development (1.3%, 5/384 vs. 4%, 4/100, p = 0.093), or proportion of positive tests (8.6%, 33/384 vs. 8%, 8/100; p = 0.849), between the surgery and control groups. Conclusions These data support continued and safe service provision, and no increased risk to skin cancer patients who require surgical management, which is vital for continuation of cancer treatment in the context of a pandemic.

Risk perception and information-seeking behavior during emergency: An exploratory study on COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

With the fluctuating condition of the pandemic, people's perception of COVID-19 is also inconstant. If people perceive a low risk of any health emergency or any other crisis, they won't look for proper information to change their attitude, which might increase their risk. Through the use of two different theories and a mixed-method approach, this study attempted to understand the current perception about COVID-19 and the relationship between risk perception and information-seeking behavior. Survey and in-depth key informant interviews were used as tools for data collection. The results indicated that COVID-19 related risk perception changes following people's demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Also, the study found out a relationship of variation in information-seeking behavior on the basis of factors like demographic characteristics, past experience of any emergency, salience, and belief. Results specified that people seek information differently when they perceive a risk to be of higher order. The study summarized that the information sought about any risk could also amplify or reduce the level of perceived risk. In the end, the study concluded that if people do not perceive the risk of any emergency and don't seek proper information, raising awareness about a pandemic like COVID-19 and managing the emergency will be challenging.

Perspectives of board-certified healthcare chaplains on challenges and adaptations in delivery of spiritual care in the COVID-19 era: Findings from an online survey

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for healthcare systems to meet patients’ and families’ complex care needs, including spiritual care needs. Little data are available about spiritual care delivery in light of the pandemic. Aim: This study examined the impact of COVID-19 on spiritual care by healthcare chaplains in the United States. Design: An online survey of 563 board-certified chaplains was conducted from March to July 2020. The survey, designed to identify chaplains’ roles in facilitating conversations about goals of care, included an open-ended question asking how COVID-19 affected chaplaincy practices; 236 chaplains responded. Quantitative data and written qualitative responses were analyzed using descriptive analysis and content analysis, respectively. Setting/participants: Majority of participants were white (88%), female (59%), Protestant (53%), and employed full time (86%). Almost half were working in community hospitals (45%) and designated to one or more special units (48%) including ICU, palliative care, and oncology. Results: Three major themes emerged from chaplains’ qualitative responses: (1) COVID-19—related risk mitigation and operational changes; (2) impact of social distancing guidelines; and (3) increased need for and provision of psychosocial and spiritual support. Conclusions: Chaplains reported that COVID-19 challenges contributed to greater social isolation, and mental health concerns for patients, families, and healthcare staff, and substantially changed the way healthcare chaplains provided spiritual care. With evolving healthcare contexts, developing safer, more creative modes of spiritual care delivery while offering systematic support for chaplains can help meet the increasing psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients, families, and healthcare team members.

1583P COVID-19 related risk in patients enrolled in early-phase clinical trials

Early phase clinical trials often represent a therapeutical opportunity for cancer patients (pts). However, high logistic commitment is demanded for participation. Here we explore the COVID-19 related risk during the pandemic for pts enrolled in clinical trials compared to pts receiving standard treatments.

The Persistence of the Impact of COVID-19-Related Distress, Mood Inertia, and Loneliness on Mental Health During a Postlockdown Period in Germany: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study.

BackgroundThe first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 increased mental health problems globally. However, little is known about mental health problems during a low-incidence period of the pandemic without strict public health measures.ObjectiveWe aim to investigate whether COVID-19–related risk factors for mental health problems persist beyond lockdown measures. We targeted a vulnerable population that is at risk of developing low mental health and assessed their daily dynamics of mood and emotion regulation after a strict lockdown.MethodsDuring a postlockdown period in Germany (between August 8, 2020, and November 1, 2020), we conducted an ecological momentary assessment with 131 participants who experienced at least mild COVID-19–related distress and loneliness. To estimate negative mood inertia, we built a lag-1 three-level autoregressive model.ResultsWe found that information exposure and active daily COVID-19 cases did not have an impact on negative mood amid a postlockdown period. However, there was a day-to-day carryover effect of negative mood. In addition, worrying about COVID-19, feeling restricted by COVID-19, and feeling lonely increased negative mood.ConclusionsThe mental health of a vulnerable population is still challenged by COVID-19–related stressors after the lifting of a strict lockdown. This study highlights the need to protect mental health during postpandemic periods.

Managing the risk and challenges of COVID-19 on construction sites in Lagos, Nigeria

PurposeThe novel COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk in construction operations. New systems are, thus, required on construction sites to mitigate the risk and challenges associated with the pandemic. This paper aims to determine construction organisations risk control systems and the challenges of implementing safety measures on construction sites.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants, who were administered open-ended questionnaires designed to gather qualitative data. The contents of the data were analysed, presented and reported based on the objectives of the study.FindingsSome of the construction organisations conducted COVID-19 related risk assessments, whilst a few organisations did not conduct a risk assessment. Inspections to ensure COVID-19 compliance was done by government officials, health organisations and client’s health and safety officers. The construction organisations demonstrated considerable competence in record keeping and some organisations further evolved a follow-up plan for sick workers. The study found that some construction practitioners had misconceptions about the disease, used COVID-19 personal protective equipment incorrectly and lack adequate information about the virus. It is required that construction stakeholders evolve policies and strategies that would promote risk control and foster compliance to COVID-19 safety measures.Originality/valueCOVID-19 is still new, therefore, the body of knowledge is still at the infancy stage. This paper provided insight into the COVID-19 related risk and challenges that may increase the rate of virus infection amongst construction practitioners.

COVID-19 related risk perception among taxi operators in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica

BackgroundIn the Caribbean, all countries have confirmed COVID-19 cases. Considering the high infectivity of the virus, no preexisting immunity to the virus and an associated modest reproductive rate (R0), the high density of persons utilizing public transport is of immense public health concern. Public transport systems may facilitate and accelerate the transmission of the disease. AimThe aim of this study was to assess the COVID-19 related risk perceptions among taxi drivers by virtue of their occupation and the implications for health promotion interventions. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2020 among 282 taxi drivers in the Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) metropolitan region in Jamaica. A 28-item anonymized self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which was subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 20. A risk score was generated and the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to determine differences in the mean ranks for risk perception score as applicable. A 5% alpha level was utilized in determining statistical significance. ResultsRisk perception scores ranged from 10 to 21 with a median of 17 (IQR 3.25) and there was no statistically significant difference in the median risk perception score by socio-demographic variables. There was however, a statistically significant positive correlation (Spearman's rho = 0.238, p=<0.001) between risk perception and knowledge. Approximately, 86% of respondents reported that they obtained COVID-19-related information from news reports (traditional media). ConclusionTaxi drivers perceive themselves to be at occupationally related risk of COVID-19. Therefore, greater understanding of this issue is paramount as it can aid in the crafting of initiatives that may enhance personal safety of both taxi drivers and commuters.

Phased Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccination: Rapid Assessment of Policy Adoption, Reach and Effectiveness to Protect the Most Vulnerable in the US.

The US and the rest of the world have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic for over a year. The high transmissibility and severity of this virus have provoked governments to adopt a variety of mitigation strategies. Some of these previous measures, such as social distancing and mask mandates, were effective in reducing the case growth rate yet became economically and administratively difficult to enforce as the pandemic continued. In late December 2020, COVID-19 vaccines were first approved in the US and states began a phased implementation of COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is limited quantitative evidence regarding the effectiveness of the phased COVID-19 vaccination. This study aims to provide a rapid assessment of the adoption, reach, and effectiveness of the phased implementation of COVID-19 vaccination. We utilize an event-study analysis to evaluate the effect of vaccination on the state-level daily COVID-19 case growth rate. Through this analysis, we assert that vaccination was effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 shortly after the first shots were given. Specifically, the case growth rate declined by 0.124, 0.347, 0.345, 0.464, 0.490, and 0.756 percentage points corresponding to the 1–5, 6–10, 11–15, 16–20, 21–25, and 26 or more day periods after the initial shots. The findings could be insightful for policymakers as they work to optimize vaccine distribution in later phases, and also for the public as the COVID-19 related health risk is a contentious issue.

Risk perception and preventive behaviors among Turkish medical students during early period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 related risk perception, preventive behaviors among Turkish medical students within the two weeks after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 646 medical students (1st-6th year) in Pamukkale University with an online questionnaire. Forms were collected between 23rd to 31st of March 2020 via Google form. The questionnaire consisted of 39 questions including 12 items about sociodemographic information, 6 questions regarding COVID-19, 11 items about risk perception and 10 items regarding preventive measures about COVID-19.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of students was 21.77±2.28 years and 413 (63.8%) of them were female. The mean risk perception score of students was 22.70±4.68 (out of 44) and the mean preventive behavior score of students was 32.20±4.70 (out of 40). There was a significantly positive correlation between risk perception and preventive behavior scores. Female students, students with lower income, students whose mothers were highly educated, students who evaluated their health status as poor and who evaluated their knowledge about COVID-19 as insufficient had higher risk perception. Adoption of protective measures were higher in female students, married students, students who have chronic diseases and students who evaluated their health status as poor.&#x0D; Conclusion: Medical students in Turkey had a moderate risk perception and high preventive behaviors about COVID-19. In order to enhance students’ risk perception, educators should be more involved in the process of medical education regarding the pandemic.

Do Socio-Demographic and Corona Reassurance-Seeking Behaviour Predict Corona Anxiety? - A study among Indian population.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe anxiety and affected mental and psychological health of the people. Virus related anxiety is thought to be affected by several socio-demographic factors, individual’s risk-perception, and personality. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the predictors of corona virus-related general anxiety and death anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak in India. More specifically, the study examined the COVID-19 related reassurance-seeking behaviours, neuroticism, health anxiety, and risk perception among the adult population. Design: A survey methodology was adopted to collect data from the general adult population (N=550) in India between October 29th to November 10th, 2020. Data analysis was carried out using multiple regression analysis in SPSS to examine the significant predictors of general anxiety and death anxiety of the participants. The analysis used the incremental validity of Corona reassurance-seeking behaviours in the multiple regression model. Setting: The study was conducted among the Indian general population. Findings: Major significant predictors of general anxiety related pandemic included demographic factors like being female, being young, and less educated. Simultaneously, we observed common predictors of virus-related general anxiety and death anxiety, Corona reassurance-seeking behaviours, health anxiety, and neuroticism. The participant's risk perception predicted the participant's death anxiety but not the general anxiety during the pandemic. Discussion: The present study's findings will help the policymakers handle pandemic related stress in a better manner.

COVID-19 related Attitudes and Risk Perceptions across Urban, Rural, and Suburban Areas in the United States

This study identifies differences in COVID-19 related attitudes and risk perceptions among urban, rural, and suburban populations in the US using data from an online, nationwide survey collected during April-October 2020. In general, rural respondents were found to be less concerned by the pandemic and a lower proportion of rural respondents support staying at home and shutting down businesses. While only about half of rural respondents are concerned about getting severe reactions themselves from COVID-19 (compared to ~60% for urban and suburban respondents), all place types respondents are concerned about friends or family members getting severe reactions (~75%).

The Moderating Role of Caregiving on Fear of COVID-19 and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms.

Caregiving has been associated with increased levels of fear and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) during COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a lack of studies that analyze when the relationship between fear and PTSS occur, using informal caregiving as a moderator variable. To explore this moderating role, we conducted a cross-sectional online study between November 2020 and January 2021. A total of 503 men and women from the Spanish general population completed the survey. Sociodemographic and Covid-19-related data, fear of COVID-19, PTSS symptoms, and current psychological history were assessed. Prevalence of informal caregiving in the sample was 16.5%. Increased levels of fear and PTSS were found in caregivers compared to non-caregivers. Female gender and high number of COVID-19 related risk factors was also associated with fear and PTSS severity. The moderation analyses showed an interaction effect between caregiving and fear of COVID-19 when predicting PTSS symptoms. Particularly, results showed that informal caregivers reported greater PTSS symptoms, when compared to non-caregivers with same levels of fear of COVID-19. This evidence suggests that being a caregiver could increase the fear’s impact on PTSS severity in the context of pandemics. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.

An investigation into Covid-19 related suicide risk factors in Malawi

An investigation into covid-19 related suicide risk factors in malawi - Malawi has witnessed a 57% drastic upsurge in suicide

Information seeking, personal experiences, and their association with COVID-19 risk perceptions: demographic and occupational inequalities

The impacts of COVID-19 are not evenly distributed in society. Understanding demographic and occupational differences in personal experiences and information seeking and how these shape perceptions of COVID-19 related risk may help to improve the effectiveness of public health strategies in the future. We surveyed a nationally representative sample of 496 participants during the first UK lockdown, in May 2020. We recorded data to assess people’s experiences of the pandemic, examining how they varied with demographic factors such as age, gender, occupational status, and key worker status. We also recorded data on COVID-19 related information seeking, and how experiences and information seeking behaviours were related to perceptions of COVID-19 related risk. We found that key workers reported greater exposure to COVID-19 and more extensive experience of the virus within their social circles. Those key workers who perceived their personal protective equipment to be more effective felt that the virus was less of a threat to their lives. Trust in COVID-19 information was highest in information from the UK Government and NHS, and lowest in information from social media. We also found that men reported lower levels of perceived threat to life from the virus than women – a difference that mirrors the gender difference in occupational risk within our sample. Among those in employment, lower occupational class was also associated with higher levels of perceived risk of infection and perceived threat to life. Key workers who feel that they are insufficiently protected by their PPE experience increased levels of perceived threat, which may lead to negative health behaviours. This highlights the need for employers to ensure that key workers feel they are adequately protected from COVID-19. Our findings highlight some of the inequalities in the distribution of risk across society and discuss demographic differences in perceptions of risk.

Willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine among patients with rheumatic diseases, healthcare workers and general population in Turkey: a web-based survey.

ObjectivesVaccination against COVID-19 emerges as an effective strategy for combating the pandemic. While many of our patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) wonder whether it is safe to get the vaccine, vaccine hesitancy is rising among the general population. We assessed the willingness to get vaccination and its probable predictors among patients with RD compared to healthcare workers and a sample from the general population.MethodsWe conducted a web-based questionnaire survey in a cross-sectional design in 3 groups of participants just before the mass vaccination program in Istanbul, Turkey. The questionnaire sought socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 related risk factors, willingness to get vaccination, and concerns and thoughts about vaccine. COVID-19 anxiety scale (CAS) was also evaluated.ResultsWe studied in total 732 patients with RD (Group 1), 763 individuals representing general population (Group 2) and 320 hospital workers (Group 3). Dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19 was found in 4.9%, 3.8% and 4.1%, in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Of the patients with RD, 29.2% were willing to be vaccinated, 19.0% were unwilling and 51.8% were undecided. These were somewhat similar among the general population (yes: 34.6%, no: 23.3% and unsure: 42.1%), with significantly less undecided individuals (p < 0.001). On the other hand, hospital workers were significantly more willing (yes: 52.5%, no: 20.9% and unsure: 26.6%) (p < 0.001). Main concerns were probable side effects, unknown scientific results and having no trust. Being male, older age, working in a hospital, not having contracted COVID-19 and high scores on CAS were found to be independently associated with willingness.ConclusionsThe low rate of vaccine acceptance among patients with RD, as well as general population sampling is worrying. Healthcare policies should aim to implement communication, promote confidence and increase demand for COVID-19 vaccine.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00296-021-04841-3.

Minimising perceived travel risk in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to boost travel and tourism

Diseño/metodología/enfoque (límite 100 palabras)Se adopta un diseño de métodos mixtos. En la primera fase, denominada estudio 1, se adopta un diseño transversal basado en una muestra de 217 turistas internacionales encuestados salientes del Aeropuerto Internacional de Mauricio y los datos se analizan mediante regresión jerárquica. En la segunda fase, denominada estudio 2, se entrevista a una muestra intencional de turistas de todo el mundo y se analizan los datos mediante la técnica de análisis temático.Propósito (límite de 100 palabras)Este estudio confirma empíricamente el impacto esperado de la percepción del riesgo de viaje relacionado con COVID-19 sobre la probabilidad de que los turistas visiten un destino. A continuación, tiene por objeto identificar los principales factores de predicción del riesgo percibido de los viajes tras la pandemia de COVID-19.Hallazgos (límite de 100 palabras)Los resultados muestran que entre los turistas que están dispuestos a viajar tras la crisis de COVID-19, es probable que el riesgo percibido relacionado influya en su intención de viaje. Se han descubierto varios predictores clave de los riesgos percibidos de los viajes, que se clasifican como: Situación de COVID-19; servicios de transporte; medidas sanitarias nacionales; servicios de salud; servicios de alojamiento; instalaciones de ecoturismo. Además, es probable que los posibles efectos de esos factores en la percepción de los riesgos de viaje relacionados con COVID-19 se vean moderados por la fiabilidad de la información.Consecuencias prácticas (límite de 100 palabras)Las repercusiones del estudio son importantes para que los investigadores y los encargados de formular políticas comprendan y prevean mejor el comportamiento de los viajeros en épocas de pandemia y también para que el mercado turístico y los proveedores de servicios de transporte y hostelería gestionen y mitiguen más eficazmente el efecto de esos acontecimientos.Originalidad/valor (límite 100 palabras)El estudio proporciona un modelo original y completo para comprender los predictores de los riesgos percibidos en los viajes en relación con COVID-19 en un destino.

COVID-19 related risk of in-hospital death in Silesia, Poland

The situation regarding COVID‑19 in Poland is rapidly evolving. Because of this, it is important to investigate COVID‑19 mortality and its predictors in one of the most densely populated regions of the country, Silesia Province. The goals of this study were to assess in‑hospital mortality due to COVID‑19 and the impact of sex, age, and coexisting diseases on the risk of death. The data analysis was based on discharge reports of patients with COVID‑19 hospitalized between March and June 2020 in all hospitals in the region. Age, sex, hospital discharge status, and the presence of coexisting diseases were abstracted from the charts. In a group of 2830 in‑patients with COVID‑19, 325 died during hospitalization. COVID‑19 deaths were associated with male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.52; 95% CI, 1.17-1.96), older age (OR, 6.11; 95% CI, 4.5-8.31), and the presence of 3 or more coexisting diseases (OR, 4.78; 95% CI, 3.52-6.49). The most prevalent comorbidities were chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The estimated in‑hospital fatality rate for COVID‑19 was 11.5%, which is lower than the average COVID‑19 fatality rate in other European countries. The risk of in‑hospital death was associated with sex, age, and the number of coexisting diseases, such as chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Demographic, psychological, and experiential correlates of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination intentions in a sample of Canadian families

The COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing for close to a year, with second waves occurring presently and many viewing vaccine uptake as the most likely way to curb successive waves and promote herd immunity. Reaching herd immunity status likely necessitates that children, as well as their parents, receive a vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2. In this exploratory study, we investigated the demographic, experiential, and psychological factors associated with the anticipated likelihood and speed of having children receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in a sample of 455 Canadian families (858 children; parents’ mean age = 38.2 ± 6.82 years). Using linear mixed-effects and proportional odds logistic regression models, we demonstrated that older parental age, living in the Prairies (relative to Central Canada), more complete child vaccination history, and a greater tendency to prioritise the risks of the disease relative to the risks of side effects (i.e. lower omission bias) were associated with higher likelihoods of intention to vaccinate participants’ children, with trend-level associations with lower perceived danger of the vaccine and higher psychological avoidance of the pandemic. Faster speed of intended vaccination was predicted by a similar constellation of variables with an additional predictor of a child in the family having a COVID-19 related health risk being associated with slower intended speed. Results are discussed concerning public health knowledge mobilisation and the unique Canadian health landscape.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown Measures on Mental Health

Background: An Uncontrolled Novel COVID-19 started from Wuhan city of China in Late 2019 and spread worldwide has called for unprecedented measures, to prevent it Pakistan government Imposed lockdown on the entire country. Lockdown has a huge impact and affected on mental health of population. The present study aims to assess the effect of COVID-19 on mental health of population and identify the coping strategies to overcome this mental health issues caused by pandemic. Methods: An online survey was administered from 26 May-14 June 2020 to 398 participants. Post Hoc test was performed to examine the associations between general health questionnaire GHQ-12 and socio-economic variables. Results: Losing jobs due to pandemic and lockdown situation and using negative coping strategies were the factors associated with psychological disorders.This study shows high rates of anxiety and stress in younger population specifically in young women with higher odds of endorsing a worst mental health outcome. Outcomes were associated with a number of COVID-19 related risk factors such as challenging family relations, loss of job, no physical activity, financial burden, experiencing stress full events and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The present situation requires awareness in public media which could be helpful to deal with this and this present article provides details of COVID-19 pandemic situation on mental health of younger population.