Perceived Risk Of COVID-19 Research Articles

Evaluation of Covid-19 risk perception and psychological status of transplant patients

Abstract Background Liver transplant patients are in the more at-risk group in terms of COVID-19 infection and mortality due to both immunosuppressive treatment and underlying chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the COVID-19 risk perception, compliance with preventive measures, and psychosocial status of liver transplant patients. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional survey study included 311 patients who underwent liver transplantation between 2002 -2021 and presented to the outpatient clinic for routine controls. Data were collected via a questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire form used to collect the data of the study included a demographic and clinical characteristics form, the Short Depression-Happiness Scale, the COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines Compliance Scale, and the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale. The Mann-Whitney U, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s Rho correlation analysis were used in statistical analyses. Results The median age of the transplant patients who participated in the study was 56 (18-76) years. Of the transplant patients, 84.9% stated that they had COVID-19 vaccination. There was a statistically significant, very weak relationship between the scores of the Brief Depression-Happiness Scale and the COVID-19 Compliance with Preventive Measures Scale (r = 0.132; p = 0.02), and a weak, significant relationship in the same direction between the scores of the COVID-19 Compliance with Preventive Measures Scale and the COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale (r = 0.344; p = 0.001). Conclusions The vaccination rates of the patients were high. As the depression status of the patients decreases, their compliance with preventive measures increases, and as their compliance with preventive measures increases, their risk perception increases. Key messages • Since transplant patients are a vulnerable group, their vaccination status is important in terms of mortality risk. • Psychological factors such as depression-happiness scores influence adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among transplant patients.

Social determinants and drivers of use of SARS-CoV-2 self-tests in a French national cohort study

Abstract Background Self-tests for SARS-CoV-2 became quickly available after the onset of the epidemic. They were especially recommended for high-risk and hard-to-reach populations. This study examines whether self-tests successfully reached vulnerable groups during first months of availability in France. Methods The EpiCov study is a national population-based cohort study conducted in France during the Covid-19 pandemic. Primary outcome variable was use of self-test at last SARS-CoV-2 test, among those who reported testing at least once between May-July 2021. Univariate and multivariate binomial weighted logistic regressions were run, stratified by age group (16-24 yrs, 25-59, 60+), to identify social determinants and drivers of use of self-tests. Results Overall, 11% of the population who tested for SARS-CoV-2 between May-July 2021 reported using a self-test as last test. Demographic factors were highly predictive of use of self-tests among 25-59 y/o, but not among younger and older age groups. Use of self-tests was highest among 16-24 y/o, people with higher education, lowest population density areas, and people with high overall frequency of testing. Use was lowest among 60+ y/o, unemployed and retired people, and first-generation immigrants. When stratifying by age, 16-24 y/o with high perceived Covid-19 risk were more likely to use self-tests (aOR 1.99, 95% CI 1.10-3.59). Among 25-59 y/o, in-person workers were more likely to use self-tests than remote workers (aOR 1.91 [1.20-3.05]). Among 60+ y/o, employed people were more likely than retired people (aOR 3.97 [2.30-6.85]). Conclusions With higher utilization in low population density areas and among frequent testers, convenience may be a primary driver of use of self-tests. Additional drivers include perceived risk among younger people and exposure at work for those ≥25 yrs. Inequities in use were observed, with lower use among people with low education, older age, and immigrants. Key messages • Use of self-tests in France during the Covid-19 pandemic was low among vulnerable population groups, including people with lower education, immigrants, and older individuals. • Drivers of use included geographical access to healthcare services, perception of risk among younger respondents, and exposure at work among adults aged ≥25 years.

Uptake, Acceptability, and Results of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Testing in Community Settings in Cameroon.

Mass gathering event restrictions were part of mitigation measures during the COVID-19 pandemic that were lifted as prevalence decreased and after vaccination rollout. We explored SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic test acceptability and positivity in community settings in Cameroon. In August-October 2022, community workers sensitized and referred individuals for COVID-19 testing to nearby testing points in Douala and Yaoundé. Participants consented to SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic testing, a survey, or both components. We describe the positivity rate, COVID-19-related history, and Likert-scale testing perceptions. Factors associated with testing acceptance were analyzed using logistic regression. Overall, 20.5% (2,449/11,945) of sensitized individuals visited testing points, and 1,864 (76.1%) were enrolled; 50.6% accepted the survey and testing (46.0% accepted survey only). Seven (0.7%) of 1,006 individuals tested positive. Most (71.8%; 1,292/1,800) considered community testing more accessible than hospital-based testing. Individuals accepting versus refusing testing differed in perceived COVID-19 risk (67%, 49%; P <0.001), belief in accurate test results (79%, 47%; P <0.001), and ability to test easily (96%, 55%; P <0.001). Males (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.26 [1.04-1.53]) and those over 50 years (aOR: 1.9 [1.4-2.7]), with symptoms (aOR: 1.80 [1.30-2.50]), and at least partial vaccination (aOR: 0.76 [0.58-0.99]) were significantly associated with test acceptance. Refusal reasons included lack of perceived need for testing (33.8%) and testing discomfort (26.3%). Although community-based testing was generally perceived as important, actual testing uptake was low. In future pandemics, community testing should be optimized by addressing misinformation, offering alternative testing modalities for greater comfort, creating demand, and tailoring approaches to maximize testing uptake.

Predictors of health preventive behavior among university students in the post-COVID-19 era in Wuhan via TikTok journeying

TikTok has become increasingly popular among young people in China and there is growing number of young people who start to pay great attention to their health through this platform. Wuhan is a significant location for this study, since it was the initial epicenter of COVID-19. However, little is known about the extent to which university students in Wuhan, China, rely on TikTok for health-related information and how this affects their preventive health actions in the post-COVID-19 era. Therefore, it is crucial to look into the direct effects of TikTok users’ search for health information and their actions to protect their health, as well as the mediating functions of e-health literacy and COVID-19 risk perception. The impact of TikTok as a social media platform on the health-related behaviors of university students was examined using the Media Dependency Theory which explains how media use can have significant effects on individuals’ attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. 426 questionnaires were gathered by cluster sampling from a sample of Wuhan university students. Mplus8 was used to perform structural equation modelling, which looked at the relationships between these variables. The results showed a positive correlation between users’ TikTok health information seeking and their health preventive behavior (β = 0.303, p < 0.001). Furthermore, it was discovered that this relationship is mediated by e-health literacy and COVID-19 risk perception in series (β =0.029, p<0.001). The findings demonstrate how TikTok functions as a platform that supports university students’ efforts to protect their health. The results also imply that students’ post-COVID-19 preventive measures for health in search of health information on TikTok are significantly influenced by their e-health literacy as well as their perception of COVID-19 danger. By obtaining more accurate health-related information, university students are equipped with more health skills and have correct attitude towards the disease. In summary, these results advance the knowledge of how TikTok, a social media platform, affects the health-related behaviors of university students.

Exploring Relationships Between Nature-Based Destination Attractiveness, Satisfaction, Perceived COVID-19 Risk, and Revisit Intention in Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

Exploring Relationships Between Nature-Based Destination Attractiveness, Satisfaction, Perceived COVID-19 Risk, and Revisit Intention in Bach Ma National Park, Vietnam

Exploring intercity travel decision-making in a developing country: Insights from COVID-19 impacts in Iran

This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on intercity travel mode choices in Mazandaran province, Iran, addressing critical gaps in understanding how pandemics affect travel behavior in developing countries. The research focuses on how socio-economic factors, perceived health risks, and travel time influence individuals’ choice of transportation modes during the pandemic. Using a stated preference survey method with 669 participants, the study assessed how concerns about virus transmission and adherence to health protocols shape travel decisions. Discrete choice modeling was employed to predict travel mode shares between public transport and personal vehicles. The findings reveal that COVID-19 risk perception, socio-economic factors, and travel time significantly impact travel behavior. Specifically, heightened perceived risk of infection resulted in a 25% reduction in public transportation use, with individuals increasingly opting for personal vehicles. Additionally, strict adherence to health protocols, such as mask-wearing and vehicle cleaning, improved safety perception, leading to a 40% increase in confidence in public transport. The study also found that socio-economic factors like age, income, and education significantly shaped travel preferences. These insights provide valuable guidance for public health policymakers and transportation authorities to enhance the safety and management of intercity travel during ongoing and future pandemics.

How CSR communication and value co-creation shape consumer well-being and brand love in the post-COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from the UK

PurposeDrawing upon the service-dominant logic (S-D logic) and elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this paper provides an integrative model to investigate how argument quality and source credibility of CSR communication affects customer value co-creation behavior, resulting in increased brand trust. Additionally, it unveils how brand trust and the perception of COVID-19 risk influence both brand love and subjective well-being.Design/methodology/approachThe data of this study were collected through survey questionnaire from 304 coffee shop customers using convenience sampling and tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to validate its model.FindingsThe research findings confirm the positive association between source credibility and customer value co-creation (i.e. customer participation and citizenship behavior). By contrast, argument quality is revealed to have a significantly positive effect on customer citizenship behavior (CCB) but a non-significant effect on customer participation behavior (CPB). Additionally, the study identifies that customer value co-creation behavior significantly promotes brand trust. Finally, findings indicate that brand trust and the perception of COVID-19 risk significantly influence brand love and subjective well-being.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on CSR communication and S-D logic and provides new insights for marketers and advertisers to manage brands in the post-pandemic scenario through CSR communications. Furthermore, this study theoretically extends the ELM model to the CSR communication research. Finally, this study expands the relevant literature by clarifying the relationships between the perception of COVID-19 risk, brand love and subjective well-being.

Longitudinal evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States: analysis of the US Census Household Pulse survey

Addressing the challenge of vaccine hesitancy is crucial in managing public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This study leverages the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to examine COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, with a specific focus on the longitudinal tracking of vaccination beliefs and the influence of varying risk perceptions. It investigates how public attitudes towards vaccines evolve, influenced by changing perceptions of COVID-19 risk and vaccine safety. By applying Secondary Risk Theory (SRT), the research elucidates the relationship between different risk perceptions and vaccine hesitancy. We find that threat perception of COVID-19 and lack of trust in the vaccine demonstrate strong predictive value of increased vaccine hesitancy in comparison to other reasons for hesitancy such as access to vaccines, vaccine efficacy beliefs, or perceived secondary risks about vaccine side effects. Respondents with very low primary threat beliefs that COVID-19 is not a threat were 5.65 times more likely (β = 1.732) to intend not to be vaccinated in January 2021, decreasing to 2.70 times more likely to avoid vaccination (β = 0.995) in the December 2021.

Did COVID-19 risk perceptions influence the handwashing behavior of the Filipino population?

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded people of the importance of proper handwashing. The degree of health risk perceptions and handwashing behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic opens essential lessons for delivering water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs across the globe. We measured the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and the handwashing behavior of 386 Filipinos in a highly urbanized city in the Philippines. Self-made COVID-19 risk perception scale (CRPS) (Cronbach's α 0.93) and handwashing behavior scale (HBS) (Cronbach's α 0.84) were administered face-to-face. The results show that the overall handwashing behavior has a median of 4.1 (frequently), while the interquartile range (IQR) is 0.5. Regression analysis revealed that COVID-19 risk perception has a significant positive association with overall handwashing behavior (B=0.369, p-value &amp;lt;0.05). The COVID-19 risk perception accounts for 36.9% of the variance in handwashing behavior, F (1, 384) =11.6360, p-value=0.0007. This study proposes that public health authorities target people's experiential learning style in designing and delivering intervention programs against non-compliance with proper handwashing.

The risk perception of COVID-19 and vaccine uptake among patients with chronic illnesses at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria.

This study assessed the risk perception of COVID-19 and the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among patients with chronic illnesses in a tertiary health facility. A hospital-based cross-sectional study. The outpatient clinics in a tertiary health facility in Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria. Patients with chronic diseases attending outpatient clinics in UITH, Ilorin from November- December 2022, excluding patients under 18 years of age, using simple random sampling by balloting for outpatient clinics, proportional allocation for participants from each clinic, and systematic sampling method for eligible respondents. Risk perception of COVID-19 and vaccine uptake among patients with chronic illnesses in Nigeria. Respondents believed that older people were most at risk of COVID-19. Over two-thirds, 278 (69.5%) of the respondents had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Fear of the unknown (36.0%) and fear of side effects 30 (24.6%) were the most common reasons for not taking the vaccine. Those married were more likely to have received at least one dose of the vaccine (p=0.007). COVID-19 risk perception and COVID-19 vaccine uptake were relatively above average. Fear of the unknown and side effects were significant reasons for not taking the vaccines. None declared.

The Role of Risk Perception and Big Five Personality Traits in COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Indonesia

Even when the COVID-19 global health emergency is declared over, vaccine hesitancy is a relevant topic that needs to be studied to ensure effective intervention when such cases arise again in the future. Vaccine hesitancy is a phenomenon of public doubt about whether to accept or reject vaccination. This study aims to determine the characteristics of vaccine hesitancy in Indonesian society and its relationship with the risk perception of COVID-19 and the Big Five personality traits. We also discuss how the present findings can inform future decision making on pandemic interventions. This multimethod cross-sectional study incorporated both quantitative and qualitative analyses through self-report measures and an open question. We distributed the questionnaire online through convenience sampling technique and involved 390 Indonesian citizens aged 18-62 years (Mage = 30.68, SD = +13.17). Through regression analyses, we found that risk perception of COVID-19, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Intellect were significant predictors of vaccine hesitancy. Thematic analysis showed that themes of lack of confidence, convenience, and complacency were present in participants’ attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. Demographic analysis also showed a correlation between vaccine hesitancy and economic status. Vaccination campaigns should focus on extensive education on vaccine safety that is backed by factual data, education on the risk of preventable diseases with vaccination, and increasing public confidence in government and health authorities.

The relationship between risk perceptions and negative emotions in the COVID-19: a meta-analysis.

COVID-19, as a significant public health issue, has had a major impact on the mental health of people worldwide. Research shows a significant positive correlation between individuals' risk perception levels and negative emotions during the outbreak of COVID-19. However, some studies also suggest that the relationship between the two is not significant. Therefore, we will conduct a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between risk perception and negative emotions from cultural, temporal, and individual psychological perspectives. Searches were conducted in the Web of Science, Pub Med, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Scopus, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, focusing on publications from January 2020 onwards, specifically targeting studies examining the relationship between risk perception and negative emotion during COVID-19. A total of 58 papers with 85 effect sizes were meta-analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.0 software, with a combined sample of 83,948 individuals. Risk perception of COVID-19 showed a moderate positive correlation with negative emotions (r = 0.211, 95%CI [0.18, 0.24]). There was no moderating effect of tight-loose cultures on the relationship between risk perception of COVID-19 and negative emotions. However, the epidemic period, gender ratio, and measurement methods did have moderating effects on the relationship between risk perception of COVID-19 and negative emotions. In future research, we can further develop theories related to the risk perception of COVID-19 and negative emotions, and based on these, formulate interventions to promote people's mental health.

Healthcare workers' safety compliance behavior in times of COVID-19: The interaction model.

Strengthening safety compliance behaviour can reduce the organizations' unexpected financial losses and prevent employees from continuous COVID-19. It drives this study to create a research framework involved by organizational, individual and social factors to predict employees' safety compliance behaviour. This study examines how risk perceptions of COVID-19, employee well-being, workplace health and safety training, safety motivation and safety related stigma impact safety compliance behavior in times COVID-19 pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire was disseminated to healthcare workers. In all, 344 acceptable questionnaires were derived for further analysis. The results revealed that the risk perception of COVID-19 and employee well-being has no significant relationship with safety compliance behavior. Similarly, safety related stigma also has no moderating effect on safety motivation and safety compliance behavior. However, workplace health and safety training and safety motivation have significant relationships with safety compliance behavior. This study contributes to the literature by illuminating on the importance of organizational, individual, social factors and how they can interact with safety compliance behaviour. Additionally, knowing the unique function of safety related stigma in building safety compliance behaviour may help guide future efforts and training initiatives to enhance workplace safety.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation Endorsement among a Sample of Native Spanish-Speakers in the US: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Research on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and misinformation endorsement among Spanish-speaking Americans is limited. This cross-sectional study used a Spanish-language survey from May-August 2021 among 483 Spanish speakers living in the US and Puerto Rico. We applied multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variances to assess the association between independent variables and binary outcomes for vaccine acceptance versus hesitance, as well as misinformation endorsement. Vaccine acceptance was associated with COVID-19 risk perception score (PR = 1.7 high vs. low perceived risk), opinion of government transparency (PR = 2.2 very transparent vs. not transparent), and trust in vaccine information (PR = 1.8 high vs. low). There was also an interaction between time spent on social media and social media as a main source of COVID-19 information (p = 0.0484). Misinformation endorsement was associated with opinion about government transparency (PR = 0.5 moderately vs. not transparent), trust in vaccine information (PR = 0.5 high vs. low trust), social media impact on vaccine confidence (PR = 2.1 decreased vs. increased confidence), distrust vaccines (PR = 1.9 distrust vs. trust), using vaccine information from Facebook (PR = 1.4 yes vs. no), and time spent on social media by those using social media as main source of COVID-19 vaccine information (p = 0.0120). Vaccine acceptance in respondents with high misinformation endorsement scores was 0.7 times those with low scores. These findings highlight the importance of effective information dissemination, the positive role of social media, and government transparency in boosting vaccine uptake among Spanish speakers in the US.

Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among South African health care workers

BackgroundIdentifying factors associated with vaccine uptake among health care workers (HCWs) remains crucial to generating evidence aimed at guiding national COVID-19 vaccination and future infectious disease outbreak strategies. This study aimed to elucidate these factors, focusing on the interplay between socio-demographic, health, knowledge, beliefs and attitudinal indicators. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional online survey administered to HCWs across South Africa between August and October 2022. Bivariate and Multivariate logistic regressions identified associations between COVID-19 vaccine uptake and demographics, occupational characteristics, general knowledge of and attitudes towards vaccination, perceived COVID-19 risk and perceived importance of COVID-19 vaccine attributes. ResultsAnalysis revealed high vaccine uptake rates among the sample of 5564 HCWs, with 87.6% of the sample vaccinated at the time of the study. Demographic measures significantly associated with vaccine uptake were age (P-value = 0.001), race (P-value = 0.021), religion (P-value = 0.004), and having a chronic illness (P-value <0.001). Belief and attitude measures significantly associated with vaccine uptake included: need for vaccines (P-value <0.001), perceived risk of infection (P-value = 0.001), perceived patient risk (P-value <0.001), and perceived vaccine knowledge (P-value <0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that HCWs who listed their religion as African Spirituality (OR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2–0.7; P-value = 0.002) and had any occupation other than nurse or doctor (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4–0.8; P-value <0.001), were less likely to vaccinate, while HCWs who had a chronic condition (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.2–2.0; P-value <0.001) were more likely to have been vaccinated. ConclusionThis study provides useful insights into the factors associated with and possibly driving COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HCWs in South Africa. These results add to a limited body of knowledge on contextual dynamics associated with vaccination programmes in Africa.

COVID-19 risk perceptions in Japan: a cross-sectional study

We conducted a large-scale online survey in February 2023 to investigate the public’s perceptions of COVID-19 infection and fatality risks in Japan. We identified two key findings. First, univariate analysis comparing perceived and actual risk suggested overestimation and nonnegligible underestimation of COVID-19 risk. Second, multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that age, income, education levels, health status, information sources, and experiences related to COVID-19 were associated with risk perceptions. Given that risk perceptions are closely correlated with daily socioeconomic activities and well-being, it is important for policy-makers and public health experts to understand how to communicate COVID-19 risk to the public effectively.

Preexisting Mental Disorders and Mental Distress During the Pandemic: The Roles of Stress, Risk Perception, and Loneliness.

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed unprecedented stressors on individuals globally, leading to significant mental health challenges. This study examines the relationship between perceived adversities experienced during the pandemic-such as stress, risk perception, and loneliness-and the mental health outcomes of individuals with a specific focus on those already grappling with mental disorders. The study analyzed data from 8,259 adults who participated in surveys between waves 4 (April 2020) and 29 (June 2021) of the Understanding American Study. Participants self-reported their psychiatric diagnosis history and completed self-report measures of mental distress (PHQ-4), perceived stress, risk perception, and loneliness. Those with preexisting comorbid mental disorders reported higher levels of mental distress, COVID-19 risk perception, perceived stress as well as more days experiencing loneliness during the pandemic. Perceived adversities-stress, risk perception, and loneliness-were all positively associated with increased mental distress, indicating the risk factors for mental distress during the pandemic. Among these factors, loneliness was identified as the primary contributor, accounting for 30%-40% of the mental health gap between individuals with and without preexisting mental diagnoses. Also, the detrimental impact of these adversities was more pronounced for those with preexisting mental disorders. The research highlights that those with preexisting mental disorders, particularly those with comorbidities, face an increased risk of experiencing mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the critical importance of providing targeted support and interventions specifically designed for this vulnerable population, with a particular focus on addressing loneliness.

Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Kelengkapan Vaksinasi Covid-19 pada Masyarakat di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kenali Besar Kota Jambi

The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the Sars Cov-2 virus has the effect of triggering mild to severe acute respiratory tract disease with symptoms namely fever, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of the ability to smell and taste on the tongue and can cause death. Indonesia is the country with the most new cases and deaths in Southeast Asia as of 24-30 October 2022 with 19,661 new cases or 7.2 new cases per 100,000 population, even though the previous week there were 14,093 cases. This means that the addition occurred as much as 40%. This type of research is quantitative with a cross sectional design. The population of this study was all people aged &gt; 17 years in the working area of the Puskesmas Iknew Besar, totaling 42,796 people with a sample of 172 respondents. The sampling technique used multistage random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation sheets, then univariate data analysis using the chi-square test. The results of the multivariate analysis show that there is a relationship between the completeness of the Covid-19 vaccination and attitudes, history of Covid-19, history of non-communicable diseases, perception of Covid-19 risk, family support and health information among the community in the working area of the Puskesmas Kenali Besar, Jambi City in 2022.

A longitudinal analysis of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, media use, and risk perceptions in a Dutch population-based sample

A longitudinal analysis of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, media use, and risk perceptions in a Dutch population-based sample

COVID-19 risk perception and food security in the MENA region: evidence from a multi-wave household survey

The COVID-19 pandemic had disruptive consequences for MENA countries’ agri-food value chains that exacerbated poverty and jeopardized food security. This study examines the relationship between individuals’ perception of contracting COVID-19 and their experience of food insecurity, using longitudinal data from the Combined COVID-19 MENA Monitor Household survey. It also investigates the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 concerns and explores coping strategies employed by households to identify vulnerabilities in food security. The results provide compelling evidence of a strong association between individuals’ concern about the virus and various dimensions of food security, particularly reduced purchasing power and decreased meal frequency. Notably, this association follows an inverted U-shaped curve, with food insecurity initially increasing as worry grows, but declining after individuals contract the virus. High levels of concern were also linked to significant income decreases and worsening economic conditions. Moreover, individuals with higher concerns were more likely to rely on specific coping strategies, particularly spending savings and obtaining funds from relatives or friends. These findings underscore the need for government interventions during disease outbreaks and economic downturns to focus on alleviating individuals’ worry and fear to facilitate informed decision-making that minimizes food insecurity consequences. Additionally, the findings emphasize the need to strengthen social protection systems during public health and economic challenges to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.