Effects Of Social Distancing Research Articles

Effectiveness of social distancing under partial compliance of individuals

Social distancing reduces infectious disease transmission by limiting contact frequency and proximity within a community. However, compliance varies due to its impact on daily life. This paper explores the effects of compliance on social distancing effectiveness through a “social distancing game”, where community members make decisions based on personal utility. We conducted numerical experiments to evaluate how different policy settings for social distancing affect disease transmission.Our findings suggest several key points for developing effective social distancing policies. Firstly, while generally effective, overly strict policies may lead to noncompliance and reduced effectiveness. Secondly, the public health benefits of social distancing need to be balanced against social costs, emphasizing policy efficiency. Lastly, for diseases with low reinfection risk, a segmented policy exempting immune individuals could lessen both infections and socioeconomic costs.

The influence of social distance perception among gamers on relationships between game motivation and interpersonal competency

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between game use negative motivation factors and interpersonal competency and explore the moderating effect of social distance on those relationships. For this, the present study collected data from 228 college students in South Korea through a survey method and used hierarchical multiple regression analyses. In the results, first, the more manipulation, customization, or immersion/escape participants pursue in gameplay, the more they decrease interpersonal competency. Second, a positive relationship between immersion/escape motivation and interpersonal competency is weaker for participants with more social exclusion experience rather than low. However, social exclusion was found to have no significance in the relationship between other motivators and interpersonal competency.

"Support the strong" or "Help the weak?": The effects of social comparison and social distance on cooperative behavior in the dictator game.

Within an object-interdependent context, we conducted three experiments to investigate the influence of social comparisons on cooperative behavior, as well as to assess the mediating and moderating effects of related variables. In Experiment 1 (n = 207), we examined whether social comparisons impact cooperative behavior toward a comparator in a dictator game task. Here, we specifically focused on the mediating effects of evaluation of others' competence, along with three other potential mediators: self-competence evaluation, positive emotions, and negative emotions. Following the insights gained from Experiment 1, we proceeded to Experiments 2 (n = 279) and 3 (n = 298) to further explore whether social distance moderates the mediating effect of evaluation of others' competence. The results of all three experiments consistently indicated that upward (vs. non-) comparison facilitated cooperative behavior, whereas downward (vs. non-) comparison hindered it. Furthermore, our findings revealed that evaluation of others' competence served as a mediator between social comparison and cooperative behavior when the comparator (i.e., the cooperative partner) was perceived as being at a far-distance, whereas the mediating effect of evaluation of others' competence disappeared when social distance was close. These results reveal the pivotal role of evaluating others' competence and social distance in social interactions from the perspective of social comparison, which provides insights into how to promote cooperative behavior.

Refining Estimation of the Instantaneous Reproduction Number During Early Pandemic Stages: Addressing Case-Reporting Variability and Serial Interval Uncertainty.

During infectious disease outbreaks, estimates for the instantaneous reproduction number, R(t), are essential for understanding transmission dynamics. This study develops and analyzes new methodology to improve estimation of R(t) when observed case counts are subject to reporting patterns and available serial interval estimates are subject to uncertainty and non-representativeness. Specifically, we developed a Bayesian time-since-infection model with layers to adjust for reporting measurement error, integrate multiple candidate serial interval estimates, and estimate transmission with an autoregressive time-series model incorporating factors relevant to transmission. Additionally, we provide practical tools to identify reporting patterns and determine when to smooth case counts for more usable R(t) estimates. We evaluated model performance relative to widely adopted methodology by simulating outbreak data, finding improved R(t) estimation with the proposed methodology. We also used 2020 COVID-19 data to analyze transmission trends and predictors, identifying strong day-of-week and social distancing effects that subsequently reduced estimate volatility. In addition to new approaches for addressing serial interval uncertainty and incorporating transmission predictor information, this study provides an alternative approach for addressing case-reporting patterns without delaying detection or smoothing over relevant transmission signals. These tools and findings may be used or built upon for current and future outbreaks.

Impact of decision‐making autonomy and social distance on young Chinese children's sharing behaviour

AbstractThis research explores how decision‐making autonomy and social distance impact young children's sharing behaviour. In Study 1, findings from 159 Chinese children (total N = 159, 72 boys, aged 3–6 years) revealed that children aged 5–6 exhibited significantly more sharing behaviours in the controlled condition, however 3–4 years‐olds showed no variance between the two conditions, indicating that the impact of decision‐making autonomy on sharing behaviour surfaces around the age of 5–6 years. Study 2 examined the effects of social distance and decision‐making autonomy on sharing behaviours among Chinese children aged 5–6 years (total N = 57, 29 boys). Results showed that irrespective of the decision‐making condition, children in this age group exhibited a greater tendency to share with close friends. Furthermore, the controlled condition intensified this effect. These findings suggest that the perceived sense of autonomy among Chinese children aged 5–6 when deciding to share may not be as stable as expected, with social distance playing a pivotal role in guiding their sharing decisions. This study enhances our comprehension of how decision‐making autonomy and social factors shape young children's prosocial behaviour, underscoring the significant role of social context in influencing sharing behaviours during childhood development.

The Preventive Indicators for Evaluating the Design of Existing Buildings as Epidemic-Resilient Architecture: A Theoretical Framework

The recent outbreak of epidemics created health challenges and emerging requirements that revealed weaknesses and increased alerts about the contribution of the existing buildings’ design to increasing the possibility of epidemics’ spread. Those risks necessitated focusing on designing more effectively resilient buildings to epidemics. The study focuses on improving the safety aspects of existing building design from an architectural design perspective. Therefore, this study proposes a theoretical framework for a set of preventive indicators to evaluate the existing building design as a resilient architectural system in its response to epidemics. These indicators have been identified and selected based on an extensive examination of the literature and the most effective practices for preventing and controlling epidemics. Those preventive indicators covered all the various aspects of the design of the existing building, including the effectiveness of social distancing, indoor air quality, indoor environmental quality, control engineering and preventive. Using these indicators, architecture professionals and policymakers can evaluate the effectiveness of existing buildings in reducing the spread of epidemics and making the necessary improvements to create a more resilient environment. The proposed preventive indicators aim to contribute to developing epidemic-resilient architecture and promote the creation of healthier and safer living environments for occupants.

Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic: Potential impact and correlation with asthma

BackgroundNon-pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented globally to control the COVID-19 pandemic and have been shown to alleviate both allergies and respiratory infections. Although mask-wearing is an accepted non-pharmaceutical intervention, the effects of social distancing have not been thoroughly evaluated. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of social distancing on asthma trends in Seoul, South Korea. MethodsThis study included data from the National Health Insurance Service of South Korea, covering approximately 10 million people in Seoul. Daily and monthly data of patients with asthma from 2018 to 2021 were examined, and the degree of social distancing performance was measured using the number of subway users as an index. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the two indices. The change-point detection technique, cross-correlation, and Granger causality method were used to assess the temporal causality between social distancing and asthma. ResultsThe number of patients with asthma decreased by 42.4 % from 2019 to 2020, while that of subway users decreased by 26.3 % during this period. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations. Asthma and subway users showed a significant change in incidence following the implementation of social distancing; subway users showed a causal relationship with patients with asthma. ConclusionOur results showed that the number of subway users decreased after the implementation of strict social distancing, coinciding with a decrease in the number of patients with asthma. These findings suggest that social distancing measures implemented to control COVID-19 may reduce the incidence and exacerbation of asthma.

Food Safety Risk and Visual Attention: The Moderating Effect of Prototype Perception and Social Distance

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between food safety risk perception (FSRP) and social similarity, utilizing eye-tracking to uncover how consumers process information on food labels. Central to our inquiry is that perceived similarity influences how individuals assess and react to food safety risks. Our research posits that individuals who see a high degree of similarity with others in their social circles are more attentive to food safety risks. We conducted two food label experiments, one focusing on safety labels and the other on nutritional information. Findings indicate that heightened perceptions of social similarity (prototype perception and social distance) enhance the impact of food labels (safety labels and nutritional information) on food safety risk assessments (decision-making process and product choice), manifesting in increased visual attention to these labels. This revelation underscores the significance of social factors in shaping food safety behaviors and offers a new perspective for designing more effective food safety communication. Our work contributes to the academic discourse on food safety and social psychology and provides practical insights for public health messaging strategies.

Interplay between representations, practices, and stigma variables towards people with intellectual disabilities among healthcare professionals: A cross-sectional study.

Disparities in healthcare are observed among people with intellectual disabilities. They generally face stigmatisation and negative attitudes from healthcare professionals. The aim of this study is to investigate the link of diagnostic label and social distance on inclusive health representations and practices towards people with intellectual disabilities among healthcare professionals. We conducted an online survey of 163 healthcare professionals living in French-speaking Belgium. The results highlighted that the diagnostic label and a lower social distance predict better representations and practices in inclusive health. In addition, an analysis of mediation showed the mediating effect of social distance on the link between being in contact with people with intellectual disabilities (through employment) and better representations and practices in inclusive health. This study enabled us to assess the interplay between stigma variables and healthcare professionals' representations and practices towards people with intellectual disabilities and to identify potential facilitators for promoting health equity.

Effects of social distancing during COVID-19 on informal learning behaviours and work performance: the role of organisational remote working cultures

ABSTRACT We explored the impact of social distancing and the subsequent shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on informal learning behaviours and work performance. To accomplish this, we conducted a large-scale international study at the peak of the pandemic in 2021, utilising self-report questionnaires distributed via online social business networks, with a total of N = 1,236 participants. In our study, we developed a research model wherein social distancing served as the independent variable and remote working cultures as the moderating variable. This model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis techniques. Our investigation affirms that social distancing had adverse effects on informal learning within organisations. Additionally, it suggests that social distancing alone does not necessarily cultivate a remote working culture. However, our study reveals that a remote working culture can mitigate the repercussions of social distancing. Consequently, we observed positive effects on work performance through informal learning, even amidst the pandemic. A key outcome is that business leaders should promote a remote work culture and, based on this framework, establish hybrid work arrangements that effectively combine in-person and remote work.

Effect of Social Distancing Caused by Heavy Snowfall on Seasonal Influenza Epidemic in a Local Region in Japan.

The effectiveness of social distancing in controlling influenza epidemics is debatable. We analyzed the local impact of large-scale social distancing caused by heavy snowfall on influenza epidemic. Surveillance data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases on influenza diagnosed at registered Fukui Prefecture institutions were plotted in epidemic curves. We also compared the number of elementary and junior high school students suspended attendance due to influenza during the 2017/2018 season between the northern and southern Fukui Prefecture territories. Weekly incidence influenza rates and average rates before, during and after school closure caused by heavy snowfall in the northern territory were compared with those of the southern territory using Poisson generalized estimating equations to account for school variability. The northern territory epidemic curve, like the nationwide trend, rapidly declined during the heavy snowfall and formed a second peak 4 weeks later. The southern territory's curve was like the nationwide trend throughout. Weekly incidence rate ratios in schools for the northern versus southern territories varied from 0.23 during heavy snowfall to 2.32, 4 weeks after the snowfall. Cumulative incidence ratio (95% confidence interval) of the northern-to-southern territories was 0.92 (0.74-1.13; P = 0.42). School closure significantly reduced the incidence rate to 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.89; P = 0.02). Although relatively large-scale, simultaneous school closures and social distancing could temporarily suppress seasonal influenza epidemic, they could not impede the cumulative incidence. Large-scale social distancing may contribute to slowing infection spread during seasonal influenza epidemics.

Social distancing and COVID-19 under violence: Evidence from Colombia

Did violence increase social distancing and decrease COVID-19 cases? We investigated the effects of massacres on social distancing and subsequent impacts on COVID-19 cases in Colombia. Using an augmented synthetic control method model, we find that massacres reduced human mobility toward parks by six percentage points compared to unaffected areas. However, we did not find significant changes in workplace mobility. Moreover, alterations in social interactions caused by the violence had minimal effects on the spread of COVID-19. Following the occurrence of the first massacre, there was a decrease in 35 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the subsequent four months, with no evidence of changes in COVID-19 deaths. By leveraging an exogenous shock unrelated to the fear of the disease or its previous levels, we demonstrate the effect of social distancing and offer insights into social dynamics and public health.

Modern Trends in Nasal Bone Fractures and the Effect of Social Distancing

Objectives: To assess differences in demographics, incidence, and cause of nasal bone fractures (NBFs) between pre–coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 eras. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for adult NBF. Two sample t tests and Wald χ2 tests were used to identify changes across the 2012 to 2019 period and 2020 to 2021 period (age, sex, race, location, disposition, and product). Results: There was a total of 523,259 (95% CI: 445,082–601,436) emergency department (ED)–treated adult NBFs in the United States. There was a greater incidence of NBF during COVID-19 (61,621 annual cases; 95% CI: 61,572–61,669) compared with pre–COVID-19 (50,773 annual cases; 95% CI: 50,195–51,351; P < 0.01). Fewer patients with NBF were discharged after ED evaluation during COVID-19 (79.46%; 95% CI: 74.45%–83.70%) compared with before (84.41%; 95% CI: 82.36%–86.28%; P = 0.049, t test). During COVID-19, there was a decrease in sport-associated NBFs, such as basketball [2.36% (95% CI: 1.71%–3.27%) versus 5.21% (95% CI: 4.20%–6.45%), P < 0.01] and baseball [1.18% (95% CI: 0.82%–1.69%) versus 2.22% (95% CI: 1.80%–2.74%), P<0.01], but an increase in fall (66.34% versus 75.02%), alcohol (7.04% versus 12.89%), and drug-associated (0.47% versus 5.70%) NBFs (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: A greater incidence of NBFs has been observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic without significant changes in sex or race. Nasal bone fractures during COVID-19 were less likely to be related to sports or discharged from the ED and more likely to be associated with drugs and alcohol. Changes in sociobehavioral patterns during these unprecedented times may account for post–COVID-19 NBF etiologic drift. Level of Evidence: Level II—retrospective cohort study.

Analisa Faktor Pengaruh Purchase Intention Melalui Engagement Sebagai Mediasi dan Brand Equity Sebagai Moderasi Pada Pengguna Media Sosial

This study aims to investigate the factors that influence the purchase intention of social media users. The research examines the impact of social presence, psychological distance, trust, engagement, social media marketing, electronic word of mouth (EWOM), and brand equity on purchase intention. Engagement is identified as a mediator, and brand equity as a moderator in the relationship. Data was collected from 290 reSPondents through the distribution of questionnaires and analyzed using the SmartPLS 3.0 program. The results of the data analysis indicate a positive correlation between trust, engagement, EWOM, and brand equity with purchase intention. However, there is no significant effect of social presence, psychological distance, and social media marketing. Additionally, the results showed no mediating effect of engagement, and the moderating impact of brand equity was less than 5%.

Psychological effects of social distancing, its relation with team cohesion among football players

Psychological effects of social distancing, its relation with team cohesion among football players

Covid-19 pandemic and mental health among adolescents and young adults: results from two studies conducted in North of Italy

IntroductionThe northern region of Italy had been the epicenter of the first wave of Covid-19. The youth population residing in this area experienced an extended period of restrictive measures implemented to curb the spread of the virus. Given the adverse effects of social distancing and lockdown measures, there is a concern regarding the mental health of young individuals in this region. However, there remains a notable scarcity of studies exploring the long-term impact of the pandemic on the mental health of this vulnerable population.ObjectivesTo assess psychopathological symptoms among adolescents and young adults in order to evaluate the extent of their impact in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. To explore potential risk factors and resilience factors in youth who have experienced the effects of the pandemic.MethodsTwo studies are performed. Study n1 has observational design and includes 7,146 adolescents and young adults (age range 14–25) evaluated during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 through standardized measures for depression, anxiety, anger, somatic symptoms, resilience, loneliness and post-traumatic growth. Study n2 has prospective design and includes 153 students (mean age 16.1±0.49), evaluated before the Covid-19 pandemic (November 2019–January 2020) and 1 year later (April–May 2021) to measure anxiety, depression, stress, emotional dysregulation, maladaptive behaviours.ResultsStudy 1. Clustering methods identifed two groups of students with different psychological features, that we further defined as “poor mental health” and “good mental health”. Those with poor mental health were characterized by higher scores of loneliness and self-harm, followed by being of female gender, presenting binge eating behaviors and, finally, having unsatisfying family relationships.Study 2. Over the course of one year, significant changes in various psychological parameters were observed: an increase in anxiety, stress for future uncertainty, and higher frequency of maladaptive behaviours.Stress related to social domains (i.e., school attendance, romantic relationships, peer pressure) decreased over the year. Cluster analysis identified three distinct groups of youths based on their changes in psychopathological symptoms over time: those who worsened (N=23; 15%), improved (N=55; 34%), or remained stable (N=75; 46%). Furthermore, adolescents who reported an increase in self-harm (OR=2.61; p<0.001), binge-drinking (OR=3.0; p=0.007), aggressiveness (OR 1.92; p=0.004), and binge-eating (OR 2.55; p=0.003) were more likely to be associated with a worsened mental health condition.ConclusionsThe findings from these studies substantiated the significant psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, they yielded valuable further insights regarding into the factors linked to distinct patterns of mental health outcomes.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Influence of Social Distance on Foreign Language Effect in Moral Judgment.

Previous research has shown that moral choice depends on language, a phenomenon known as the moral foreign language effect (mFLE). The current study examines the influence of social distance on the mFLE. In Experiment 1, 200 participants were randomly assigned to either close or distant social distance in English or Chinese. In Experiment 2, 188 participants were randomly assigned to either English or Chinese and were presented with eight moral dilemmas, each with five different levels of social distance. After reading the dilemma, participants made a choice on a binary scale (Yes/No) in both Experiments 1 and 2 or on a more sensitive 100-point scale in Experiment 2. The results showed that the mFLE was present in distant social distance but absent in close social distance. Finally, a meta-analysis of the results from both studies confirmed the effect of social distance on the mFLE. These findings demonstrate that social distance might play an important role in moderating the mFLE in moral judgment.

ICT's in the Chilean and Latin-American civil justice. Analysis from the right of access to justice

AbstractThe incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the justice sector is not necessarily a new phenomenon. Nevertheless, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this process, as it required rapid solutions to mitigate the effects of social distancing and other security measures, for which ICTs proved crucial to ensure the continued provision of basic legal services. Initially used only for urgent matters, after two years it has become highly integrated into the regular functions of judicial institutions and is expected to continue as a critical tool against overburdened dockets. ICTs in the justice system can serve different purposes and can therefore be analyzed from different perspectives: efficiency in the administration of justice, interoperability between institutional actors, improvement of information for decision-makers, transparency and accountability, among others. This article focuses on access to justice. Therefore, it analyzes the ICTs implemented in Latin American countries, with a focus on the Chilean judiciary – particularly in the civil justice system – from a critical point of view, based on access to justice standards.

The Moderating Role of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Protective Effects of Health Behaviors among Clients Using Mental Health Services.

College-student clients using mental health services contend with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their vulnerability to infectious respiratory diseases and severe clinical outcomes rises. To mitigate severe outcomes, health behaviors serve as essential protective tools to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Considering the escalating prevalence of anxiety and depression among college-student clients, little is known about how anxiety and depressive symptoms could potentially attenuate the protective effects of COVID-19 health behaviors (i.e., masking, social distancing, and hygiene practice). This study aims to examine the interactive effects of anxiety/depression and health behaviors in predicting COVID-19 infection. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2020-2021 Healthy Mind Study including a random sample of 9884 college-student clients in mental health services across 140 higher education institutions in the United States. We performed multivariable logistic regression to assess whether and to what extent the associations between COVID-19 health behaviors and infection depended on severity of anxiety or depressive symptoms. Results: Anxiety symptom severity negatively moderated the protective effects of social distancing against infection after adjusting for demographic characteristics and pre-existing chronic health conditions. Depressive symptom severity negatively moderated the protective effects of masking, social distancing, or hygiene practices against infection. Conclusion: The associations between certain COVID-19 health behaviors and infection were conditional on anxiety and depressive symptom severity. Findings suggest a potential public health benefit of mental health clinicians' efforts in assessing and treating clients' anxiety and depressive symptoms, namely reducing their vulnerability to COVID-19 infection and perhaps other infectious respiratory diseases.

Effects of Isolation and Social Distancing on the Fragility of Older People and the Physical Activities They Perform

Introduction: The association between reduced physical activity and social isolation has been described in the literature, but the relationship between the level of adherence to protective measures among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of physical inactivity on frailty remains a significant knowledge gap. Objective: To analyze the effects of social distancing and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on frailty in the elderly and on their physical activities in primary health care in a basic health unit in Brazil. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study conducted in households and basic health units. In the first wave, before the pandemic, the sample consisted of non-frail elderly (n = 168). After a mean follow-up of 762 days, a second wave was conducted in which the elderly were classified according to their level of exposure to social distancing and isolation (n = 100) and the outcomes “level of physical activity” and “frailty status” were observed. Sociodemographic and clinical questionnaires, the Mini-Mental State Examination, physical markers of frailty, and level of exposure to social distancing and isolation were used. Descriptive statistics, association, survival curves, and proportional hazards regression were used. Results: Of the elderly, 53% transitioned to pre-frailty and 21% showed a decrease in physical activity. There was a high percentage of low adherence to social distancing and isolation, and there was no association with physical activity and frailty (p = 0.288; p = 0.351, respectively). Women had a higher risk of being classified as pre-frail or frail (2.53; 95% CI, 1.01-6.34) and of having a decrease in physical activity (2.13; 95% CI, 1.06-4.26). Conclusion: There was no association between protective measures of social distancing and isolation, physical activity, and frailty. Older people with reduced levels of physical activity should be encouraged to exercise to remain active and avoid the transition to frailty, functional decline, and dependency.