Nationwide Online Survey Research Articles

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Intent among Mothers of Adolescent Sons: A National Survey on HPV Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs in South Korea.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections affecting both males and females but there is an apparent lack of knowledge and apprehension towards male HPV vaccination South Korea. The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between knowledge and perceptions of male HPV vaccination and vaccination intent among Korean mothers of adolescent sons. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a nationwide online survey. The independent variables were mothers' sociodemographic characteristics, history of HPV diagnosis, general HPV knowledge, HPV vaccine knowledge, and attitudes and beliefs towards male HPV vaccination. The outcome variable was mothers' intent to vaccinate their sons, which was classified into three categories: non-intent, undecided and intend to vaccinate. We performed univariate analysis and multinomial logistic regression analysis. A total of 906 eligible mothers completed the survey. Mothers received low scores on the HPV-related knowledge scales with low ratings on the scale measuring perceived risk of HPV. Approximately 10% of the mothers intended to vaccinate their sons against HPV, 61.0% were undecided and 1.5% already had their sons vaccinated. According to the multinominal logistic regression analysis, having a daughter in the family, mothers' previous diagnosis with HPV, general HPV knowledge, influence, harm, and risk were significantly associated with being undecided and having intentions to vaccinate their sons (p<0.05). Our study revealed that Korean mothers are generally less aware of male HPV vaccination, have low perceived risk of HPV, and remain highly hesitant on vaccinating their sons against HPV. It is therefore important to raise public awareness about male HPV vaccination and alleviate vaccine hesitancy. Such efforts will contribute to improving parents' vaccination intent, increasing vaccine uptake among male adolescents and prevention of HPV-associated diseases.

Telecare in Parkinson's disease: A nationwide survey among Hungarian neurologists

COVID-19 has made providing in-person care difficult. In most countries, including Hungary, telemedicine has partly served as a resolution for this issue. Our purpose was to explore the effects of COVID-19 on neurological care, the knowledge of neurology specialists on telemedicine, and the present state of telecare in Hungary, with a special focus on Parkinson's disease (PD). Between July and October 2021, a nationwide online survey was conducted among actively practicing Hungarian neurology specialists who were managing patients with PD. A total of 104 neurologists were surveyed. All levels of care were evaluated in both publicly funded and private healthcare. Both time weekly spent on outpatient specialty consultation and the number of patients with PD seen weekly significantly decreased in public healthcare, while remained almost unchanged in private care (p<0.001); higher portion of patients were able to receive in-person care in private care (78.8% vs. 90.8%, p<0.001). In telecare, prescribing medicines has already been performed by the most (n=103, 99%). Electronic messages were the most widely known telemedicine tools (n=98, 94.2%), while phone call has already been used by most neurologists (n=95, 91.3%). Video-based consultation has been more widely used in private than public care (30.1% vs. 15.5%, p=0.001). Teleprocedures were considered most suitable for monitoring progression and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and evaluating the need for adjustments to antiparkinsonian pharmacotherapy. COVID-19 has had a major impact on the care of patients with PD in Hungary. Telemedicine has mitigated these detrimental effects; however, further developments could make it an even more reliable component of care.

Factors Related to Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescents During COVID-19: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent disease-containment measures (such as school closures) significantly affected the lives of adolescents. We evaluated the mental-health status and factors associated with anxiety and depression among South Korean adolescents.MethodsA nationwide online survey was conducted to evaluate the mental-health status of South Korean adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 570 adolescents aged 13–18 years were surveyed between May 27 and June 11, 2021. The participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to determine anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression models were constructed to determine factors related to anxiety and depression.ResultsAmong the study participants, 11.2% and 14.2% had anxiety and depression, respectively. The results suggested that several factors, such as the experience of COVID-19 infection and quarantine of oneself, a family member or an acquaintance, physical and mental health problems, and fear of one’s local community being discriminated against as a COVID-19 area were related to anxiety and depression.ConclusionThe present study identified COVID-19-related factors associated with anxiety and depression among adolescents, and provides insights regarding potential interventions to improve the mental health of adolescents. To promote the mental health of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, special attention should be paid to individuals with physical or mental-health problems, and efforts should be made to reduce the negative social and emotional impacts of infection-control measures.

Mental health symptoms in Australian general practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

General practitioners (GPs) play a central role during the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet awareness of their mental health is limited. A nationwide online survey of self-identified frontline healthcare workers was conducted between 27 August and 23 October 2020. Participants were recruited through health and professional organisations, colleges, universities, government contacts, and media. A subset of the findings on GPs and hospital medical staff (HMS) was used for this study. Of 9518 responses, there were 389 (4%) GPs and 1966 (21%) HMS. Compared with HMS, GPs received significantly less training on personal protective equipment usage or care for COVID-19 patients, and less support or communication within their workplace. GPs were significantly more concerned about household income, disease transmission to family and being blamed by colleagues if they became infected, all of which were associated with worse psychological outcomes. Significantly more GPs reported burnout, and experienced moderate-to-severe emotional exhaustion than HMS. Both groups used similar coping strategies, except fewer GPs than HMS used digital health applications or increased alcohol consumption. Less than 25% of either group sought professional help. GPs are vital in our healthcare systems, yet face unique workplace challenges and mental health stressors during the pandemic. Targeted workplace and psychological support is essential to protect wellbeing among the primary care workforce.

Nutrition support for critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Italian SIAARTI survey

BackgroundCritically ill, COVID-19 patients are characterized by a hypermetabolic state and a reduced food intake and are at high risk of malnutrition and lean body mass loss. An appropriate metabolic-nutritional intervention aims to reduce complications and improve the clinical outcomes. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicenter, observational, nationwide online survey involving Italian Intensivists to assess the nutritional practices in critically ill patients with COVID-19.ResultsA group of experts in nutrition of the Italian Society of Anaesthesia Analgesia Resuscitation and Intensive Care (SIAARTI) developed a 24-item questionnaire; the 9000 members of the Society were invited to participate through emails and social networks. Data was collected from June 1 to August 1, 2021.A total of 545 responses were collected: 56% in northern, 25% in central, and 20% in southern Italy. Artificial nutrition support is directly handled by intensivists in > 90 of the cases; the nutritional status is assessed as suggested by the guidelines in more than 70% of the cases, and a form of nutrition support is started within the first 48 h from ICU admission by > 90% of the respondents. Nutritional targets are reached in 4–7 days in > 75% of the cases, mainly by the enteral route. Indirect calorimetry, muscle ultrasound, and bioimpedance analysis are used by a limited part of the interviewees. Only about a half of the respondents reported the nutritional issues in the ICU discharge summary.ConclusionsThis survey among Italian Intensivists during the COVID-19 epidemic showed how the beginning, progression, and route of nutritional support adhere to international recommendations, while recommendations on the tools to set the target and monitor the efficacy of the metabolic support are less followed.

Perceived workplace layout design and work-related physical activity and sitting time

The workplace spatial environment has been identified as one of the correlates of workers' active and sedentary behaviours. This study examined the associations of perceived workplace layout design with workers' active and sedentary behaviour in office workers in Japan. Participants in this study (n = 2,265) were recruited from a nationwide online survey conducted in 2019. They completed a questionnaire that assessed work-related physical activity and sedentary time. Self-reported workplace layout measures including local connectivity, overall connectivity, visibility of co-workers, and proximity of co-workers were calculated using the Office Environment and Sitting Scale questionnaire. A two-stage regression model was used for modelling physical activity and sedentary time. After adjusting all covariates, participation in work-related physical activity was positively associated with local and overall connectivity (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.28, 2.12, and OR = 1.37 95% CI 1.07, 1.74, respectively) in open-plan offices. However, the visibility and proximity of co-workers were positively associated with any work-related sedentary time in shared and open-plan offices. There was also a positive association between participation in work-related physical activity and local connectivity in shared offices (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.30, 2.72). For those participants reporting participation in work-related physical activity, there was a significant positive association between work-related physical activity and local connectivity in open-plan offices (b = 11.28 min/day, 95% CI 2.04, 20.51). Our findings provided evidence on the relevance of workplace layout design to participation and the duration of workers' active and sedentary time in the context of Japan, a country with the world's most extended working hours among adults.

Energy Poverty among Tertiary Students in Aotearoa New Zealand

Energy poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand is well-documented, and tertiary students have been identified as an at-risk group. However, there has been very little research on tertiary students’ experiences of energy poverty in New Zealand. This paper used a nationwide online survey to investigate the extent and impact of energy poverty among tertiary students. Furthermore, it aimed to identify disparities between different demographic groups, understand the effects of COVID-19 and evaluate the effectiveness of the support policies available to students. Responses from 522 students were analysed; 85% were under 30 years old, 72% were female, 14% identified as Māori, and 14% reported having long-term disabilities or health concerns. The findings of this study are concerning. Tertiary students in New Zealand are largely living in dwelling conditions that do not meet recommended health standards and exacerbate energy poverty. Energy poverty has adverse effects on their physical and mental health; however, available support is limited or inaccessible. Most significantly, the impact of energy poverty is disproportionally affecting students with long-term disabilities or health concerns as well as students identifying as Māori. Moreover, the impact of COVID-19 further strained students experiencing energy poverty and again, disproportionally affected more vulnerable students.

Adherencia al paquete de medidas ABCDEF durante la pandemia de COVID-19

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and use of the ABCDEF bundle in intensive care units (ICU) in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA nationwide online survey was conducted on physicians, nurses, and physiotherapists. Results396 complete questionnaires were received from professionals from 21 Argentine provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Sixty-six percent of the participants answered that they knew the bundle and applied it with different degrees of implementation. A total of 42.9% reported using at least one validated tool to assess pain. Spontaneous awakening trials and spontaneous breathing trials are performed by the majority of the respondents. Sedation scales were used by 66.6% of the participants routinely. Delirium monitoring was implemented by 62%. Regarding early mobilization and exercise of patients, 91.8% of the professionals interviewed reported that they perform neuromuscular rehabilitation in their ICU. Finally, only 6.8% reported that their unit was open 24hours for family visits. Main barriers for bundle implementation were limited human and hospital resources, resistance to change, lack of information, and isolation due to COVID-19. Conclusion66% of the participants answered that they know the package and apply it with different degrees of implementation.

Who Got Vaccinated for COVID-19? Evidence from Japan.

Vaccination has been critical to reducing infections and deaths during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While previous studies have investigated attitudes toward taking a vaccine, studies on the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination behavior are scant. We examine what characteristics, including socioeconomic and non-economic factors, are associated with vaccination behavior for COVID-19 in Japan. We use a large nationwide online survey with approximately 10,000 participants. As of September 2021, 85% of the respondents said that they had received or would receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Employing logistic regression analysis on vaccination behavior, we found that vaccination rates are higher among those who are older, married, educated, and/or work in a large company. On the other hand, vaccination rates tend to be lower among the self-employed, younger women, and those with poor mental health. Income did not significantly correlate with vaccination. Medical workers were found to have a relatively high rate of vaccination. Although attitude towards risk and time preference were not crucial factors for vaccination, fear of infection, infection prevention behavior, and agreement with government policies on behavioral restrictions in crisis situations positively correlated with vaccination.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Well-Being. A Nationwide Online Survey Covering Three Pandemic Waves in Poland.

The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on human life. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and the assessment of the quality of life in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an online nationwide survey. The study was based on a voluntary, anonymous, and authors' own questionnaire. The first section assesses sociodemographic status. Then, standardized psychometric tools were used such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), and the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). The study was conducted in three stages corresponding to the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The survey involved 5,790 respondents; 2,457, 1,626, and 1,707 for the first, second, and third pandemic wave, respectively. It was found that anxiety and depressive symptoms increased as the pandemic progressed. There was no significant effect on the subjective quality-of-life assessment. Moreover, there was a gradual decrease in anxiety about being infected with COVID-19 as well as reduced adherence to the Minister of Health's recommendations. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, depressive and anxiety symptoms increased among Poles. Women, singles, and people with prior psychiatric treatment are more likely to develop the aforementioned symptoms.

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Spanish Ob-Gyn Specialists-A Nationwide Study.

It has been reported that frontline health professionals have suffered from an increased rate of mental disorders as a consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of Spanish specialists in the obstetrics and gynecology fields after the fifth Spanish COVID-19 wave. Methods: Psychometric screening of the professionals was performed using a nationwide online survey designed by the Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynecology taskforce. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and general anxiety disorder were screened. Results: We found high scores for PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Up to 12.4% of specialists met the PTSD criteria, 12.8% showed complex PTSD, 37% showed depression, and up to 37% had a positive screening for generalized anxiety disorder. Our results showed that the pandemic has particularly affected the group of female Ob-Gyn specialists, with significant higher scores in depression and anxiety scales. Conclusions: As a lesson learned for the future in case of new health emergencies, it would be very important to provide professionals with adequate psychological support, ensuring enough human and material resources, flexible work shifts, and facilities to reconcile work and family-life, especially in the case of female specialists.

Weight-bearing in Trauma Surgery (WiTS) Study: A national survey of UK Trauma & Orthopaedic multidisciplinary health professionals

IntroductionWeight-bearing (WB) status following a fracture or surgical fixation is an important determinant of the mechanical environment for healing. In order for healthcare professionals to communicate and understand the extent of bearing weight through a limb, clear terminology must be used. There is widespread variation in the usage and definitions of WB terminology in the literature and clinical practice. This study sought to define the understanding and extent of variation across the United Kingdom. MethodsA nationwide online survey of UK-based Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) multidisciplinary healthcare professionals was conducted. Participants answered seven questions assessing their usage and understanding of various WB terminology. ResultsA total of 707 responses were received: 48% by doctors, 32% by physiotherapists, 13% by occupational therapists and 7% from other healthcare professionals. In terms of understanding of WB terminology with respect to percentage body weight (BW), 89% of respondents interpret ‘full WB’ as 100% BW, 97% interpret ‘non WB’ as 0% BW, 80% interpret ‘partial WB’ as 50% BW, and 89% interpret ‘touch/toe-touch WB’ as 10% or 20% BW. There were statistically significant differences between the responses of doctors and therapists for these four terms, with doctors tending to give higher %BW values. ‘Protected WB’ and ‘WB as tolerated’ had less consensus and more variability in responses. The majority (68%) of respondents do not usually quantify terminology such as ‘partial WB’ with a value, and 94% agreed that standardisation of WB terminology would improve communication amongst professionals. ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the substantial variation in the understanding of WB terminology amongst healthcare professionals, which likely results in ambiguous rehabilitation advice. Existing literature has shown that patients struggle to comply with terms such as ‘partial weight-bearing’. We recommend consensus within the T&O multidisciplinary community to standardise and define common weight-bearing terminology.

Government responsiveness and public acceptance of big-data technology in urban governance: Evidence from China during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 global pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to nations and cities worldwide. Governments have adopted Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to rapidly control the spread of a novel coronavirus. As an innovative but controversial ICT-based tool, health QR code plays a vital role by assisting rapid contact tracing. Yet, whether and how citizens accept this policy tool remains an unknown theoretical and empirical question. In this paper, we study the sources that determine citizens' acceptance of health QR code in city governance. Based on a nation-wide online survey covering 28 major provincial-capital cities in China, we find that individual experiences and political identities affect citizens' acceptance of QR code. Even though public opinion regarding this issue is diverse, the government's responses to citizens' requests play a critical role in enhancing their acceptance of using QR code both in the current and future stages. Specifically, as the citizens perceive a higher level of city government responsiveness, they are less worried about privacy leaks and more likely to perceive the effectiveness of health QR code in improving public health, thus resulting in a higher acceptance. The results offer broad policy implications for smart cities and urban governance.

Impact of Vaccination on the Sense of Security, the Anxiety of COVID-19 and Quality of Life among Polish. A Nationwide Online Survey in Poland.

The pandemic state has a destructive effect on the human psyche and induces fear for one’s own health. By reducing the risk of severe COVID-19, vaccination may indirectly improve the mental state. This study aims to assess the effects of vaccination on respondents’ mental well-being, their attitudes towards adherence to government recommendations limiting viral transmission, and to identify factors that may influence the decision to get vaccinated. The survey took the form of the authors’ own, fully voluntary, anonymous, online questionnaire. Standardised psychometric tools were used in the survey: Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). The survey involved 1696 respondents, the vast majority of whom were women, and were aged 18–29. The vaccination status was declared by 1677 respondents (98.9%), 430 (25.4%) of whom were vaccinated with at least one dose of vaccine, while 303 (17.9%) respondents were not only unvaccinated at all, and declared no intention to get vaccinated in the future. Fully vaccinated individuals were found to have lower levels of anxiety, higher MANSA scores and lower subjective anxiety about being infected with COVID-19 than those awaiting vaccination or those with an incomplete vaccination regimen (one dose). Those who are not willing to get vaccinated have the lowest sense of anxiety and fear of being infected and they have the lowest adherence to government recommendations limiting SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination reduces the level of anxiety about being infected and anxiety due to COVID-19 disease in people from the immediate environment. Those who are not willing to get vaccinated have extreme attitudes that negate the pandemic as a whole, including the need for COVID-19 vaccination. Fully vaccinated individuals still adhere to the SARS-CoV-2 prevention policies in place.

The other side of heritage language education: Understanding Spanish heritage language teachers in the United States

AbstractIn response to the growth of Spanish heritage language (SHL) learners in the United States, researchers and instructors in the field of SHL teaching proposed a set of goals and pedagogical approaches to meet these learners’ needs. However, because few studies focused on SHL teachers’ professional preparation and practice, it is unclear whether these developments have reached language teacher preparation and professionalization, or how SHL teachers are implementing these pedagogies. This study seeks to better understand the experiences, practices, and needs of teachers of SHL to inform and improve professional development models. By analyzing data from a nationwide online survey and exploring individual experiences through scripted interviews, we offer a snapshot of the realities of these educators working in different educational contexts in the United States. The analysis highlights the challenges faced by SHL instructors, the gaps in their teacher education, and the need for additional resources and targeted support. The implications of these results for SHL teacher preparation are discussed considering feasible options to foster their professional growth.

Förskolepersonals syn på att uppmärksamma särskild begåvning i förskolan

Early attention of giftedness is argued to support continued development and learning for gifted children. The focus of this article is therefore on investigating preschool personnel’s perceptions on giftedness and gifted children. Data was produced using a nationwide online survey, including personnel from eleven Swedish preschools (N = 78). The questions spanned between suggestions for their own descriptions of giftedness, views on support for gifted children, to who in the work team they consider should be responsible for adaptations and support for gifted children. The main conclusions from the survey reveals a lack of education of giftedness among the respondents. Furthermore, a majority of the preschool personnel believe that gifted children have the right to be noted in preschool settings, but few have suggestions on how this should be conducted. The respondents had high confidence that their own preschools were sufficient to meet the needs of gifted children, but the obstacles described were lack of time, lack of suitable teaching materials and that the group sizes were too large. Further conclusions are that principals have an important role on drawing attention to giftedness in preschool settings and that there is a need for more research in this area.

Sexual health service adaptations to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Australia: a nationwide online survey

ObjectiveExamine the changes in service delivery Australian public sexual health clinics made to remain open during lockdown. MethodsA cross‐sectional survey designed and delivered on Qualtrics was emailed to 21 directors of public sexual health clinics across Australia from July‐August 2020 and asked about a variety of changes to service delivery. Descriptive statistics were calculated. ResultsTwenty clinics participated, all remained open and reported service changes, including suspension of walk‐in services in eight clinics. Some clinics stopped offering asymptomatic screening for varying patient populations. Most clinics transitioned to a mix of telehealth and face‐to‐face consultations. Nineteen clinics reported delays in testing and 13 reported limitations in testing. Most clinics changed to phone consultations for HIV medication refills (n=15) and eleven clinics prescribed longer repeat prescriptions. Fourteen clinics had staff redeployed to assist the COVID‐19 response. ConclusionPublic sexual health clinics pivoted service delivery to reduce risk of COVID‐19 transmission in clinical settings, managed staffing reductions and delays in molecular testing, and maintained a focus on urgent and symptomatic STI presentations and those at higher risk of HIV/STI acquisition. Implications for public healthFurther research is warranted to understand what impact reduced asymptomatic screening may have had on community STI transmission.

Running away from the jab: factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Brazil

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE:To investigate how sociodemographic conditions, political factors, organizational confidence, and non-pharmaceutical interventions compliance affect the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Brazil.METHODS:Data collection took place between November 25th, 2020 and January 11th, 2021 using a nationwide online survey. Subsequently, the researches performed a descriptive analysis on the main variables and used logistic regression models to investigate the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.RESULTS:Less concern over vaccine side effects could improve the willingness to be vaccinated (probability changed by 7.7 pp; p < 0.10). The current vaccine distrust espoused by the Brazilian president is associated with vaccine hesitancy, among his voter base. Lower performance perception (“Very Bad” with 10.7 pp; p < 0.01) or higher political opposition (left-oriented) regarding the current presidency is associated with the willingness to be vaccinated. Higher compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) is usually positively associated with the willingness to take the COVID-19 vaccine (+1 score to NPI compliance index is associated with higher willingness to be vaccinated by 1.4 pp, p < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Willingness to be vaccinated is strongly associated with political leaning, perceived federal government performance, vaccine side effects, and compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs).

Awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to COVID-19 in Libya: a nation-wide online survey.

Introductionthe World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic in March 2020. However, the pandemic cannot be ended overnight and more social distancing and other self-care measures are needed to protect our communities. Therefore, people´s awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and appropriate behaviors are instrumental to containing the pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine COVID-19 awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and related behaviors in Libya.Methodsa cross-sectional online survey was conducted from October 10th to November 10th, 2020 in 24 cities in Libya. The participants were non-medical professionals who were living in Libya for at least 2 years and were at least 18 years old.Resultsa total of 1018 participants completed the questionnaire, with ages ranging from 18-74 years (Mean ± SD = 33.49±13.24); nearly two-thirds were < 40, and 68.2% were females. Almost half of the participants considered the potential threat of COVID-19 to be low, and one in five reported that they were “Not worried at all” about getting COVID-19. In multivariate analyses, participants who were 40-49 years old, had master´s degrees or higher, and worked in the private sector reflected high mean scores for both knowledge and attitudes, while those who lived in the Eastern or Southern regions had lower mean attitude scores.Conclusionthe low levels of awareness as well as the attitudes and behaviors among the public in Libya are worrisome. This study highlighted profound gaps that may put Libyan communities at high risk of a COVID-19 explosion. Therefore, immediate action is needed to address public awareness and attitudes and to improve COVID-19 related behaviors among the Libyan public.

Relationships among changes in walking and sedentary behaviors, individual attributes, changes in work situation, and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

Studies from many countries, including Japan, have reported decreased physical activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the individual attributes as related to changes in physical activity during the pandemic in Japan have been scarcely investigated. The present study explored the relationships among individual attributes including demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic characteristics, work situation changes, perception of anxiety, and changes in walking and sedentary behaviors, during the pandemic in Japan. To obtain data indicating individual circumstances during the first wave of the pandemic in Japan, we conducted a nationwide online survey from May 19 to May 23, 2020 (n = 1,200). To observe changes in walking behavior objectively and retrospectively, we collected data on the number of daily steps as measured by the iPhone’s Health application. Path analysis was employed to examine relationships between individual attributes and changes in walking and sedentary behaviors. Decreased physical activity, especially, decreased walking behavior among younger individuals and those living in highest-density neighborhoods were identified. There was increased sedentary behavior among females. Moreover, individuals with higher socioeconomic status (SES) tended to become inactive due to work-from-home/standby-at-home and individuals with lower SES tended to become inactive due to decreased amount of work. Decreased walking behavior and increased sedentary behavior were associated with a perception of strong anxiety related to the pandemic. Our findings would be helpful in considering measures to counteract health risks during the pandemic by taking into account individual backgrounds.