Social Distancing Research Articles

Integrated Simulation Model of the Spatial Distribution of Dynamic Systems Using Intelligent Cellular Automaton

This research emphasizes the versatility of cellular automata in studying the spatial and temporal aspects of disease spread. By simulating various intervention strategies, such as vaccination campaigns and social distancing measures, the model provides a platform for assessing their efficacy and optimizing resource allocation. The findings contribute to the development of informed public health policies aimed at curbing the impact of infectious diseases. Mathematical modeling using cellular automata emerges as a valuable approach in unraveling the complexities of infectious disease dynamics. The versatility of this framework allows for a nuanced exploration of diverse scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between individual-level interactions and broader population dynamics. The insights gained from such models hold the potential to guide evidence-based decision-making in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases.

Influence of Online Work Viral Anxiety Mediates the Relationship between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Personal Injunctive Norms on Adherence to Physical Distancing among Bank Support Provider

This study investigates the role of viral anxiety as a mediator between personal injunctive norms, intolerance of uncertainty, and adherence to physical distancing among bank support staff in Pakistan. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how psychological factors, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, influence employee behaviour in high-stress environments, particularly in the rapidly digitizing banking sector. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 150 bank support employees through a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that viral anxiety significantly mediates the relationship between personal injunctive norms and physical distancing, indicating that anxiety about virus exposure is a key driver of compliance with safety protocols. However, the direct effects of personal injunctive norms and intolerance of uncertainty on physical distancing were not significant when viral anxiety was accounted for, suggesting that anxiety overshadows other psychological factors in influencing behaviour. These results highlight the need for organizations to address viral anxiety through targeted interventions to ensure employee well-being and adherence to health guidelines in the workplace. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of health-related behaviours in organizational settings and offers practical implications for managing employee anxiety in the context of public health crises.

Evaluation and Future Challenges in a Self-Guided Web-Based Intervention With and Without Chat Support for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries were largely affected by it. Mexico was one of the most affected countries. Extended periods of lockdowns, isolation, and social distancing, among other factors, highlighted the need to introduce web-based psychological interventions to the Mexican population. In this context, Mental Health COVID-19 emerged as a self-guided web-based intervention (SGWI) aimed at adults to improve mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess the efficacy of 2 modalities of a self-guided intervention (with and without chat support) in reducing depression symptoms, generalized anxiety, community posttraumatic stress, widespread fear, anxiety, sleep quality, physiological and affective coping, and suicide ideation. In addition, it aimed to compare the moderating role of coping strategies, acceptance, and satisfaction in participants' symptom reduction. We hypothesize that the self-guided, chat-supported modality will show higher efficacy than the modality without chat support in achieving clinical change and better performance as a moderator of depression symptoms, generalized anxiety, community posttraumatic stress, widespread fear, anxiety, sleep quality, physiological and affective coping, and suicide ideation, as well as an increase in participants' satisfaction and acceptability. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Data were collected from May 2020 to June 2022. We performed intrasubject measures at 4 evaluation periods: pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements at 3 and 6 months. Differences between intervention groups were assessed through the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Changes due to intervention were analyzed using Wilcoxon W test. Moderated regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesized moderating role of coping strategies, usability, and opinion about treatment on clinical change. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention; of these, 5 (14%) were part of the SGWI group, and 31 (86%) were on the SGWI plus chat support (SGWI+C) group, which included a chat service with therapists. The perceived high complexity of the system for the SGWI group had a moderating effect associated with a lack of efficacy of the intervention regarding depression, but not when controlled for sociodemographic variables. A perception of lower helpfulness of the intervention was associated with poorer outcomes. Coping strategies did not show moderating effects. Enhancing the utility of web-based interventions for reducing clinical symptoms by incorporating a support chat to boost treatment adherence seemed to improve the perception of the intervention's usefulness. Web-based interventions face several challenges, such as eliminating complexities in platform use and increasing the users' perceived utility of the intervention, among other issues identified in the study. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468893; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04468893?tab=results. RR2-10.2196/23117.

The Communication Patterns Between Parents And Migrant Children in The Digital Era: Strengthening Emotional Connections Through Technology

This study aims to analyze the communication patterns between parents and migrant children in the digital era, as well as the impact on their emotional connection. Digital technology provides opportunities for parents and children to stay connected despite physical distance, but the frequency of communication plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of that relationship. The research was conducted on migrant students living in the dormitories of Pattimura University using a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques included observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that migrant children who frequently communicate with their parents feel more emotionally connected, less lonely, and are able to develop independence and new experiences. Conversely, students with less frequent communication tend to feel lonelier but use this as a coping strategy to stay focused on their life away from home. Some students expressed that overly frequent communication with their parents triggered excessive longing and a desire to return home. The novelty of this research lies in understanding how digital technology serves not only as a communication tool but also as an emotional connector in families separated by distance. This study recommends that future research delve deeper into the psychological and social aspects of communication frequency and its impact on the emotional well-being of migrant children. The findings contribute to the development of social sciences and humanities, particularly in understanding family communication dynamics in the digital era.

Infrastructuring arrival and homemaking in COVID‐19 times: Experiences of newcomer Chinese students in Dutch cities

AbstractThis paper examines the experiences of newcomer Chinese students in Dutch cities during the COVID‐19 pandemic, building on three strands of literature on (i) arrival infrastructure, (ii) homemaking and (iii) the nature of conflating digital and offline spaces. Based on qualitative research findings from two research projects, the paper illustrates resilience among the students in infrastructuring their arrival and making a new home in an unfamiliar city that was rather inaccessible due to recurrent social distancing restrictions and incidents of ‘Corona racism’. Narratives of the research participants offer insights into their arrival experiences and homemaking practices in key interlinked life spaces, namely academic, residential and socialising spaces as well as spaces of interactions with the broader (unwelcoming) society. In addition to students' agency, our findings demonstrate the importance of (transnational) communal care and the role of the digital in students' arrival experiences and homemaking practices.

Risk Factors Associated With COVID-19 Infection Among Schools’ Children in Basrah City / Iraq

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been the most important global issue since December 2019. has led to overloading of health systems all over the world. Objective: The study aims to identify the risk factors associated with COVID-19 infection among schools’ children in Basrah city / Iraq. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out by using a pre-tested applied structured questionnaire among 1980 children. This sample was distributed throughout fifteen schools were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Finally, a simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. conducted from March1st, 2022, to May 1st, 2024. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data collection and analysis process. Results: The findings showed the distribution of participants according to Corona infection: The children included in the study suffered from Corona infection at a rate of 27.2%. 60.3% do not have Corona infection, and 12.5% answered “possibly infection.” The children at risk of contracting Corona infection were under 18 years of age and had middle school as an educational level respectively, 81.9% and 51.8%. They suffered from chronic diseases and also suffered from an allergy to the vaccine: 34.8% and 27%. They received the Corona vaccine type Pfizer, respectively, 37.9% and 36.3%. They had symptoms similar to the disease when taking the vaccine, 22.6%, and they used sterilization to sterilize hands, 42.8%. Also, 31.1% of them always avoid touching their noses and eyes with unwashed hands, 27.8% always maintain a social distance of no less than two meters, and 45.8% avoid shaking hands, hugging, and kissing during greetings. Conclusions: This study concludes that among the risk factors studied, there was a relationship between these factors and the Corona infection in children.

The epidemiological footprint of contact structures in models with two levels of mixing.

Models with several levels of mixing (households, workplaces), as well as various corresponding formulations for , have been proposed in the literature. However, little attention has been paid to the impact of the distribution of the population size within social structures, effect that can help plan effective interventions. We focus on the influence on the model outcomes of teleworking strategies, consisting in reshaping the distribution of workplace sizes. We consider a stochastic SIR model with two levels of mixing, accounting for a uniformly mixing general population, each individual belonging also to a household and a workplace. The variance of the workplace size distribution appears to be a good proxy for the impact of this distribution on key outcomes of the epidemic, such as epidemic size and peak. In particular, our findings suggest that strategies where the proportion of individuals teleworking depends sublinearly on the size of the workplace outperform the strategy with linear dependence. Besides, one drawback of the model with multiple levels of mixing is its complexity, raising interest in a reduced model. We propose a homogeneously mixing SIR ODE-based model, whose infection rate is chosen as to observe the growth rate of the initial model. This reduced model yields a generally satisfying approximation of the epidemic. These results, robust to various changes in model structure, are very promising from the perspective of implementing effective strategies based on social distancing of specific contacts. Furthermore, they contribute to the effort of building relevant approximations of individual based models at intermediate scales.

Interrogating Christian and Muslim responses to COVID-19 in Nigeria

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the far-reaching significance of religion in shaping human interaction within social crises. Efforts to slow down the spread of coronavirus prompted different national governments, including the Federal Government of Nigeria to restrict large density gatherings, enforce lockdowns and promote social distancing, which were largely resisted initially. Organised religion may have influenced citizens’ compliance with government directives for curbing the pandemic. Focussing largely on providing economic assistance to people in need, it may have missed out on the reason for recourse to faith. One outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was the need to understand the application of religious faith in explaining epidemics and health crises. This work predominantly relies on data from secondary sources (library research and internet materials). Just as it critically investigates Christian-Muslim responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, it seeks also to justify reliance on religion during a health emergency. By the evaluative method of philosophy, we show that although the pandemic triggered dread of annihilation, it brought in its wake a search for ontological meaningfulness. This study therefore argues that Nigerians turned to religion to meet the deep-seated, individual need for meaningfulness (‘survivability’) that is primary to the need of soul and body, which includes material donations by organised religious entities. The primacy of fulfilling this need precedes sociality both ontologically and epistemologically because meaningfulness is an inalienable property of individuality.Contribution: This work presents religion as a rationally defensible need that is fundamentally rooted in individual human nature, even in a pandemic; religion pertains to meaningfulness, which counters human fear of annihilation and meaninglessness.

Exploring key determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among individuals: An exploratory study globally.

SARS-CoV-2 virus gave rise to COVID-19 in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and it quickly spread over the world to become a pandemic. The virus, which is mostly carried by respiratory droplets, spread at an unprecedented rate, causing a large number of deaths and extensive illness, necessitating lockdowns, travel bans, and social distancing policies by governments across the globe in an attempt to stop the spread, which severely disrupted daily life, the healthcare system, and economies.COVID-19 vaccines are biological materials designed to offer protection against the organism that causes the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 virus, played a crucial role in stopping the virus's spread and lowering the burden on healthcare systems around the globe. Although Covid-19 vaccines offers benefits which includes the prevention of severe illness and death through the reduction of the chance of COVID-19-related serious illness, hospital stays, and death, it was met with hesitancy by some population on the basis of a complex web of interrelated causes, such as political division, misinformation, socioeconomic inequities, and past mistrust of healthcare systems.Vaccine hesitancy contributed to lower-than-expected vaccination coverage in many regions, preventing the achievement of herd immunity and allowing the virus to continue spreading. Exploring this key determinants of Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy among individuals all over the world and possible solutions, is the focus of this research.

A Study of the Effect of Beauty Consumer Sentiment after Covid-19 on Hair Salon Revisit Intention

Purpose: As social distancing continues due to the pandemic, research results show that psychologically exhausted people are willing to increase consumption despite their perception of safety due to compensation psychology. Following research results showing that the safety of beauty must be ensured due to Covid-19, it is being argued that the beauty industry, which was greatly affected by the economic downturn, should be revitalized as Covid-19 enters a phase of calming down again. Therefore, there is a need to verify what factors influence customers who visited hair salons before Covid-19 to revisit the salon. The purpose of this study is to present a positive impact as a way to stimulate the intention to revisit hair salons.
 Method: The data of this study was an online survey targeting men and women who had experience of using hair salons. we aim to analyze the effect of Beauty Consumer Sentiment after Covid-19 and its sub-factors on Hair salon Revisit Intention. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS 25.0, and first exploratory factor analysis was performed to analyze the validity of the measurement tool. Reliability was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Frequency analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were performed. Independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed.
 Results: Beauty Consumer Sentiment after Covid-19 had a significant positive effect on Hair salon Revisit Intention. Among the subfactors of Beauty Consumer Sentiment after Covid-19, Safety Expectations and Psychological Compensation did not have a significant positive influence on Hair Salon Revisit Intention. Among the subfactors of Beauty Consumer Sentiment after Covid-19, service expectation had a significant positive effect on Hair salon revisit intention.
 Conclusion: As Beauty consumer sentiment improves, repeat visits increase. Among consumer psychology, it was found that service expectation had a positive influence. This can be said to be a similar result to how service quality affects repeat visits. The reason why safety expectations have not had an impact after Covid-19 is because safety is fully recognized, so safety cannot be seen as leading to repeat visits. It can be said to be a differentiated study in that it yielded different results from existing studies on safety and compensation psychology. In future research, we hope to overcome the limitations of this study and to achieve objective and clear research results by diversifying the study in more detail by region and age.

PROMOVENDO ACESSO EQUITATIVO À EDUCAÇÃO PARA COMUNIDADES MARGINALIZADAS E GRUPOS VULNERÁVEIS

Equitable access to education is a global challenge that affects many marginalized communities and vulnerable groups, who often face significant barriers. This article explores the main obstacles encountered by these communities, such as economic barriers, structural inequalities, discrimination, and geographic limitations. Economic barriers include the lack of financial resources to cover educational costs, while structural inequalities reflect disparities in access to quality infrastructure and services. Discrimination can manifest in various forms, such as racial, ethnic, or gender bias, and geographic access issues refer to physical distance and inadequate infrastructure in remote areas. To promote truly equitable access, it is crucial to adopt strategies such as implementing inclusive educational policies, offering scholarship programs, and developing diversity-sensitive education. Additionally, community interventions and the use of educational technologies can play vital roles in overcoming these barriers. These strategies aim to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background, ethnicity, or location, could access quality education. By addressing these challenges collaboratively and implementing effective measures, we can move towards a more just and inclusive society, where education is genuinely accessible to everyone.

Life after Lockdown: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Behaviors and Impacts of Avoiding COVID-19 in Individuals at High Risk of Severe COVID-19 and Their Caregivers.

This exploratory qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with adults and caregivers of adults at high risk of severe COVID-19, addressing current COVID-19 avoidance and protective behaviors and how these behaviors impacted their lives. Results were interpreted in a separate think tank session. Insights were developed into a conceptual model of COVID-19 avoidance and protective behaviors and the associated impacts on health-related quality of life and overall functioning. Data were interpreted using a hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Twelve high-risk individuals and two caregivers were interviewed across four focus groups (April-July 2022). Major behavioral themes included physical distancing, physical and medical protection, quality of support services and networks, and information to make decisions. Major impacts included family, social, and emotional functioning; work and finances; and healthcare access. The final conceptual model comprised 13 behaviors to avoid COVID-19 categorized within four themes, and 13 impacts within five themes. Individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19 and their caregivers continue practicing COVID-19 avoidance behaviors post-lockdown and feel left behind by the general population. Our conceptual model may be used to inform health authorities and other governing bodies' decisions in executing strategies aimed at improving these individuals' lives.

Impoliteness Strategies and Social Dimensions in Enola Holmes 2 Movie: Socio-Pragmatics Study

This research aims to identify the types of impoliteness strategies and to analyze the social dimensions in the Enola Holmes 2 movie. This research uses descriptive qualitative method as the purpose of making this research is to analyze the phenomenon of impoliteness. This research aims to identify the types of impoliteness strategies and analyze the social dimensions that influence the use of impoliteness. The theory used is Culpeper (2011) theory of impoliteness strategies and Holmes (2013) theory of the social dimension. The results of the research, there are 5 Bald on Record Impoliteness (23,8%), 11 Positive Impoliteness (52,4%), 2 Negative Impoliteness (9,5%), 3 Sarcasm or Mock Politeness (14,3%) and 0 Withhold Politeness (0%), and also found the social dimension that influence the use of impoliteness, there are 10 Social Distance Scale (47,6%), 8 Status Scale (38%), 0 Formality Scale (0%) and 3 Functional Scale (14,4%). The most common found types of impoliteness strategies found are Positive Impoliteness and most common found for the social dimensions that influence the use of impoliteness is Social Distance.

Modeling the Two-Strain Dynamics of COVID-19 in Ghana Using a Logistic Growth Model

Through mutation, viruses constantly change, bringing into existence new variants; SARS-CoV-2 is no different. In December 2020, variants with different characteristics that could affect transmissibility and death emerged around the world of which Ghana is not an exception. To address this new phenomenon, a two-strain mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 was formulatedto analyzed thetransmission dynamicsin Ghana. Thedisease-free equilibriumwas calculated. The basicreproduction number, <I>R</I><sub>0</sub>= max{<I>R</I><sub>0A</sub>, <I>R</I><sub>0B</sub>} = max(0.9957945674, 1.109170840), associated with the model is computed using the next generation matrix operator. The disease-free equilibrium is found to be locally asymptotically stable when both <I>R</I><sub>0<I>A</I></sub>, <I>R</I><sub>0<I>B</sub> <sub></I></sub>< 1, but unstable otherwise. In addition to the disease-free, the boundary equilibrium for strain <I>A</I> and strain <I>B</I> was also calculated. Using the Gershgorin’s circle theorem, it was shown that the boundary equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable when both <I>R</I><sub>0<I>A</I></sub>, <I>R</I><sub>0<I>B</sub> <sub></I></sub>> 1, but unstable when otherwise. Simulations of the model were carried out. Results indicate that the government should intensify its efforts to vaccinate a larger proportion of the population and also recommends implementing comprehensive control measures, such as the use of face masks, social distancing, and contact tracing, to mitigate the spread of the disease.

The Social Implication of Stigma on Divorcees in Sasak Society

Women who identify as divorcees are frequently marginalized and treated as second-class citizens within society. Preliminary findings from this study reveal that divorcees encounter significant hardships resulting from stigmatization post-divorce. This stigmatization not only leads to social contempt but also exposes divorcees to verbal and even sexual violence from individuals around them. This research employs a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore (1) the manifestations of stigma against divorcees and (2) the social consequences of divorcee stigma within the Sasak community in Kec. Kopang, Kab. Lombok Tengah. The findings indicate that (1) divorcees face stigma from their communities, experiencing social contempt and ridicule due to their status. Additionally, some participants reported instances of sexual harassment, including receiving inappropriate images via chat from several male acquaintances, one of whom was a relative. Catcalling was also identified as a form of harassment. (2) The presence of this stigma has notable social implications by developing mechanisms of social distancing. The divorcees tend to distance themselves from others through two main strategies: reducing social interactions and by developing a resilient mentality towards the stigma, especially for those who must engage with others for professional reasons.

"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.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic prescription rates in out-of-hours primary care – a register-based study in Denmark

Background Antibiotic prescription rates can be affected by pandemic measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and remote consultations in general practice. Therefore, such emergency states may negatively affect antimicrobial stewardship, specifically in out-of-hours (OOH) primary care. As contact patterns changed in the COVID-19 pandemic, it would be relevant to explore the impact on antimicrobial stewardship. Aim To study the impact of the pandemic on antibiotic prescription rates in OOH primary care, overall and per age group. Methods This cross-sectional register-based study used routine data from OOH primary care in the Central Denmark Region. We included all patient contacts in two equivalent time periods: pre-pandemic and pandemic period. The main outcome measure was defined as the number of antibiotic prescriptions per contact (antibiotic prescription rate). Results The overall antibiotic prescription rate decreased during the first year of the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (RR = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.96–0.98). Likewise, the rate decreased for clinic consultations (RR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.62–0.64). However, an increase was seen for telephone consultations (RR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.70–1.76). The decline in clinic consultations was largest for consultations involving children aged 0–10 years (RR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.51–0.56). Conclusion Antibiotic prescription rates in Danish OOH primary care decreased during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for young children. Prescription rates decreased in clinic consultations, whereas the rates increased in telephone consultations. Further research should explore if antibiotic prescription rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels, and if the introduction of video consultations has affected antibiotic prescription patterns in OOH primary care.

Socio-cultural Analysis of Gaddi Tribe - A Sociological Study of Saraj Area in Jammu Region

The present paper deals with the detail analysis of socio-cultural conditions of Gaddi tribe of Saraj area of Chenab Valley in Jammu region. This study gives focus on socio-cultural importance, constitutional status, tradition and customs of Gaddi tribe. These custom and traditions compel them to be remain ethnocentric in nature. On the basis of fieldwork, participant observations, in-depth long interviews and data collection from concern community development block, it is found that Gaddi tribes are still economically and socially backward. Since the homogenous nature of all Gaddi settlements in the region, the Gaddi hamlet namely Barshalli has been chosen as sample and locale of the present study. The study is based on four main objectives which fulfilled the requirement of the entire investigation. 1). Demographic and occupational profile of the Gaddi tribes in Saraj. 2). Socio-cultural conditions of Gaddi in the area. 3). Dependence of Gaddi on intra-religious communities. 4). Religious consciousness of Gaddi tribes in the region. The researcher has conducted fieldwork at village Barshalli and applied qualitative research techniques for data collection. The entire data so collected has been analysed with various tool and techniques. On the basis of data analysis it is found that Gaddi are ethnocentric and endogamous in nature. Their traditions and customs highlight their identity. Their dairy produce is for their domestic consumption only. They sale out few sheep and goats to meet out expenses for their rituals and diseases. They are facing identity crisis in the region. Gaddi tribes affiliate themselves with upper caste Rajputs but in turn they keep social distance from these tribes. Gaddi also maintain strong social stratification with lower castes Hindus in the area. Despite of various government initiatives adopted for their wellbeing. There is still a need of more affirmative targeted schemes as per demand of the hour for them. These tribes are facing multi-dimensional issues in their daily life.

Examining changes in pain interference via pandemic-induced isolation among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder: a secondary data analysis

BackgroundEarly in the pandemic, the United States population experienced a sharp rise in the prevalence rates of opioid use, social isolation, and pain interference. Given the high rates of pain reported by patients on medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), the pandemic presented a unique opportunity to disentangle the relationship between opioid use, pain, and social isolation in this high-risk population. We tested the hypothesis that pandemic-induced isolation would partially mediate change in pain interference levels experienced by patients on MOUD, even when controlling for baseline opioid use. Such work can inform the development of targeted interventions for a vulnerable, underserved population.MethodsAnalyses used data from a cluster randomized trial (N = 188) of patients on MOUD across eight opioid treatment programs. As part of the parent trial, participants provided pre-pandemic data on pain interference, opioid use, and socio-demographic variables. Research staff re-contacted participants between May and June 2020 and 133 participants (71% response rate) consented to complete a supplemental survey that assessed pandemic-induced isolation. Participants then completed a follow-up interview during the pandemic that again assessed pain interference and opioid use. A path model assessed whether pre-pandemic pain interference had an indirect effect on pain interference during the pandemic via pandemic-induced isolation.ResultsConsistent with hypotheses, we found evidence that pandemic-induced isolation partially mediated change in pain interference levels among MOUD patients during the pandemic. Higher levels of pre-pandemic pain interference and opioid use were both significantly associated with higher levels of pandemic-induced isolation. In addition, pre-pandemic pain interference was significantly related to levels of pain interference during the pandemic, and these pain levels were partially explained by the level of pandemic-induced isolation reported.ConclusionsPatients on MOUD with higher use of opioids and higher rates of pain pre-pandemic were more likely to report feeling isolated during COVID-related social distancing and this, in turn, partially explained changes in levels of pain interference. These results highlight social isolation as a key risk factor for patients on MOUD and suggest that interventions promoting social connection could be associated with reduced pain interference, which in turn could improve patient quality of life.Trial registrationNCT03931174 (Registered 04/30/2019).

A qualitative study of knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in selected districts in Zimbabwe

BackgroundLack of appropriate knowledge, incorrect beliefs and misinformation misleads people about the risks they face and how best to protect themselves. A study was conducted to explore the knowledge, beliefs and misinformation regarding COVID-19 in Zimbabwe.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted in September-October 2022 with a purposive sample of religious leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, health workers, village health workers, teachers, traditional healers, transporters, and the general population selected from ten sites across the country. In total there were 128 participants (30 key informants and 98 focus group discussion participants). At each site, 3 key informant interviews and one homogenous focus group discussion were conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion guides, respectively. The data were recorded on audiotapes, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Manual thematic analysis of the data was performed.FindingsThree themes were identified in this study: (1) beliefs about COVID-19, (2) knowledge about COVID-19 (knowledge of origin, definition, transmission, signs and symptoms and recommended preventive measures), and (3) misinformation about COVID-19 (regarding its nature, existence and recommended preventive measures). There was awareness of the origin, transmission, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among the participants. Participants reported that Zimbabwean communities were conversant with public health measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and maintaining hand hygiene. However, misinformation was also observed to have circulated among the communities.ConclusionParticipants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19. However, the misinformation circulating in the country calls for the government to establish structures to monitor the legitimacy of information coming through different sources and invest in providing information through trusted sources. In any disease outbreak, the government should engage its citizenry to understand their knowledge, beliefs and any misinformation that might influence adherence to disease preventive measures.