Physical Activity Levels, Eating Habits, and Well-Being Measures in Students of Healthcare Degrees in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: When the first cases of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection) were discovered, exceptional norms to fight the spread of the virus were established by applying movement restrictions (lockdown) in many countries. These unprecedented norms led to sedentary behaviours and less healthy diets which could persist for much longer after lockdown. The aim of this study was to analyse the physical activity, eating habits, self-perceived well-being, and toxic habits, as well as the perceived changes of these habits with respect to the pre-pandemic period, in a population of university students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of university students of healthcare degrees. A total of 961 students (639 (66.5%) women and 322 (33.5%) men) signed the informed consent and completed the questionnaire. The study was conducted through an anonymous survey, which was voluntarily self-completed by the students on an online platform. The questionnaire was based on the Spanish Health Survey and it was divided into six main parts: demographic and anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, eating habits, well-being measures (sleeping habits, health state, and stress), toxic habits, and perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the variables described. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, during the second year of the pandemic, statistically significant dependence was identified for those students that showed higher levels of physical activity with greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05), healthier eating habits (p < 0.05), and a better self-perceived health state (p < 0.05), with respect to the 12 months before the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between the sedentary students and greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05). With regard to toxic habits and physical activity, a significant correlation was only detected between sedentary behaviour and cocaine consumption (p < 0.05). Analysing eating habits, it was observed that the students who smoked, consumed alcohol, and binge drank had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.05). In addition, those students with high stress levels slept less than 7 h (p < 0.05).

Factors influencing loyalty to online health consultation platform: a cross-strait cultural perspective.

BACKGROUND: The geographical, cultural, and linguistic proximity between Taiwan and Mainland China has facilitated rapid growth of cross-strait interactions. Both countries have developed online health consultation platforms on the Internet for the public to access healthcare related information. This study examines factors that influence loyalty to a specific online health consultation platform (OHCP) from a cross-strait perspective. METHODS: Based on the Expectation Confirmation Theory and the combined Trust, Perceived Health Risks and Culture, we examine factors that influence loyalty to OHCPs among cross-strait users by investigating the roles of trust, perceived health risks, and culture. Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The research models used provide a high-power explanation of loyalty to OHCPs. Results generally align with those of previous studies, with the exception of the relationships between Perceived Health Risks and Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Usefulness and Loyalty, Confirmation and Satisfaction, and Trust and Loyalty. In other words, culture may have moderated these relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Findings can help promote OHCPs among cross-strait users to make things easier for patients, and further reduce the load on the emergency department, especially in view of the still ongoing issues related to global outbreak of Coronavirus disease by facilitating early detection of potential cases.

Work and health during the COVID-19 crisis among Dutch workers and jobseekers with (partial) work disabilities: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of restrictive measures during the COVID-19 outbreak have potentially been enormous, especially for those in a vulnerable position in the labour market. This study aims to describe the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on work status, working conditions and health among people with (partial) work disabilities-with and in search of work-during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. METHODS: A mixed methods design was used, combining a cross-sectional online survey and ten semi-structured interviews with people with a (partial) work disability. The quantitative data included responses to job-related questions, self-reported health, and demographics. The qualitative data consisted of participants' perceptions about work, vocational rehabilitation, and health. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the responses, conducted logistic and linear regression and integrated our qualitative findings with the quantitative findings, aiming at complementarity. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-four participants (response rate 30.2%) completed the online survey. The majority of participants experienced no change in work status: 39 percent remained employed, 45 percent remained unemployed, six percent of respondents lost their job, and ten percent became employed during the COVID-19 crisis. In general, the results showed a deterioration in self-rated health during the COVID-19 outbreak, both for participants at work and in search of work. Participants who lost their job during the COVID-19 crisis reported the highest deterioration in self-rated health. Interview findings revealed that loneliness and social isolation were persistent during the COVID-19 crisis, especially among those in search of work. Additionally, employed participants identified a safe work environment and the possibility to work at the office as important factors for overall health. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of study participants (84.2%) experienced no change in work status during the COVID-19 crisis. Nonetheless, people at work and in search of work encountered barriers to maintaining or (re)gaining employment. People with a (partial) work disability who lost their job during the crisis appeared to be most affected in terms of health. Employment and health protections could be strengthened for persons with (partial) work disabilities in order to build resilience in times of crisis.

Perceptions of health status, physical fitness, and participation in physical activity among adolescents before and after COVID-19: analysis of 2019-2021 data from the Republic of Korea national sports survey

Research has examined the detrimental effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on health and physical fitness in adolescents;however, studies comparing these parameters before and after the COVID-19 outbreak have been scarce. Therefore, this study investigated differences in perceived health status, perceived physical fitness, and participation in physical activity among adolescents in the Republic of Korea before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. We chose a sample of data from 2102 adolescents aged 14-19, collected as part of a national survey by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism from 2019 to 2021. We focused on five items from the survey related to health awareness and physical activity. Although perceived health status was lower in 2021 than in 2019 or 2020, there were no differences in perceived physical fitness during the three years of the study. Regular participation in physical activity was less common in 2020 than in 2019 or 2021. The proportion of adolescents reporting sufficient rest and sleep was lower in 2021 than in 2020. In addition, fewer adolescents reported eating regular meals and engaging in nutritional supplementation in 2021 than in 2019 and 2020. Rates of abstinence from alcohol and smoking cessation were higher in 2021 than in 2019 or 2020. For all three years, adolescents reported the following as the primary reasons for engaging in regular physical activity (in order): "maintenance of mental health", "maintenance of physical health", "help in daily life", and "reduction of medical expenses". In preparation for the post-COVID-19 era, these results highlight the need to prepare measures and countermeasures to promote health and physical activity among adolescents in the Republic of Korea.Copyright ©2023 The Author(s). Published by MRE Press.

Social support to mitigate perceived risk: moderating effect of trust

During a crisis period, the transmission of travel information is faster than ever via social media (Wut, T. M., Xu, J. B., & Wong, S.-m. (2021). Crisis management research (1985–2020) in the hospitality and tourism industry: A review and research agenda. Tourism Management, 85, 104307). Social media influencers provide opportunities to mitigate perceived risk and rebuild travel confidence. Based on both customer socialization theory and dual-process theory of cognitive reasoning, we propose that trust would moderate the relationship between social support from social media influencers and perceived risk. The research model was tested using 738 questionnaires collected from Chinese social media users. Findings from statistical analyses have shown significant relationships among the research variables, and the moderating role of cognitive and affective trust was supported. Our findings could provide implications regarding how to utilize social media influencers wisely to mitigate perceived risk in the post-COVID-19 period.

The relationship between perceived health and psychosocial risk in women in the service sector (cleaning).

BACKGROUND: Cleaning is considered a female-dominant occupation. Women cleaning workers present a high risk of suffering impaired health probably as a result of performing low-skilled tasks. However, to date, no studies have been found that examine the health status of female cleaning workers in Spain. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to 1) determine the level of perceived health in a sample of female cleaning workers, 2) evaluate the main psychosocial risks they face, 3) explore the relationship between perceived health and psychosocial risk factors, and 4) compare the perceived health of those women who present some psychosocial risk factor and those who do not. METHODS: This is a multi-centered cross-sectional study carried out in the service sector of a Spanish company. The final sample was composed of 455 female cleaning workers. Sociodemographic variables, perceived health status and psychosocial risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: Women presented a high perception of health status. The main psychosocial risk was lack of acknowledgement by their superiors, which affected 25.2% (n = 111) of the sample. Moderate negative correlations (r=-.222 to -.442; p < .01) were identified between perceived health and evident psychosocial risks. Those women who presented some psychosocial risk (n = 174; 38.3%) had a worse state of perceived health in all variables studied. CONCLUSION: Presence of psychosocial risk had a relationship with a worse health perception. This article highlights the need to orient preventive actions in the psychosocial field. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a new situation to renew the health promotion between cleaning workers.

The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Passport on Air Travelers' Booking Decision and Companies' Financial Value

The ongoing debate about vaccine passport policies for dealing with COVID-19 has necessitated analyzing its effectiveness in the airline and tourism industry. This study was purposed to analyze how vaccine passports are evaluated by multiple stakeholders, such as airline investors and passengers for leisure/vacation purposes. The findings of the first study show that the implementation of vaccine passports is positively evaluated by airline investors. The results of the second study highlight the role of vaccine passports in reducing perceived health risks, which is integral to leisure travelers' decision making. This study offers a theoretical lens to understand the value of vaccine passports and provides guidance for airline companies and tourism marketers in deciding whether to implement a vaccine passport policy.

Social Inequalities in Mental Health and Self-Perceived Health in the First Wave of COVID-19 Lockdown in Latin America and Spain: Results of an Online Observational Study.

COVID-19 lockdowns greatly affected the mental health of populations and collectives. This study compares the mental health and self-perceived health in five countries of Latin America and Spain, during the first wave of COVID 19 lockdown, according to social axes of inequality. This was a cross-sectional study using an online, self-managed survey in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain. Self-perceived health (SPH), anxiety (measured through GAD-7) and depression (measured through PHQ-9) were measured along with lockdown, COVID-19, and social variables. The prevalence of poor SPH, anxiety, and depression was calculated. The analyses were stratified by gender (men = M; women = W) and country. The data from 39,006 people were analyzed (W = 71.9%). There was a higher prevalence of poor SPH and bad mental health in women in all countries studied. Peru had the worst SPH results, while Chile and Ecuador had the worst mental health indicators. Spain had the lowest prevalence of poor SPH and mental health. The prevalence of anxiety and depression decreased as age increased. Unemployment, poor working conditions, inadequate housing, and the highest unpaid workload were associated with worse mental health and poor SPH, especially in women. In future policies, worldwide public measures should consider the great social inequalities in health present between and within countries in order to tackle health emergencies while reducing the health breach between populations.

Consumer Intention to Switch from Cash to Mobile Payment in Restaurants During and After Pandemic

During the Covid-19, more and more consumers complete transactions on mobile devices and enjoy their orders at home. However, it is unknown whether mobile payment will become normal when they return to restaurants. Results show that the perceived inconvenience of cash, the perceived convenience of mobile payment and deal proneness facilitate the intention of consumers to switch to mobile payments. The perceived security and privacy, perceived health risk, consumer innovativeness, and social influence have a direct bearing on consumer intent to switch to mobile payment and moderate switching intention. This study also provides theoretical and managerial implications. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Effects of Vaccine Literacy, Health Beliefs, and Flu Vaccination on Perceived Physical Health Status among Under/Graduate Students.

Physicians highlight that receiving the flu vaccine is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Younger groups' flu vaccination coverage is very low, and this tendency is potentially related to a lower level of vaccine literacy and perceptions toward vaccination. This study investigated the relationship between flu vaccine literacy, health beliefs, and flu vaccinations (benefit, barrier, severity, and susceptibility) and their impact on perceived health status controlling for socioeconomic factors. It used the Health Belief Model andHealth Literacy Skills Framework with under/graduate students (N = 382) in Ohio, U.S. Path analyses were performed to examine the causal process using SPSS and Amos 23.0. Indicators of CFI, RMSEA, SRMR, and the chi-square/df of the path models were good-acceptable. Vaccine literacy directly impacted on health beliefs and vaccination. Susceptibility belief directly influenced perceived health status. The mediation effects of health beliefs (benefit, barrier) between vaccine literacy and vaccination were confirmed. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers and governments to work together to improve flu vaccine literacy and reduce negative perceptions toward vaccination among younger populations. Educational programs and official communication channels can be used to address concerns and provide accurate information about vaccines to increase flu vaccination rates and protect public health.

Antecedents to Consumers' Green Hotel Stay Purchase Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The influence of green consumption value, emotional ambivalence, and consumers' perceptions.

When traveling for tourism purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic, some consumers might want to stay at green hotels because of these products' images and practices. At the same time, these green establishments also need consumer support to remain in business once the virus is under control. This study explores green hotels' challenges and opportunities by examining the factors that contribute to consumers' green hotel stay purchase behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 429 participants completed questionnaires, and the answers revealed that consumers' perceived health risks and green hotels' perceived persuasiveness can affect their emotional ambivalence that, in turn, can affect their green purchase behavior of hotel stays. Furthermore, the relationship between emotional ambivalence and purchase behavior can be moderated by consumers' green consumption values. The findings of this research contribute to the tourism literature and green product consumption research. In addition, implications for green hotel practitioners are discussed.

Millennials' perception of safety and hygiene measures, perceived health risk, satisfaction and behavioural intention at upscale restaurants amid COVID-19 pandemic

The new normal of social distancing policy and health risks has shaped customers' dining out behaviors at restaurants. This study applied qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the written comments of consumer-generated media on food and service quality and safety and hygiene prevention measures at upscale restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study also investigated the impact of safety and hygiene prevention measures on perceived health risks, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intention via the stimulus-organism-response model. Written comments from 10 upscale restaurants were collected, and a purposive sampling approach was used to recruit Millennial respondents to participate in a self-administered survey. Results show different areas of comments provided by customers in the aspects of staff issues, hardware, amenities and other measures. Relationships among safety and hygiene prevention measures, perceived health risks, customer satisfaction and behavioral intention exist. Theoretical development on motivation factors to dine out and managerial implications were discussed. © 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

A comparative analysis of domestic travel intentions and actual travel behaviors in COVID-19: focused on attitude-behavioral gap

This study aims to comparatively analyze domestic travel intentions and actual travel behaviors in the Korean market. Using mixed methods, Study 1 found that the perceived health risk is the determinant factor for explaining domestic travel intentions. The moderating roles of age demonstrated that seniors intend to travel less since they are more sensitive to the health risk. Study 2 confirmed that seniors traveled less than younger travelers during the pandemic. Unexpectedly, females traveled more than males during the pandemic. Lastly, the types of destinations (indoor vs. outdoor destinations) also influenced travel behaviors;seniors, preferred outdoor destinations to indoor destinations. © 2023 Asia Pacific Tourism Association.

Estimating perceptions of the relative COVID risk of different social-distancing behaviors from respondents' pairwise assessments.

How do people compare the effectiveness of different social-distancing behaviors in avoiding the spread of viral infection? During the COVID pandemic, we showed 676 online respondents in the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel 30 pairs of brief videos of acquaintances meeting. We asked respondents to indicate which video from each pair depicted greater risk of COVID infection. Their choices imply that on average, respondents considered talking 14 min longer to be as risky as standing 1 foot closer, being indoors as standing 3 feet closer, being exposed to coughs or sneezes as 3 to 4 ft closer, greeting with a hug as 7 ft closer, and with a handshake as 5 ft closer. Respondents considered properly masking as protecting the wearer and interlocutor equally, removing the mask entirely or only when talking as standing 4 to 5 ft closer but wearing it under the nose as only 1 to 2 ft closer. We provide weaker evidence on beliefs about the interaction effects of different behaviors. In a more limited, ex post analysis, we find little evidence of differences in beliefs across subpopulations.

The consequences of COVID-19 on older adults: evidence from the SHARE Corona Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic is revealing itself to be much more than a health crisis: it is becoming an economic and social one as well. Some segments of the population are more affected than others from the detrimental economic troubles brought about by COVID-19, which are likely going to become worse, and last longer, than the pandemic itself. Inequalities are going to rise, due to loss of wellbeing caused by the measures taken to contrast the spread of the virus. Such measures were directed towards everyone, despite the most vulnerable to the health consequences were also the ones with the smallest role on the economy. However, the economic consequences of the pandemic are especially affecting high-risk groups such as older adults. Making use of the SHARE Corona Survey, we examine the impact of COVID-19 among the older European population, focusing on their ability to make ends meet, loss of employment, and financial support received. Our results show that the ability to get through the month and the likelihood of job loss is positively correlated with increasing age, while aged individuals are less likely to receive financial support. Moreover, we show that such support mostly goes to those who really need it. We also reveal the existence of a social component of poverty. Finally, we highlight some interesting country group differences.

Predictors for adherent behavior in the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional telephone survey.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, protective measures have been prescribed to prevent or slow down the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and protect the population. Individuals follow these measures to varying degrees. We aimed to identify factors influencing the extent to which protective measures are adhered to. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (telephone interviews) was undertaken between April and June 2021 to identify factors influencing the degree to which individuals adhere to protective measures. A representative sample of 1,003 people (age >16 years) in two Austrian states (Carinthia, Vorarlberg) was interviewed. The questionnaire was based on the Health Belief Model, but also included potential response-modifying factors. Predictors for adherent behavior were identified using multiple regression analysis. All predictors were standardized so that regression coefficients (ß) could be compared. Results: Overall median adherence was 0.75 (IQR: 0.5-1.0). Based on a regression model, the following variables were identified as significant in raising adherence: higher age (ß = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.33-0.54), social standards of acceptable behavior (ß = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.27-0.40), subjective/individual assessment of an increased personal health risk (ß = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.05-0.18), self-efficacy (ß = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.02-0.10), female gender (ß = 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01-0.08), and low corona fatigue (behavioral fatigue: ß = -0.11, 95%CI: -0.18 to -0.03). The model showed that such aspects as personal trust in institutions, perceived difficulties in adopting health-promoting measures, and individual assessments of the risk of infection, had no significant influence. Conclusions: This study reveals that several factors significantly influence adherence to measures aimed at controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance adherence, the government, media, and other relevant stakeholders should take the findings into consideration when formulating policy. By developing social standards and promoting self-efficacy, individuals can influence the behavior of others and contribute toward coping with the pandemic.

Assessment of Perceived Health Status and Access to Health Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey in Italy.

(1) Background: The aims of this survey were to assess the perceived health status and to evaluate the use of healthcare services during the pandemic period. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to October 2021 in the Campania and Calabria regions, Southern Italy. The sample was selected among 655 subjects attending vaccination or primary care physician clinics. (3) Results: More than half (57.2%) of the respondents were female, the mean age was 49 years (range 19-97), and 61.3% had at least one chronic disease. Among the respondents, 56.3% declared that they had accessed healthcare at least once during the pandemic and, among all respondents who did not access healthcare, 23.2% gave reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two scores obtained from the Short-Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12), physical health summary (PCS) and mental health summary (MCS), had a means of 48.4 and 45.9, respectively. Among the respondents, 2.3% of respondents considered their health poor, 43.1% good and 6.4% excellent. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest the need to ensure, in similar health emergency situations, a quick response from the National Health System so that ordinary medical assistance activities can be guaranteed in full safety, avoiding the risk of missed access or lack of assistance.

Healthcare graduate students' perceived control and preventive behavior for COVID-19 in Japan and the United States: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Both individual and policy level perceived control are known to be positively related to preventive behavior, and both may differ among healthcare graduate students with different cultural backgrounds. This study compared the preventive health behavior and perceived control among domestic and international healthcare graduate students in Japan and the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzed factors associated with preventive health behavior and perceived control. Methods: The study used a self-administered online survey, conducted at two universities in Japan and one university in the United States. The survey included sociodemographic data and scales of preventive health behaviors, perceived control (policy level), and perceived health competence (individual level). Association among variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: A total of 610 students (485 domestic and 125 international) in Japan and 231 students (220 domestic and 11 international) in the United States completed the survey. Participants' average age was 31.3 years, and 67.0% were female. Model fit of structural equation modeling was good (χ2 = 9.419, P = 0.151, comparative fit index = 0.995, RMSEA = 0.026). Japanese students had better preventive health behavior than American (ß = -0.407, P < 0.001) and international students in both countries (ß = -0.112, P < 0.001). However, Japanese students had significantly lower perceived control than American students (ß = 0.346, P < 0.001) and international students in both countries (ß = 0.188, P < 0.001). Overall higher perceived control (ß = 0.175, P < 0.001) and being female (ß = 0.141, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with better preventive behavior. Although higher perceived control was related to higher perceived health competence (ß = 0.295, P < 0.001), perceived health competence was not associated with preventive behavior (ß = 0.025, P = 0.470). Religion was not associated with perceived control or preventive behavior. Conclusion: Nationality was identified as the main factor associated with both perceived control and preventive behavior. Policy level perceived control was more strongly associated with preventive health behavior than individual level perceived health competence. Further investigations in the contribution of specific cultural dimensions associated with perceived control and preventive behaviors are recommended.

The COVID-19 lockdown: effects of material conditions and social context on self-reported health during confinement

Lockdown policies implemented to defeat the spread of COVID-19 have been shown to be effective from an epidemiological perspective, but little is known about how they affect wellbeing and individual health perception. Using information from the 2020 Social Survey for Andalusia (a southern region in Spain), this paper examines how lockdown affects self-reported health. Contrary to what might be expected, perceived population health generally improved, but not in every social group, with young people and low-income groups reporting a deterioration. Moreover, perceived health became more difficult to predict in terms of the classic health, socio-demographic, socio-economic and residential determinants, with lockdown-related changes being particularly relevant. Direct contact with COVID-19, economic problems resulting from the lockdown and changes in daily activities became key explanatory factors for perceived health, particularly affecting the mental and emotional state of the population.

Quality of Life in Patients with Adrenal Insufficiency.

Patients with adrenal insufficiency, despite standard glucocorticoid replacement therapy, continue to experience and report impaired self-perceived health status and quality of life. In this review, we will describe quality of life in this patient population, and summarize the determinants of quality of life, based on previous survey-based studies and clinical trials. In addition, some new emerging data during the still ongoing coronavirus disease pandemic are also reviewed in the present article.