Development and Validation of COVID-19 Vaccine Messaging Materials for Latinx Communities.

With pervasive health misinformation and mistrust, many of those at greatest risk from COVID-19 have demonstrated lower vaccine acceptance. In Chicago, IL, surveillance data has revealed lower rates of vaccine uptake among Black and Latinx individuals compared with others. We partnered with two local federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to develop and implement language-concordant, low literacy patient education materials to promote COVID-19 vaccine knowledge, acceptance, and uptake. Our multi-phase study included: 1) iterative content generation and refinement by health literacy experts, health center providers and staff, and community-dwelling adults; and 2) materials testing via a two-arm randomized experiment among adults from Latinx communities in the Chicagoland area. Results indicate that our English and Spanish-language COVID-19 Fact Sheets increase knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination. These materials are publicly available and can be used by health centers or community organizations to promote COVID-19 vaccination among diverse populations.

Predicting preventive behaviors against COVID-19: A structural equation modeling approach from Iran.

Background: The purpose of this study was to use the health belief model (HBM) to predict the adoption of preventive behaviors against COVID-19 using the structural equation modeling approach. Methods: As a descriptive-analytical study, this research was conducted on 831 men and women who were under the coverage of comprehensive health service centers in the Lorestan province of Iran in 2021. A questionnaire based on HBM was used to collect data. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 22 and AMOS version 21. Results: The mean age of participants was 33.0 ± 8.5, with a range of 15-68 years. The constructs of the HBM explained about 31.7% of the variance in COVID-19-related preventive behaviors. The greatest total effect on preventive behaviors against the COVID-19 disease belonged to the constructs of perceived self-efficacy (0.370), perceived barriers (-0.294), and perceived benefits (0.270), in descending order of impact. Conclusion: Educational interventions can be useful in promoting COVID-19 preventive behaviors by bringing about a correct understanding of self-efficacy, barriers, and benefits.

Letter to the editor regarding "Covid-19 transmission in fitness centers in Norway - a randomized trial".

In a recently published paper in BMC Public Health we read about a randomized trial on Covid-19 transmission performed in five fitness centers in Oslo, Norway, during the spring of 2020. In our opinion, this study has major shortcomings in design and methodology, which have not been addressed by the authors.

Reply to: Letter to the Editor regarding "Covid-19 transmission in fitness centers in Norway-a randomized trial".

In this correspondence we respond to critique of our randomized trial of Covid-19 transmission in fitness centers. The trial was performed in Norway during May and June 2020.

Covid-19 transmission in fitness centers in Norway - a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Closed fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic may negatively impact health and wellbeing. We assessed whether training at fitness centers increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. METHODS: In a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial, fitness center members aged 18 to 64 without Covid-19-relevant comorbidities, were randomized to access to training at a fitness center or no-access. Fitness centers applied physical distancing (1 m for floor exercise, 2 m for high-intensity classes) and enhanced hand and surface hygiene. Primary outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 RNA status by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after 14 days, hospital admission after 21 days. The secondary endpoint was SARS-CoV-2 antibody status after 1 month. RESULTS: 3764 individuals were randomized; 1896 to the training arm and 1868 to the no-training arm. In the training arm, 81.8% trained at least once, and 38.5% trained ≥six times. Of 3016 individuals who returned the SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests (80.5%), there was one positive test in the training arm, and none in the no-training arm (risk difference 0.053%; 95% CI - 0.050 to 0.156%; p = 0.32). Eleven individuals in the training arm (0.8% of tested) and 27 in the no-training arm (2.4% of tested) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (risk difference - 0.87%; 95%CI - 1.52% to - 0.23%; p = 0.001). No outpatient visits or hospital admissions due to Covid-19 occurred in either arm. CONCLUSION: Provided good hygiene and physical distancing measures and low population prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, there was no increased infection risk of SARS-CoV-2 in fitness centers in Oslo, Norway for individuals without Covid-19-relevant comorbidities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov on May 13, 2020. Due to administrative issues it was first posted on the register website on May 29, 2020: NCT04406909 .

Multiple Transmission Chains within COVID-19 Cluster, Connecticut, USA, 20201.

In fall 2020, a coronavirus disease cluster comprising 16 cases occurred in Connecticut, USA. Epidemiologic and genomic evidence supported transmission among persons at a school and fitness center but not a workplace. The multiple transmission chains identified within this cluster highlight the necessity of a combined investigatory approach.

Influence of Fitness Apps on Sports Habits, Satisfaction, and Intentions to Stay in Fitness Center Users: An Experimental Study.

The use of technology in sports and fitness is proliferating thanks to advances to facilitate its practice and improve adherence. Beyond adherence, it is important that technology is understood as a facilitating medium. The main objective of this study is to know the influence of the use of the fitness application (app) on sports habits, customer satisfaction and maintenance intention of fitness center users. For this, an experimental, controlled and randomized study was carried out, characterized by being a field trial, with a sample of 66 participants divided into a control group (n = 33) and an experimental group (n = 33), with 38 (57.6%) men and 28 (42.4%) women who self-monitored their physical activity for 8 weeks. The dimensions analyzed between the pre- and post-intervention phases were the changes in their sporting habits (frequency of attendance and duration of the session), the changes in satisfaction and the intention to stay with respect to the fitness center. The results in general do not show significant differences between the two groups and conclude that the use of the fitness app did not directly influence the sports habits of the participants. There were also no significant differences in terms of satisfaction with the fitness center or in their intention to stay in the fitness center. Therefore, it is shown that the use of the fitness app, as a single download or use element, is not enough to improve habits, satisfaction or the intention to stay in the fitness center.

COVID-19 Outbreak Associated With a Fitness Center-Minnesota, September-November 2020.

The Minnesota Department of Health investigated a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak at a fitness center in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Twenty-three severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections (5 employees and 18 members) were identified. An epidemiological investigation supported by whole genome sequencing demonstrated that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurred at the fitness center despite following recommended prevention strategies.

Safety protocols in an exercise facility result in no detectable sars-CoV2 spread: A case study.

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease has been a public health emergency of international concern with millions of confirmed cases globally. Closed environments with reduced ventilation contribute to the spread of COVID-19, including superspreading events. Exercising in closed places further increases the risk for transmission. Therefore, many fitness facilities were closed as part of mandated shutdowns early in the pandemic. Evidence-based safety protocols have now emerged and substantially reduce the risk of transmission. We report three positive cases of SARS-CoV-2 identified at a Dojo exercise facility in Manlius, NY, at three distinct time points. All cases were present in the Dojo 2 days prior to symptoms, a time period considered to be highly infectious. The safety protocols included universal mask wearing (no valves), multiple high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and reduced capacity which resulted in no known spread of COVID-19.

Gyms and exercising in the fight against covid-19: reflections on the social determination of the health-disease process / Academias de ginástica e exercícios físicos no combate à covid-19: reflexões a partir da determinação social do processo saúde-doença / Gimnasios y ejercicios físicos en la lucha contra el covid-19: reflexiones a partir de la determinación social del proceso salud-enfermedad

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é explicitar as contradições da defesa dos serviços oferecidos pelas academias de ginástica como essenciais à saúde em momentos de intensificação de casos da Covid-19. Analisou-se o modo como a concepção hegemônica que relaciona exercício físico e saúde é utilizada para justificar a reabertura destes estabelecimentos em momento de ascensão de casos e óbitos. Buscamos evidenciar como esse discurso assume um caráter ideológico. Apesar de ser uma necessidade, o exercício físico, produzido como mercadoria, apresenta seu valor de uso subsumido ao valor de troca, ou seja, é produzido prioritariamente para responder à necessidade de acumulação de capital. Reiteramos nossa concordância com a importância do exercício físico à saúde, mas problematizamos que deve ser considerado como uma necessidade historicamente produzida, portanto, articulada à particularidade de determinado momento histórico.

Abstract The purpose of this article is to explain the contradictions when services provided by gyms are advocated as essential to health in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed how the hegemonic conception that links exercise and health was used to justify the reopening of these establishments when cases and deaths are on the rise. We seek to show how this discourse takes on an ideological character. While exercising is necessary, as a commodity its value is subsumed under its exchange value, that is, it is produced primarily to respond to capital accumulation needs. We reiterate our agreement with the importance of exercising to health, but we question the universal character ascribed to it without considering it as a historically produced need and therefore linked to the specifics of a given historical time.

Resumen El propósito de este artículo es explicitar las contradicciones existentes en la postura de defender los servicios que ofrecen los gimnasios como esenciales para la salud en momentos de intensificación de los casos de COVID-19. Se analizó la forma en que la concepción hegemónica que relaciona ejercicio físico y salud es utilizada para justificar la reapertura de estos establecimientos en momentos de aumento de casos y fallecimientos. Buscamos mostrar que este discurso adquiere un carácter ideológico. A pesar de ser una necesidad, el ejercicio físico, producido en forma de mercancía, presenta su valor de uso subsumido en el valor de cambio, es decir, se produce prioritariamente para responder a la necesidad de acumulación de capital. Reiteramos que estamos de acuerdo con la importancia del ejercicio físico para la salud, pero problematizamos que debe ser considerado como una necesidad históricamente producida y, por tanto, vinculada a la particularidad de un determinado momento histórico.

Changes in body dysmorphic disorder, eating disorder, and exercise addiction symptomology during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study of 319 health club users.

The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the effect of COVID-19 quarantines on morbid exercise, eating, and body image behaviours pre vs post COVID-19 lockdown. Participants (n=319; mean age 36.77 SD=11.75; 84% female) were recruited to complete a battery of questions with 14 month follow-up. Exercise addiction scores were significantly lower post-lockdown; eating disorder symptomology scores were significantly higher post-COVID-19 lockdown; and leisure-time exercise significantly increased post-COVID-19 lockdown. No differences in body dysmorphic disorder were found. If future lockdowns are enforced, practitioners working with people with suspected morbid eating habits should monitor this closely.

[The urgency of Public Health in Physical Education training: lessons from COVID-19]. / A urgência da Saúde Coletiva na formação em Educação Física: lições com o COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated several controversies in the health area, particularly regarding social isolation measures, widely perceived as being one of the most effective strategies to reduce the spread of the virus. The Physical Education (PE) area became involved in these discussions, through contradictory positions of professionals, scientific societies and class entities regarding the reopening of fitness centers during the pandemic. We understand that some of these discussions revealed important weaknesses in relation to the approach to basic health knowledge, such as those related to epidemiology and public health measures. We seek in this essay, without the intention of exhausting the subject or performing an academic prescription, to support our position regarding the urgency of the approach of PE training within the field of Public Health, as well as presenting some proposals for this approach to effectively occur. We advocate training that favors a broader view of health, that enables professionals in the field to understand the potential relationship between PE and health, but at the same time recognize that physical activity is not a panacea and that human health has many others determinants and conditions.

Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Outbreak at Fitness Centers in Cheonan, Korea.

BACKGROUND: In February 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was reported in fitness centers in Cheonan, Korea. METHODS: From February 24 to March 13, an epidemiological investigation was conducted on the fitness center outbreak. All those who were screened were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Contacts were traced and self-isolated for 14 days. We determined the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and estimated the time-dependent reproduction number to assess the transmission dynamics of the infection. RESULTS: A total of 116 cases were confirmed, and 1,687 contacts were traced. The source cases were 8 Zumba instructors who led aerobics classes in 10 fitness centers, and had the largest average number of contacts. A total of 57 Zumba class participants, 37 of their family members, and 14 other contacts were confirmed as cases. The attack rate was 7.3%. The contacts at Zumba classes and homes had a higher attack rate than other contacts. The mean serial interval (± standard deviation) were estimated to be 5.2 (± 3.8) days. The time-dependent reproduction number was estimated to be 6.1 at the beginning of the outbreak, but it dropped to less than 1, 2 days after the epidemiological investigation was launched. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the COVID-19 outbreak was effectively contained with rigorous contact tracing, isolating, and testing in combination with social distancing without a lock-down.

Health & Wellness Centers to Strengthen Primary Health Care in India: Concept, Progress and Ways Forward.

In February 2018, the Indian Government announced Ayushman Bharat Program (ABP) with two components of (a) Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), to deliver comprehensive primary health care (PHC) services to the entire population and (b) Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for improving access to hospitalization services at secondary and tertiary level health facilities for bottom 40% of total population. The HWC component of ABP aims to upgrade and make 150,000 existing Government Primary health care facilities functional by December 2022. The first HWC was launched on 14 April 2018 and by 31 March 2020, a total 38,595 AB-HWCs were operational across India. This article documents and analyses the key design aspects of HWCs, against core components of PHC & the health system functions. The article reviews the progress and analyses the potential of HWCs to strengthen PHC services and therefore, advance Universal Health Coverage in India. Challenges emerged from COVID-19 pandemic & learnings thus far has also been analyzed to guide the scale up of HWCs in India. It has been argued that effectiveness and success of HWCs will be dependent upon a rapid transition from policy to accelerated implementation stage; focus on both supply and demand side interventions, dedicated and increased funding by both union and state governments; appropriate use of information and communication technology; engagement of community and civil society and other stakeholders, focus on effective and functional referral linkages; attention on public health services & population health interventions; sustained political will & monitoring and evaluation for the mid-term corrections, amongst other. Experience from India may have lessons and learnings for other low and middle-income countries to strengthen primary healthcare in journey towards universal health coverage.