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Background: The risk of a severe or fatal course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is greatly increased especially in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For this risk group, it is therefore essential to actively, continuously, and consciously deal with health information on the topic of COVID-19 in order to be able to assess the risks and possible consequences of a disease and to know and weigh up possible courses of action. Question: How do people with a COPD diagnosis deal with health information on the topic of COVID-19? Methods: An explorative qualitative study was conducted with COPD patients. The guided interviews focused on competencies following the health literacy model of Sørensen et al. and the occasions for health information seeking on COVID-19. The interviews were analyzed using content-structuring content analysis according to Mayring. Results: Seven interviews were conducted with COPD patients between March and July 2021. Reasons for the participants to inform themselves about the coronavirus pandemic were especially the fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 as well as the need to find trustworthy information, e.g., about infection figures and measures to contain the pandemic. In this regard, the use of various sources of information about COVID-19 was crucial for respondents. Critical reflection of found information took place at least partially. Measures to protect against infection were implemented by the respondents. Conclusion: In view of the existing uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the use of different sources of information and a reflective handling of available health information on COVID-19 appears essential. Consequently, low-threshold access to reliable and target group-specific health information, e.g., from medical professionals, is of particular importance for people with COPD. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Der/die Autor(en), exklusiv lizenziert an Springer-Verlag GmbH Deutschland, ein Teil von Springer Nature.
RESUMEN
Background Students form the largest group at universities. Therefore, it is essential to establish a student health management concept for their health promotion. Due to their young age, students generally belong to a rather healthy population group. However, they may also suffer from health problems. Especially the effects of the Corona pandemic on the students should be considered. Objectives The following article aimed how the context of the Corona pandemic influences health-related behaviors and stresses among students at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences. Materials and methods Based on a literature research, a questionnaire was created in order to assess students' behaviors on the topics physical activity, nutrition, perceived stress, and addictive substance consumption. In all, 1281 students participated in the online survey. The results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results As a result of the Corona pandemic, students move less in their daily lives, have to reorganize their meal planning due to legal regulations, and are exposed to higher stress levels, e.g., due to changes in exam performance or the loss of a part-time job. The consumption of addictive substances remains virtually unchanged. Conclusions The Corona pandemic is causing positive and negative changes in health behaviors and burdens among students. Nevertheless, further research is needed to look more comprehensively at the impact of the pandemic on students.