Assessment of Community Psycho-behavioral Responses during the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV): A cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) is a public health emergency of international concern resulting in adverse psychological impacts during the epidemic.The aim of this study: To examine the public’s knowledge and psychological impact during the outbreak of (2019-nCoV) and the extent to which various precautionary measures have been adopted.Materials & Methods: From 1 to 10 April 2020, we conducted an online survey. The online survey collected information on demographic data, precautionary measures against (2019-nCoV), self-health evaluation, knowledge and concerns about (2019-nCoV) and appraisal of crisis management. Psychological impact was assessed by General Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. The designed questionnaire was answered by participants, and the collected data were statistically analyzed.Results: This study included 1200 respondents. In total, 80% of respondents rated the psychological impact; 18% reported minimal anxiety; 34% reported mild anxiety and (48%) with moderate anxiety symptoms. A large proportion (74%) believed that they were very or somewhat likely to contract (2019-nCoV) while only 35% believed they were unlikely to survive if they contracted the disease. (58%) of the respondents, practiced the precautionary measures directed against person to person droplet spread.Respondents with moderate level of anxiety were most likely to take comprehensive precautionary measures against the infection. In addition, older, female, more educated people as well as those who are more likely to contract infection.Conclusions: During the outbreak, more than half of the respondents rated the psychological impact as moderate anxiety. Thus, the psychological needs during the outbreak should be addressed appropriately. Our results highlight the need to promote protective personal health practices to interrupt the transmission of the (2019-nCoV) in the community must take into account. Therefore, educational public programs about preventive measures should be targeted at the identified groups with low current uptake of precautions.

COVID-19 preventive behaviours among people with anxiety and depressive symptoms: findings from Japan

“…Although a study from China reported that neither state nor trait anxiety was associated with COVID-19 preventive behaviours, 5 other recent studies have all linked anxiety with an increased likelihood of engaging in preventive behaviours. 4,9,10 This conflicts with our finding that anxiety symptoms were associated with reduced preventive behaviour. It is uncertain what underlies this difference, but underlines the need for future studies to collect information on the specific causes of anxiety, especially as it has been suggested that high levels of 'health' anxiety might be linked to engaging in excessive preventive behaviour.…”

Worries About COVID-19 Infection and Psychological Distress at Work and While Commuting

“…Such worry about infection may lead to preventive behaviors. [23][24][25] In this situation, we found that having general worry about COVID-19 infection did not lead to psychological distress.…”

Worries about COVID-19 infection and psychological distress at work and while commuting

“…However, in this situation, worrying about infection is not unhealthy, but rather, a natural reaction to current events. Such worry about infection may lead to preventive behaviors [23][24][25] . In this situation, we found that having general worry about COVID-19 infection did not lead to psychological distress.…”