Understanding Knowledge and Behaviors Related to CoViD–19 Epidemic in Italian Undergraduate Students: The EPICO Study

Abstract

Background: On February 2020, the novel coronavirus (2019−nCoV) epidemic began in Italy. In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Italian government adopted emergency measures nationwide, including closure of schools and universities, workplaces and subsequently lockdown. This survey was carried out among Italian undergraduates to explore their level of knowledge about the epidemic and the behaviors they adopted during the lockdown. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered to the students attending three Italian universities. Results: A good level of knowledge about the epidemic and its control was registered in the sample, mainly among students attending life sciences degree courses. The majority of the students did not modify their diet and smoking habits, while a great part of the sample reported a decrease in physical activity (PA). Conclusions: Students from life sciences courses showed a higher awareness regarding the infection and the control measures. The lockdown caused an important reduction of PA. Preventive interventions should transform the restrictive measures also as an opportunity to improve lifestyle.

Diffusing wave microrheology of highly scattering concentrated monodisperse emulsions

“…This overall pattern particularly clustered participants (cluster 2) who were women, with a higher level of education but lower income, teleworking from home (which was generalized as a result of the lockdown measures), with children aged under 18 y at home, higher scores for depressive symptoms, and already a higher proportion of ultra-processed foods in their diets before the lockdown. Less healthy nutritional behaviours have also been underlined in studies involving children and students in Italy [30,31] where the lockdown had a negative impact on physical activity but also on the consumption of foods, which is in line with this first trend of behaviours.…”

Factors impacting social distancing measures for preventing coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]: A systematic review

“…The search results are summarised in Figure 1. In total, 1235 citations were identi ed, of which 16 were found to be relevant [39,40,[41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] excluded 68 studies.…”

“…Studies reported that quarantine, and school and border closure have been the most effective means of suppressing transmission [40,43]. The commonest factors associated with SDM success are support on governmental measures for social distancing and isolation by avoiding crowds, closure of public places, hand hygiene, and individuals' adherence to country-speci c mitigation measures [45,48]. Most participants felt that guidance on social distancing and isolation had been generally unclear, although some described how it had "become clearer".…”

“…Two of 16 studies identi ed this as a barrier [45,52]. These studies found that rumours in social media, and electronic and print media during SDMs (isolation, self-quarantine), and total restriction of travel (curfew) were associated with negative impact on mental health as they constantly depict the pandemic and deaths related to it.…”

“…Four of the 16 studies identi ed these barriers [42,45,47,52]. The commonest associated factors were: anxiety [47], increased time in quarantine associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression [47], decrease in physical activity [45], loss of social interaction, and emotional and psychological distress [42].…”