December 2023
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7 Reads
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2 Citations
The BMJ
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December 2023
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7 Reads
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2 Citations
The BMJ
September 2023
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15 Reads
This report summarises the findings of the public views during the Covid pandemic (PVCOVID) study, conducted between March 2020 and November 2022. PVCOVID included a longitudinal qualitative study of a cohort of members of the UK public, documenting in real-time their attitudes and experiences of the pandemic. The report documents people's experiences of, and compliance with, non- pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including lockdowns and social distancing, testing, contact tracing and self-isolation, facemask use, as well as their attitudes towards vaccines. Key lessons for the future include: Build trust in government and use trusted messengers; Tackle misinformation; Ensure rules and guidance are clear and consistent; Balance providing too much with too little information; and Provide greater support for social distancing and isolation, including emotional and mental health support.
August 2023
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71 Reads
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11 Citations
Health communication has relevance for virtually every aspect of health and well-being, including disease prevention. This review explored the effectiveness of communications in enhancing the adoption of or adherence to behavioural interventions (non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)) related to COVID-19. The review takes the UK as a case study and focuses on self-reported behaviours (e.g. social distancing). It also reviews the psychosocial determinants of adherence. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, CINAL, ASSIA and iCite databases. Eleven thousand five hundred records were identified and 13 were included in the final sample. Included studies suggest that NPI adoption or adherence was generally high, and communication had significant impacts, with key themes including clarity and consistency, trust and control. Based on the evidence in this review, features of effective communication in the context of NPI adoption or adherence are (i) information should be conveyed clearly and conflicting (mixed) messages should be avoided; (ii) information should be conveyed by trusted sources (e.g. health authorities) and (iii) communication should strike a balance between being authoritative but avoiding language seen as controlling (e.g. ‘you must’). Future research should prioritize quantitative, experimental and longitudinal study designs, that focus specifically on communication as an intervention, and which measure behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
March 2023
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31 Reads
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3 Citations
Objective To explore UK public decisions around whether or not to get COVID-19 vaccines, and the facilitators and barriers behind participants’ decisions. Design This qualitative study consisted of six online focus groups conducted between 15th March and 22nd April 2021. Data were analysed using a framework approach. Setting Focus groups took place via online videoconferencing (Zoom). Participants Participants (n = 29) were a diverse group (by ethnicity, age and gender) UK residents aged 18 years and older. Results We used the World Health Organization’s vaccine hesitancy continuum model to look for, and explore, three main types of decisions related to COVID-19 vaccines: vaccine acceptance, vaccine refusal and vaccine hesitancy (or vaccine delay). Two reasons for vaccine delay were identified: delay due to a perceived need for more information and delay until vaccine was “required” in the future. Nine themes were identified: three main facilitators (Vaccination as a social norm; Vaccination as a necessity; Trust in science) and six main barriers (Preference for “natural immunity”; Concerns over possible side effects; Perceived lack of information; Distrust in government;; Conspiracy theories; “Covid echo chambers”) to vaccine uptake. Conclusion In order to address vaccine uptake and vaccine hesitancy, it is useful to understand the reasons behind people’s decisions to accept or refuse an offer of a vaccine, and to listen to them and engage with, rather than dismiss, these reasons. Those working in public health or health communication around vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, in and beyond the UK, might benefit from incorporating the facilitators and barriers found in this study.
January 2023
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28 Reads
Respiratory infections place a significant burden on individuals, healthcare systems and society. This short report discusses early findings from an ongoing longitudinal survey study as part of the wider Community Action on Respiratory Infections Cymru (CARI) study. An initial baseline survey was sent to a large sample of predominately older adults in Wales in December 2022 and January 2023 (n=3476) (f = 63%; white = 98%; age, M=62.94 (SD=12.83)). Follow-up ‘symptom surveys’ are being sent to random sub-samples of the overall sample at regular intervals throughout winter 2022/3. Results find that intentions to get future COVID-19 vaccinations are high, but that prevalence of infection-reducing behaviours was generally low. Additionally, although overall worry about respiratory infections was relatively low, there was greater worry about COVID-19 relative to flu and other viruses. Amongst those experiencing symptoms, flu was perceived as the most common cause, and a high temperature, continuous cough and fever were most likely to lead people to take specific precautions like taking a COVID-19 test or seeking medical advice. Findings have implications for public health, including the need to provide nuanced but clear public health information and guidance on what actions to take when people are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness.
October 2022
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446 Reads
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2 Citations
OBJECTIVE The study explored the impacts of an economic crisis – the UK’s ‘cost of living crisis’ – on mental and physical health from the perspectives of people themselves. It also explored how people coping with this crisis, and as a secondary objective, explored if, and if so how, the COVID-19 pandemic was shaping, their experiences or views of the cost of living crisis.DESIGN This qualitative study consisted of online focus groups carried out between September 14th- 29th 2022. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.SETTING Focus groups took place via (Zoom) videoconferencing.PARTICIPANTS Participants (n= 28) were all UK adults, recruited as part of the Public Views during the Covid Pandemic (PVCOVID) study.RESULTS Most participants, and particularly those on low or insecure income or living in deprived communities, felt that the cost of living crisis was having negative impact on their mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Analysis generated five main themes, three related to why the cost of living crisis was affecting their health: (1) Anxiety over an uncertain future; (2) Worry about others; (3) A loss of control and two related to the ways in which people were coping, or trying to cope, with the crisis: (1) Resilience and Family and community support. CONCLUSIONS. This study found that the cost of living crisis is having significant impacts on health, particularly on the mental health of those on low- or insecure-incomes or from deprived communities. Further research and policy investment is needed to explore ways to provide emotional as well as practical/financial support for those most vulnerable to economic crises.
July 2022
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9 Reads
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4 Citations
The BMJ
July 2022
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11 Reads
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2 Citations
Objectives The study explored public attitudes and behaviours in relation to COVID-19 two years into the pandemic. Design This Qualitative study consisted of online focus groups carried out between 15th-30th June 2022. Data were analysed using a framework approachSetting Focus groups took place via online videoconferencingParticipants Participants (n= 28) were all UK residents aged 18 years or older, representing a range of gender and ethnic backgrounds, invited from the Public Views during the Covid Pandemic (PVCOVID) study.Results Most participants reported feeling ‘back to normal’, not having thought much about COVID-19 recently, and were not wearing masks or socially distancing. Lack of media coverage was a big factor cited, as was the perception that new variants were ‘milder.’ A minority of participants were still wearing masks or socially distancing and some argued they felt ‘reconditioned’ to be more cautious or less socially active. Identifying COVID-19 symptoms, and distinguishing them from flu was challenging, with some suggesting they would test on ‘instinct’ or if they felt very unwell. Intention to take a COVID-19 test and to socially distance if unwell was generally high. There was a modest appetite for future boosters, with those already triple-jabbed suggesting they would receive another dose in future, particularly if it was officially recommended. Some participants argued they would only change their behaviour if the situation was ‘serious’ (e.g. if the death rate increased significantly). Most participants said they would adopt more caution if there was a future wave, although many argued that the lack of trust caused by UK political figures breaking rules (‘Partygate’) would harm future compliance. Conclusions. The study suggests that the ‘Living with COVID’ strategy and the relative lack of media coverage have contributed to a sense of things being ‘back to normal’. If future developments in the pandemic require behavioural change, public health policy and communication will need to overcome this perception and barriers such as a lack of trust in government and the perception of the virus as milder.
February 2022
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10 Reads
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3 Citations
The BMJ
January 2022
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20 Reads
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15 Citations
Public Health
Objectives This qualitative study explored public attitudes to COVID-19 vaccines in children, including reasons for support or opposition to them. Study design Qualitative study using online focus groups and interviews. Methods Group and individual online interviews were conducted with a diverse sample of 24 adults in the United Kingdom to explore their views on the issue of COVID-19 vaccination in children. Data were analysed using a framework approach. Results COVID-19 vaccination in children was framed as a complex problem (a “minefield”). Six themes emerged to explain participants views: (1) Uncertainty over whether children can catch, transmit or be severely harmed by COVID-19; (2) Lower risk tolerance for unknown longer-term effects of the vaccine in children; (3) Association of the vaccine program with government’s handling of the pandemic; (4) Local social norms as a driver of hesitancy; (5) Vaccinating children as a way to protect vulnerable adults; (6) Children’s vaccination as parental choice. Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination in children is perceived by members of the public as a complex issue, and many are torn or hesitant about the idea. Public health communications will need to combat this hesitancy if vaccine uptake for children is to be pursued as a public health policy.
... Given the ongoing precarity of the United Kingdom's National Healthcare Service, group discussion was greatly informed and shaped by a system which participants summarise as likely to "either break down or struggle forward", leading to compromised, expensive, undistributed care futures. We note that existing cracks in primary care and growing waiting lists weighed heavily on the discussion as this crisis is felt more in deprived areas like Dundee [28]. Speaking to the fictional postcard from a retired nurse connecting with local families to volunteer their skills, one respondent described such a desire as unlikely, "I just think, in 2040, volunteer work…we're beyond that, by that time? ...
December 2023
The BMJ
... To enhance awareness of visitor policies, hospitals can disseminate clear information through brochures and digital platforms, helping patients and families understand the importance of these measures in mitigating infection risks and improving self-protection awareness [33]. Communication between medical staff, hospitalized patients, and their families is crucial to informing relatives about patients' health, well-being, and care plans [34]. Encouraging regular contact through phone calls or video calls can foster meaningful connections. ...
August 2023
... Juxtaposing the findings of the QES presented in this paper and the QES when published by J Maria et al. may provide further interesting insights about the connections between individuals' views of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy and COVID-19 vaccine trial participation. However, some qualitative data available at the individual study level about people's views of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination initiatives show similarities to the thematic findings of the QES presented in this paper [67][68][69][70][71][72]. Some qualitative studies published in 2022 and 2023 across diverse geographical regions, including participants from various demographic backgrounds, highlight that people's acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination initiatives can be influenced by their concerns for their safety [67,68] protecting themselves and their family and friends [69,70]; a social obligation [71,72]; the vaccination choices of their family and friends [69]; their trust in medical science, vaccine efficiency, and medical advice [68,71,72]; and a desire to adhere to pandemic public health guidelines whilst also engaging in travel and social activities, made possible by being vaccinated [67,71]. ...
March 2023
... This is likely to reflect the fact that a larger proportion of the income for these participants is apportioned to essentials such as food and heating bills, and therefore they may be disproportionately affected by rising prices in these areas, and these households have less in the way of savings to buffer such an increase. Our study findings are in line with other research reporting that those from lower incomes or lower socioeconomic demographics are more likely to be affected by a CoLC [28]. ...
October 2022
... Our approach differed in that we wanted participants to shape the topics for discussion and deliberation rather than be directed to consider one particular topic, in this case the allocation of scarce resources in an ICU (Kuylen et al., 2021). 10 This collection of suggestions was reminiscent of the 'Swiss cheese model' in pandemic management, where multiple layers of risk management strategies are used to build more resilient health systems, in contrast to the government's approach of removing protective measures as part of their 'living with covid' strategy (Williams and Michie, 2022). 11 For more discussion on inequalities, coronavirus and the coronavirus recovery, see Marmot et al. (2020). ...
July 2022
The BMJ
... For example, one study of over 2000 secondary school students in England conducted in May 2021 (two months after the schools testing programme was implemented) found that most students felt comfortable with the home testing process and reported high levels of adherence to the testing programme [38]. There is currently no requirement to regularly test for Covid-19 in England, and free lateral flow tests are no longer available, however recent studies indicate intention to test appears to be relatively high [39,40], although these studies do not focus specifically on testing in schools. ...
July 2022
... 4 In January 2022, despite a decrease in overall rates of COVID-19, there was a surge in cases among children; nearly 12% of children under 11 and 6.5% of 11-16 years old tested positive. 5 Areas in North West England saw some of the highest increases in COVID-19 cases in England during an outbreak of the Delta variant. In Blackburn with Darwen, the rise in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant was seen predominantly in those under 25 years of age, 5 with outcomes from STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY ⇒ We worked with local youth and community organisations to recruit participants through trusted people, which helped facilitate open and honest discussion in the focus groups. ...
February 2022
The BMJ
... 66 For instance, the decision by the JCVI to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5-11, although delayed compared with other countries, initially emphasised that vaccination was not urgently required for this age group, possibly undermining the messaging around the necessity of two vaccine doses. 67 Additionally, the NHS vaccination strategy could prove instrumental in promoting uptake among parents of young children. By employing targeted outreach campaigns, engaging trusted healthcare professionals, and providing easily accessible vaccination clinics, NHS England 6 can ensure parents feel informed and empowered to make vaccination decisions for their children. ...
January 2022
Public Health
... Previous research has suggested that a constant stream of changes to guidance over the course of the pandemic has left many people confused and disengaged. (29,30) Understanding of the new rules in response to Omicron was mixed. In general, people greatly over-estimated the stringency of the rules. ...
December 2021
... For example, a study investigating trust levels in health authorities, governments, news media, and experts across eight countries during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that trust in health experts was significantly higher than trust in politicians (Schluter et al., 2023). Meanwhile, trust in governments was a significant predictor of adherence to public health guidelines and vaccine uptake (Williams et al., 2021). Therefore, a lack of trust in political leaders can lead to decreased compliance with health recommendations and lower vaccination rates. ...
December 2021
The BMJ