Shiina, A. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2020

Perception of and anxiety about COVID-19 infection and risk behaviors for spreading infection: An international comparison

To control the spread of the newly developed corona viral infection diseases (COVID-19), peoples appropriate precautionary behaviors should be promoted. We conducted a series of online questionnaire survey, to gather a total of 8,000 citizens responses on March 27-28, 2020 in Japan and April 17-21 in the UK and Spain. Compared to Japan, the knowledge and anxiety level and the frequency of precautionary behaviors were higher in the UK and Spain. Participants with infected acquaintances were more concerned about COVID-19. However, participants in the UK rarely wore a medical mask. Participants in the UK and Spain were eager to get information about COVID-19 compared to those in Japan. The participants in Spain tended not to trust official information and to believe specialists' comments instead. The urgency of the spread of COVID-19, cultural backgrounds, and recent political situations appear to contribute to the differences among countries revealed herein.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2018

The recognition and expectations of ex-inpatients of mental health services: A web-based questionnaire survey in Japan.

Concern about mental health issues and the treatment of mentally disordered offenders attracts a lot of public attention. This study aimed to gather the experiences and opinions of people who have experienced admission to a psychiatric ward in order to understand their reaction to, and understanding of, the legislation behind the involuntary admission of psychiatric patients. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted with a total of 379 participants, using a cross-sectional, exploratory design. The data were analyzed using a chi-square test, Fishers exact test, and a logistic regression analysis. According to the results, many patients were satisfied with their psychiatric admission, however, few participants said that they had been given adequate explanation for their involuntary treatment. Most participants expected qualified aids after discharge, although the prospect of a regular visit from an official was not entirely supported by the participants. Patient satisfaction was relevant to the discussion of their needs after discharge and in developing a crisis plan during admission. These findings suggests that psychiatric patients accept inpatient treatment as long as they receive an adequate explanation. More qualified care such as relapse prevention would be expected to lead to better satisfaction. In order for them to welcome regular visits from an official, patients may need more information and discussion.

neuroscience↗