Managing life during the pandemic: communication strategies,mental health,and the ultimate toll of the COVID-19

Background/aim The purpose of this review was to present the ultimate toll of the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the communication strategies and mental health.Materials and methods We unsystematically reviewed the studies published between 2020 and 2021 from databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science and ScienceDirect. Firstly, “new-normal” life challenges during the pandemic were discussed along with the public risk communication strategies. Later, mental health problems, posttraumatic growth, and protective factors were reviewed. Results Literature highlighted that individuals mainly experience COVID-19 related fear, anxiety, stress, negative emotions and sleep problems. Furthermore, the rates of clinically significant depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder suggest an increase. Specifically, COVID-19 stress syndrome, loneliness, and sleep problems were associated with mental health problems in the pandemic. However, some individuals seem to be resilient to the COVID-19 trauma and experience posttraumatic growth. Brief online intervention studies are promising for reducing the emotional toll of the COVID-19 as well as for making individuals more resilient.Conclusion To conclude, the negative conditions of the pandemic seem to make some people, but not all, vulnerable to mental illness. In addition, framing the public warnings in an optimal emotional tone seems to be more effective to comply with the precautions.     

Risk perceptions of COVID-19 and its impact on precautionary behavior: A qualitative study

ObjectiveThe controlling of the COVID-19 pandemic is influenced by the precautionary behavior of the community, and such behavior is frequently related to individuals’ risk perception. The current study aimed to explore risk perceptions and precautionary behavior in response to COVID-19.MethodQualitative in-depth interviews by telephone were undertaken with 26 participants from three affected cities in an initial stage of the disease outbreak, from May 3 to June 5, 2020. The method of analyzing data was inductive. The results were analyzed using interpretation, categorizing, and thematic analysis.ResultsThe perception of risk is influenced by numerous individual, community, and cultural factors; these perceptions act as triggers for precautionary behavior, with a tendency to deny risks or react with exaggeration in terms of the precautionary reactions related to COVID-19. The thematic analysis produced two major categories: 1) risk perception and 2) precautionary behavior. The analysis provides essential insight into risk perception and precautionary behavior.ConclusionThe risk perceptions and patterns of precautionary behavior could be unreliable, unhealthy, and culturally affected, which would influence the effectiveness of pandemic control measures. Further investigations with more data and including risk perception and precautionary behavior in the national response plan for emergency and crisis are highly recommended.Practice implicationsA greater understanding and ongoing assessment of COVID-19 risk perception could inform policymakers and health professionals who seek to promote precautionary behavior. This could also facilitate early interventions during pandemics.     

Vaccines alone will not prevent COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant workers—the example of meat processing plants

BackgroundMigrant populations in high-income countries have faced myriad health and social inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Migrants often work in frontline essential services that expose them to COVID-19. Migrant workers in meat processing plants have endured large COVID-19 outbreaks across multiple countries.ObjectivesWe examine current scientific evidence around COVID-19 transmission, outcomes, and prevention for migrant workers and highlight meat processing plants as an example.SourcesWe performed a series of PubMed searches between January 1, 2020 and January 12, 2022.ContentMigrant workers in high-income countries often work in occupations at high risk for COVID-19 transmission, contract COVID-19 at higher rates, and experience worse outcomes than native-born counterparts. For example, meat processing plants represent almost ideal environments for rapid and large-scale SARS-CoV-2 viral transmission; often, large migrant workforces confined to small workspaces perform physically demanding work in noisy environments that require shouting to communicate, increasing workers' respiratory rates and the quantity of aerosolized droplets expelled and thus increasing viral transmission risk. Although enhanced vaccination outreach programs remain an important equity approach for migrant worker safety, they alone are insufficient. The emergence and rapid spread of multiple increasingly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with variable vaccine escape properties, including Omicron in November 2021, highlight the importance of improved infection prevention and control strategies to protect migrant workers. Across countries, strategies such as improving ventilation and mask quality in many high-risk occupational settings are already required by employment law. Universal mandatory vaccination program should also be considered.ImplicationsCOVID-19 transmission prevention for migrant workers requires an aggressive multicomponent plan that includes (a) improved on-site ventilation and infection prevention and control strategies; (b) improved social supports such as paid sick leave; (c) mobile vaccination clinics and community engagement to overcome vaccine hesitancy and barriers; and (d) consideration of universal mandatory vaccination programs.     

Changes in Clinical Characteristics among Febrile Patients Visiting the Emergency Department before and after the COVID-19 Outbreak

PurposeConsidering the risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission through infected droplets, emergency department (ED) operations in response to febrile patients should be planned. We investigated the general and clinical characteristics of febrile patients visiting the ED and changes in admission rates via the ED during the COVID-19 outbreak.Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected patients who visited 402 EDs in the Republic of Korea with febrile symptoms between January 27 and May 31, 2020 and compared them to those enrolled before the COVID-19 outbreak. The primary outcome was admission rate; the secondary outcome was length of stay (LOS) in the ED.ResultsIn total, 266519 patients had febrile symptoms at ED presentation after the COVID-19 outbreak. In 2019, before the outbreak, there were 437762 patients. The rate of ED visits among pediatric patients (aged <15 years) decreased to 21.4% after the COVID-19 outbreak, compared with 41.8% in 2019. The proportion of patients admitted after ED management was higher after the outbreak (31.3%) than before (25.2%). The adjusted odds ratio for admission was 1.04 (95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.05) after the outbreak. Compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak, the median ED LOS increased by 16 min after the outbreak.ConclusionThis study confirmed that admission rates and ED LOS increased for febrile patients visiting the ED after the COVID-19 outbreak. This could provide evidence for developing ED-related strategies in response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and other infectious disease pandemics.     

Critical observations on and suggested ways forward for healthcare communication during COVID-19: pEACH position paper

ObjectiveCommunication in healthcare has influenced and been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this position paper, we share observations based on the latest available evidence and experiential knowledge that have emerged during the pandemic, with a specific focus on policy and practice.MethodsThis is a position paper that presents observations relating to policy and practice in communication in healthcare related to COVID-19.ResultsThrough our critical observations as experts in the field of healthcare communication, we share our stance how healthcare communication has occured during the pandemic and suggest possible ways of improving policy and professional practice. We make recommendations for policy makers, healthcare providers, and communication experts while also highlighting areas that merit further investigation regarding healthcare communication in times of healthcare crises.ConclusionWe have witnessed an upheaval of healthcare practice and the development of policy on-the-run. To ensure that policy and practice are evidence-based, person-centred, more inclusive and equitable, we advocate for critical reflection on this symbiotic relationship between COVID-19 and the central role of communication in healthcare.Practice implicationsThis paper provides a summary of the key areas for development in communication in healthcare during COVID-19. It offers recommendations for improvement and a call to review policies and practice to build resilience and inclusive and equitable responsiveness in communication in healthcare.     

Opportunities to improve COVID-19 provider communication resources: A systematic review

ObjectiveCommunication related to COVID-19 between provider and the patient/family is impacted by isolation requirements, time limitations, and lack of family/partner access. Our goal was to determine the content of provider communication resources and peer-reviewed articles on COVID-19 communication in order to identify opportunities for developing future COVID-19 communication curricula and support tools.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using the UpToDate clinical decision support resource database, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. The grey literature review was conducted in September 2020 and articles published between January-September 2020 written in English were included.ResultsA total of 89 sources were included in the review, (n = 36 provider communication resources, n = 53 peer-reviewed articles). Resources were available for all providers, mainly physicians, and consisted of general approaches to COVID-19 communication with care planning as the most common topic. Only four resources met best practices for patient-centered communication. All but three articles described physician communication where a general emphasis on patient communication was the most prevalent topic. Reduced communication channels, absence of family, time, burnout, telemedicine, and reduced patient-centered care were identified as communication barriers. Communication facilitators were team communication, time, patient-centered and family communication, and available training resources.ConclusionsOverall, resources lack content that address non-physician providers, communication with family, and strategies for telehealth communication to promote family engagement. The gaps identified in this review reveal a need to develop more materials on the following topics: provider moral distress, prevention communication, empathy and compassion, and grief and bereavement. An evidence-base and theoretical grounding in communication theory is also needed.Practice implicationsFuture development of COVID-19 communication resources for providers should address members of the interdisciplinary team, communication with family, engagement strategies for culturally-sensitive telehealth interactions, and support for provider moral distress.     

Interaction Effects between COVID-19 Outbreak and Community Income Levels on Excess Mortality among Patients Visiting Emergency Departments

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to examine the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on excess in-hospital mortality among patients who visited emergency departments (EDs) and to assess whether the excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic varies by community income level.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study using the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) database in Korea. The study population was defined as patients who visited all 402 EDs with medical conditions other than injuries between January 27 and May 31, 2020 (after-COVID) and for the corresponding time period in 2019 (before-COVID). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The main exposure was the COVID-19 outbreak, and the interaction variable was county per capita income tax. We calculated the risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates by COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the difference-in-difference of risk-adjusted rates between the before-COVID and after-COVID groups according to the county income tax using a multilevel linear regression model with the interaction term.ResultsA total of 11,662,167 patients (6,765,717 in before-COVID and 4,896,450 in after-COVID) were included in the study with a 1.6% crude in-hospital mortality rate. The risk-adjusted mortality rate in the after-COVID group was higher than that in the before-COVID group (1.82% vs. 1.50%, difference: 0.31% [0.30 to 0.33]; adjusted odds ratio: 1.22 [1.18 to 1.25]). The excess in-hospital mortality rate of the after-COVID in the lowest quartile group of county income tax was significantly higher than that in the highest quartile group (difference-in-difference: 0.18% (0.14 to 0.23); P-for-interaction: < 0.01).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there was excess in-hospital mortality among patients who visited EDs, and there were disparities in excess mortality depending on community socioeconomic positions.     

Swinging the pendulum: lessons learned from public discourse concerning hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, safe and effective treatments against this global health disaster have yet to be identified. Clinical research trials around the world are underway testing a wide array of possible medications. In particular, the off-label use of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 prophylaxis and treatment has created many unprecedented challenges for the scientific community and the public.     

Examining the direct and indirect effects of trust in motivating COVID-19 vaccine uptake

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate how trust in healthcare providers, public health agencies, politicians, and pharmaceutical companies shaped people’s attitudes and behavioral intention associated with COVID-19 vaccination, directly and indirectly via the mediation of vaccine evaluation and emotions.MethodsA two-wave longitudinal survey (N = 534) was employed in late 2020 and early 2021 to assess the direct and indirect relationships between trust on people’s attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination intention, and actual vaccine uptake.ResultsResults show that trust was positively associated with attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination intention, both directly and indirectly via the mediation of vaccine evaluation, hope, and anger. Vaccination intention also mediated trust’s influence on vaccine uptake.ConclusionTrust in health providers, vaccine manufacturers, and public health agencies are vital to public acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.Practice implicationsHealthcare providers and vaccine manufacturers may serve as the most effective source to communicate COVID-19 vaccine-related information. Trusted health communicators need to highlight the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine while maintaining a positive tone.     

Factors Related to Anxiety and Depression Among Adolescents During COVID-19: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and subsequent disease-containment measures (such as school closures) significantly affected the lives of adolescents. We evaluated the mental-health status and factors associated with anxiety and depression among South Korean adolescents.MethodsA nationwide online survey was conducted to evaluate the mental-health status of South Korean adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 570 adolescents aged 13–18 years were surveyed between May 27 and June 11, 2021. The participants completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to determine anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression models were constructed to determine factors related to anxiety and depression.ResultsAmong the study participants, 11.2% and 14.2% had anxiety and depression, respectively. The results suggested that several factors, such as the experience of COVID-19 infection and quarantine of oneself, a family member or an acquaintance, physical and mental health problems, and fear of one’s local community being discriminated against as a COVID-19 area were related to anxiety and depression.ConclusionThe present study identified COVID-19-related factors associated with anxiety and depression among adolescents, and provides insights regarding potential interventions to improve the mental health of adolescents. To promote the mental health of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, special attention should be paid to individuals with physical or mental-health problems, and efforts should be made to reduce the negative social and emotional impacts of infection-control measures.     

Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Food Ordering Patterns among Youths in China: The COVID-19 Impact on Lifestyle Change Survey

IntroductionLimited studies have focused on how the COVID-19 outbreak and thereby lockdown had affected the youth''s food ordering patterns, which was associated with their dietary behaviors and could have longer term impacts on their later-life health status if the trend persists. This study aimed to evaluate changes in food ordering patterns among youths in China after the COVID-19 outbreak.MethodsThe data were obtained from a national retrospective survey (COINLICS) conducted in early May 2020 via social media platforms in China among more than 10,000 youth participants at 3 educational levels. Participants reported their basic sociodemographic characteristics, weight status, and lifestyles including food ordering patterns. We described and compared their weight status and food ordering patterns before COVID-19 (January) and under lockdown (February).ResultsWe observed significant changes in youths'' weight status and food ordering patterns under lockdown. A significant increase was observed in the prevalence of overweight/obesity (13.5%–17.0%) and obesity (8.7–10.8%), which varied by sex and educational level. Overall, the average weekly frequency of food ordering among the Chinese students had declined, with the largest decrease seen among graduate students, followed by undergraduate and high/vocational school students. Regardless of types of food, the percentage of participating youths who started ordering under lockdown was all lower than that of youths who stopped ordering. Among those who had still ordered foods under lockdown, a larger percentage of female than male high/vocational school students ordered barbecue/grill and cakes/pastries; no significant differences were found across the educational levels.ConclusionThe participating youths'' food ordering patterns had significantly changed during the COVID-19 lockdown, with heterogeneities observed to different extents between sexes and across educational levels. Our findings would inform policy makers and health professionals of these changes in time, for better policy making and public health practice.     

“The Tip of the Iceberg”: Commentary on Sports,Health Inequity,and Trauma Exacerbated by COVID-19

ObjectiveTo discuss the relevance of system-level health inequities and their interplay with race in sports and athletic training, particularly during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.BackgroundHealth inequity is a systemic and longstanding concern with dire consequences that can have marked effects on the lives of minority patients. As a result of the unequal consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the magnitude of the outcomes from health inequity in all spheres of American health care is being brought to the fore. The discourse within athletic training practice and policy must shift to intentionally creating strategies that acknowledge and account for systemic health inequities in order to facilitate an informed, evidence-based, and safe return to sport within the new normal.ConclusionsTo continue to evolve the profession and solidify athletic trainers'' role in public health spaces post–COVID-19, professionals at all levels of athletic training practice and policy must intentionally create strategies that acknowledge and account for not only the social determinants of health but also the effects of racism and childhood trauma on overall health and well-being.     

Workload of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea: A Nationwide Survey

BackgroundAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, heavy workload of healthcare workers (HCWs) is a concern. This study investigated the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 16 to October 15, 2020, involving 16 healthcare facilities (4 public medical centers, 12 tertiary-care hospitals) that provide treatment for COVID-19 patients.ResultsPublic medical centers provided the majority (69.4%) of total hospital beds for COVID-19 patients (n = 611), on the other hand, tertiary care hospitals provided the majority (78.9%) of critical care beds (n = 57). The number of beds per doctor (median [IQR]) in public medical centers was higher than in tertiary care hospitals (20.2 [13.0, 29.4] versus 3.0 [1.3, 6.6], P = 0.006). Infectious Diseases physicians are mostly (80%) involved among attending physicians. The number of nurses per patient (median [interquartile range, IQR]) in tertiary-care hospitals was higher than in public medical centers (4.6 [3.4–5] vs. 1.1 [0.8–2.1], P = 0.089). The median number of nurses per patient for COVID-19 patients was higher than the highest national standard in South Korea (3.8 vs. 2 for critical care). All participating healthcare facilities were also operating screening centers, for which a median of 2 doctors, 5 nurses, and 2 administrating staff were necessary.ConclusionAs the severity of COVID-19 patients increases, the number of HCWs required increases. Because the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak is much greater than other situations, a workforce management plan regarding this perspective is required to prevent burnout of HCWs.     

Outbreak investigation in a COVID-19 designated hospital: The combination of phylogenetic analysis and field epidemiology study suggesting airborne transmission

BackgroundHealthcare-associated COVID-19 infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 have increased morbidity and mortality. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have been challenged by infection control and management.MethodsThis case study presents an outbreak investigation in a COVID-19-designated hospital and a hospital-based SNF. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other studies were performed on samples obtained from SNF residents, hospital patients, and healthcare workers (HCWs). The results of the laboratory tests and field epidemiological data were analyzed. Genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 were performed to identify the associations between cases. The tracer gas was released and recorded by a thermal imaging camera to investigate the spatial relations within clusters.ResultsDuring the outbreak, 29 COVID-19 infections in 3 clusters were identified through hospital-wide, risk-guided, and symptom-driven PCR tests. This included 12 HCWs, 5 patients, and 12 SNF residents who had been hospitalized for at least 14 days. Serology tests did not identify any cases among the PCR-negative individuals. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that viral strains from the 3 clusters shared a common mutation of G3994T and were phylogenetically related, which suggested that this outbreak had a common source rather than multiple introductions from the community. Linked cases exhibited vertical spatial distribution, and the sulfur hexafluoride release test confirmed a potential airborne transmission.ConclusionsThis report addressed the advantage of a multi-disciplinary team in outbreak investigation. Identifying an airborne transmission within an outbreak highlighted the importance of regular maintenance of ventilation systems.     

Academic arena and survival: INSIGHTS on remote working and learning in higher education during the recurrence of COVID-19

IntroductionRapid outbreaks, wide spreads, and severe damage have characterized events in public health in China. Several significant challenges have faced the global community in the 21st century, including COVID-19, resulting in uncertainty about the future of current and future generations. In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, remote working and learning (RWL) have gained more importance.Material and methodsTwo objectives were pursued in this study. To analyze how Higher Education Academician (HEA) and students used RWL during COVID-19 and how they handled RWL challenges. This research used a quantitative approach to achieve its objectives. A total of 480 students and 394 HEA were recruited through random sampling. Data collection was carried out using two self-developed questionnaires.ResultsRWL arrangements are satisfactory to both HEA and students. HEA and students agree that RWL relieves work stress and maximizes family time. Considering the survey results, it is evident that RWL practices are strongly supported in the era of COVID-19.ConclusionRWL is essential to work during the COVID-19 pandemic recurrence phase. It provides non-stop working and learning to HEA and students. HEA and students highly accept RWL and favor it during the particular reoccurrence period of COVID-19. Transitioning from face-to-face instruction to a fully functional virtual (RWL) environment will require time and experience. Therefore, it is recommended that the government make a proper plan for future turmoil by drawing lessons from this unanticipated crisis and providing training programs for RWL preparation.     

Internationally lost COVID-19 cases

BackgroundWith its epicenter in Wuhan, China, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). While many countries have implemented flight restrictions to China, an increasing number of cases with or without travel background to China are confirmed daily. These developments support concerns on possible unidentified and unreported international COVID-19 cases, which could lead to new local disease epicenters.MethodsWe have analyzed all available data on the development of international COVID-19 cases from January 20th, 2020 until February 18th, 2020. COVID-19 cases with and without travel history to China were divided into cohorts according to the Healthcare Access and Quality Index (HAQ-Index) of each country. Chi-square and Post-hoc testing were performed.ResultsWhile COVID-19 cases with travel history to China seem to peak for each HAQ-cohort, the number of non-travel related COVID-19 cases seem to continuously increase in the HAQ-cohort of countries with higher medical standards. Further analyses demonstrate a significantly lower proportion of reported COVID-19 cases without travel history to China in countries with lower HAQ (HAQ I vs. HAQ II, posthoc p < 0.01).ConclusionsOur data indicate that countries with lower HAQ-index may either underreport COVID-19 cases or are unable to adequately detect them. Although our data may be incomplete and must be interpreted with caution, inconsistencies in reporting COVID-19 cases is a serious problem which might sabotage efforts to contain the virus.     

COVID-19 and impairment of mental health: public health perspective

ObjectivesThe objective of the article is to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the members of the general population.IntroductionThe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the public health authorities to implement unprecedented public health measures with an intention to control the spread of the infection.MethodsAn extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine and World Health Organization website and a total of 27 articles were selected based upon the suitability with the current review objectives.ResultsIn order to reduce the caseload and interrupt the chain of transmission of the novel viral infection, it was envisaged that people should stay indoors unless it is extremely essential. This intervention did play its part in reducing the caseload, but significantly affected the daily routine of the people, which in turn accounted for a significant impact on the mental health of the people. Considering the ongoing development and the impact of COVID-19 infection on the mental health of people, there is an immense need to implement strategies to improve the lifestyle of the general population and the health care professionals.ConclusionTo conclude, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has created a state of public health emergency on the global scale. The infection has impacted people from all walks of life and is also responsible for precipitating a number of psychological and mental disorders. Thus, it is the need of the hour to identify those individuals who are prone to psychological disorders, and take urgent steps to ensure the preservation and improvement of the mental health of people.     

Deaf adults at higher risk for severe illness: COVID-19 information preference and perceived health consequences

ObjectivesThis study explores deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals’ preferred sources of information for COVID-19 and their perceptions of developing severe illness from COVID-19 given underlying medical conditions.MethodsA national online bilingual American Sign Language/English survey was conducted from April 17 to May 1, 2020. Weighted sample of 474 DHH adults living in the United States. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine independent associations of sociodemographic variables and health indicators with perceived COVID-19 health consequences.ResultsAbout 44% of the medical condition sample used the Internet (English-based text) first for COVID-19 information, followed by TV (24%). Only 1% selected healthcare provider as the go-to source; the remainder got information from family or friends. Perceived health consequences increased with age (adjusted OR = 1.04; CI 95% = 1.02, 1.06). At-risk respondents who self-identified as persons of color were nearly three times more likely to believe that their health will be severely affected by COVID-19 compared to respondents who self-identified as white (adjusted OR = 2.94; CI 95% = 1.20, 7.18).ConclusionsPerception of COVID-19 health consequences vary among DHH adults at higher risk for severe illness.Practice implicationsInformation delivery methods must be flexible and comprehensive to meet the diverse community’s needs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Integrating health behavior theories to predict American’s intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

ObjectiveIntegrating constructs from three prominent health behavior theories including the extended parallel process model, the health belief model, and the theory of planned behavior, this study seeks to identify sociopsychological factors that influenced American’s intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.MethodAn online survey was delivered to a U.S. sample (N = 934), assessing the influences of risk perception and fear associated with COVID-19, beliefs about and attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, self-efficacy, social and psychological contexts, and demographic characteristics on people’s intention to get COVID-19 vaccines.ResultsMost respondents intended to get vaccinated. However, they tended to underestimate their risks of contracting COVID-19. Disease exposure led to higher uptake intent via the mediation of fear. Safety concerns negatively influenced vaccination intention, while perceived community benefits were positively associated with vaccination intention. Positive attitudes toward vaccines and recent vaccine history were positively linked to vaccination intent.ConclusionThis study attests the effectiveness of HBT constructs in predicting people’s intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.Practice ImplicationsThe results point to the importance of fostering confidence in vaccine safety and countering overoptimism of individual susceptibility to the disease in interventions promoting COVID-19 vaccines uptake.