FCRP - Culture

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/123456789/99

Browse

Browsing FCRP - Culture by Subject "COVID-19"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Successful Aging Across Middle Versus High-Income Countries: An Analysis of the Role of eHealth Literacy Associated With Loneliness and Well-Being
    (Oxford Academic, 2024) Ivan, Loredana; Marston, Hannah R.; Prabhu, Vishnunarayan Girishan; Großschädl, Franziska; Silva, Paula Alexandra; Buttigieg, Sandra C.; Öztürk Çalıkoğlu, Halime; Bilir Koca, Burcu; Arslan, Hasan; Kanozia, Rubal; Browning, Matthew H. E. M.; Freeman, Shannon; Earle, Sarah
    Background and Objectives “Successful aging” concerns the process of growing older while maintaining physical, cognitive, and social well-being, emphasizing independence for overall satisfaction and quality of life. We investigate the impact of eHealth literacy on reducing loneliness and sustaining well-being during the pandemic, comparing middle- and high-income countries. Research Design and Methods Online surveys were conducted between April 4, 2020, and September 30, 2021, collecting responses (N = 2,091) from medium- and high-income countries in Europe, Asia, and North America. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to test how sociodemographic predictors were associated with differences in e-Health literacy, loneliness, and well-being. Results Respondents from high-income countries reported significantly higher well-being scores than those from middle-income countries and respondents from high-income countries had significantly higher e-HEALS (e-Health literacy) scores compared to middle-income countries. No significant difference was observed in loneliness scores between high-income and middle-income country respondents. Well-being is associated with age, with younger adults (18–29 years) and those aged 40+ reporting higher levels. Higher education and income are linked to greater well-being. Gender differences are observed, with females and those with a partner reporting higher well-being. In middle-income countries, higher education levels are more linked to loneliness, while in higher-income countries, loneliness is observed across education levels. Discussion and Implications Future interventions by governments and policymakers should consider intersectionality in e-Health planning and offer digital literacy and digital skills training to those with lower education levels.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Effects of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Selective Exposure: Evidence from 17 Countries
    (Taylor & Francis, 2022) Zoizner, Alon; Sheafer, Tamir; Castro, Laia; Aalberg, Toril; Cardenal, Ana S.; Corbu, Nicoleta
    A widely believed claim is that citizens tend to selectively expose themselves to like-minded information. However, when individuals find the information useful, they are more likely to consume cross-cutting sources. While crises such as terror attacks and pandemics can enhance the utility of cross-cutting information, empirical evidence on the role of real-world external threats in selective exposure is scarce. This paper examines the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study to test the extent to which citizens were exposed to information from cross-cutting sources on traditional and social media after the outbreak. Utilizing a two-wave panel survey among 14,218 participants across 17 countries – conducted before and after the initial outbreak – we show that citizens concerned about COVID-19 were more exposed to cross-cutting information on traditional and social media. The positive relationship with cross-cutting exposure to traditional news was stronger in countries where governments adopted less stringent policy responses, and in countries with greater pandemic severity and weaker democratic institutions. Our comparative approach thus sheds light on the social and political contexts in which cross-cutting exposure can occur.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Understanding Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic Through the Lens of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities: An International, Multi-Centre Study
    (MDPI, 2025) Marston, Hannah R.; Girishan Prabhu, Vishnunarayan; Ivan, Loredana
    Research on age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC) has primarily taken a qualitative approach. This article extends insights from a quantitative perspective to understand the international perspectives of community living and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing an intersectional approach, this online survey aimed to understand human behaviour within AFCC. This article contextualises the digital practices and the impact of technology experienced through the age-friendly city lens of adults aged 18–50+ years living in different types of communities. Using an original dataset collected from 2020 to 2021 across 11 sites and in 13 languages, the study gathered responses from a sample size of 3422 participants. Findings indicate that adults aged 50+ years reported significantly lower loneliness scores, and higher well-being scores compared to adults aged below 40. Factors including gender, education level, and marital and employment status were found to impact loneliness and well-being significantly. From a community perspective, individuals living in rural areas and small towns reported significantly lower loneliness scores and higher well-being scores than those living in metros and cities. These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse in AFCC and have the potential to aid policy responses intended to reduce loneliness and improve well-being through public health and pandemic preparedness planning.