Assessment of Online Food Ordering and Delivery in Singapore During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Agarwal S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8461503 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:ObjectiveTo analyse food advertised on an online food delivery (OFD) platform during 16 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.DesignLongitudinal study. We randomly selected foods advertised on the OFD app's home page, classifying the food items into water; natural juices and smoothies; vegetables; fruits; traditional meals and pasta; ultra-processed beverages; ice cream and candies, and salty packaged snacks; sandwiches; savoury snacks; and pizza. We also registered the marketing strategies used to promote the food items, such as photos, discounts, 'combo deals', and messages on healthiness, value for the money, tastiness, and pleasure.SettingBelo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.Participants1,593 food items.ResultsIn general, the OFD platform most commonly promoted traditional meals and pasta, ultra-processed beverages, and sandwiches-these food groups were offered 20-25% of the time during the 16 weeks. There were no promotions for water during the whole period, and the least common promotions were those for natural juices and smoothies, vegetables, and fruits (<5%). The most common food promotion strategies were photos (>80%) and discounts (>95%), while approximately 30% of the offers featured combo deals. Messages on tastiness, pleasure, and value for the money varied from 15% to 40%.ConclusionAlthough the OFD platform offered traditional meals and pasta, most of the foods and beverages advertised were unhealthy and promoted with persuasive strategies. This finding highlights a growing public health concern: an increase in unhealthy eating patterns during the pandemic.
| S-EPMC9043632 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAs a result of the COVID-19 pandemic a rapid transformation from face-to-face curriculum delivery to an online teaching and learning environment, was adopted in a number of higher education institutions globally. Allied Health Profession courses such as physiotherapy, traditionally utilising an in person teaching model to prepare students for practice, needed to swiftly adopt new methods of delivery, involving both synchronous and asynchronous approaches. Understanding physiotherapy student perceptions of this transition is important to allow faculty to develop their delivery of online teaching and provide an evidence base for future course curricula.MethodsCross-sectional survey of UK higher education students studying either an undergraduate or post-graduate pre-registration degree in physiotherapy was conducted between October 2020 and February 2021. The survey investigated the student's perception of the transition to either an online or hybrid model of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A mixed method approach was adopted allowing respondents to share their experiences and facilitate the exploration of questions which required in-depth thought.ResultsTwo hundred thirty-six respondents completed the questionnaire. Online learning was perceived to be a flexible (49%, n=116,CI 95% 43 to 55) and convenient (49, 116, 43 to 55) method of learning. Despite this, 79% of the students surveyed felt that the online learning experience had a negative impact on their understanding of the subject and were disadvantaged compared to traditional face-to-face teaching provision (mean 4.14 ± SD 1.06). Online physiotherapy delivery produced low student satisfaction, leaving respondents feeling disadvantaged. Decreased levels of engagement and the lack of ability to practice 'hands-on' skills were detrimental aspects of the online approach, with 55% (n=106) reporting they did not perceive the academic staff had the necessary skills to deliver effective online content.ConclusionsThe majority of UK physiotherapy students surveyed were dissatisfied and lacked engagement with an online learning approach within the curricula, compared with the traditional face-to-face delivery. Although several positives of both a synchronous and asynchronous delivery were highlighted, faculty must consider how they best deliver online learning content, making use of pedagogical strategies that will create as many learning and engagement opportunities as possible.
| S-EPMC9172598 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveTo explore the promotion of discretionary foods/beverages and marketing strategies employed by the top three online food delivery services' (OFDS) Instagram accounts in three countries before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.DesignPublicly available data were extracted for the top three OFDS Instagram accounts for Australia, United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA) from March to May 2019 and 2020. Food/beverage items from posts were classified as 'discretionary' or from the five food groups (FFG) according to the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Marketing strategies were coded using an existing framework. Posts referring to COVID-19 were coded under four marketing strategies: (i) appropriating frontline workers; (ii) combatting the pandemic; (iii) selling social distancing; and (iv) accelerating digitalisation.ResultsFrom 581 posts, 618 food/beverage items were shown, of which 69 % (427/618) were classified as discretionary. In 2019, the most used marketing strategies were product imagery (unbranded) (137/195, 70 %), links (111/195, 57 %) and sponsorships/partnerships (58/195, 30 %). In 2020, the most used were links (252/386, 68 %), product imagery (unbranded) (179/386, 49 %) and branding elements (175/386, 45 %). The most common COVID-19 marketing strategy was combatting the pandemic (76/123, 62 %) followed by selling social distancing (53/123, 43 %), appropriating frontline workers (34/123, 28 %) and accelerating digitalisation (32/123, 26 %).ConclusionsFollowing the COVID-19 pandemic, OFDS adapted their marketing, creating content with the theme of 'combatting the pandemic'. Due to the growing number of discretionary foods/beverages promoted on Instagram, this highlights the need for policy action to counter the potential influence social media platforms have on dietary behaviours.
| S-EPMC8280395 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Online food delivery services facilitate access to unhealthy foods and have proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores associations between neighbourhood deprivation and exposure to online food delivery services and changes in exposure by deprivation during the first year of the pandemic. Data on food outlets delivering to 661 postcode districts in London and the North of England in 2020 and 2021 were collected from three online delivery platforms. The association between area deprivation and overall exposure to online food delivery services was moderated by region, with evidence of a positive relationship between count of outlets and deprivation in the North of England, and a negative relationship in London. There was no association between area deprivation and growth of online food delivery services. Associations between neighbourhood deprivation and exposure to the digital food environment vary geographically. Consequently, policies aimed at the digital food environment need to be tailored to the local context.
| S-EPMC9899780 | biostudies-literature
Project description:COVID-19 case was first identified in Canada on January 25, 2020, on a Toronto resident who had travelled to Wuhan China, and not long after, the WHO declared the viral infection a pandemic. Ontario health West created an online self-assessment portal that allowed individuals in the health region and adjourning areas to report any COVID related symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility and usefulness of the Ontario Heath West online COVID-19 self-assessment portal. Record level data obtained from the Ontario Health West self-assessment portal was analyzed. Descriptive statistics using charts and graphs were used to characterize the distribution of responses to the portal. In-depth analysis using correlation, lead-lag analysis, and trend comparison with actual Government of Ontario COVID-19 cases for the region were also conducted. A total of 34,144 distinct responses were recorded on the portal between April 10 and July 29, 2020, with 1,250 (3.7%) responding positively to one of the emergency symptoms questions. Trend analysis showed a peak portal response in May 2020 with a smaller rise subsequently in July 2020, coinciding with the actual COVID-19 peak in the region. The five most reported symptoms on the portal were sore throat (17.2%), headache (12.9%), fatigue (12.3%), digestive problems (12.2%) and cough (9.1%). For four sub-regions, the trend of self-report on the portal positively lagged actual Public Health Ontario reported COVID-19 cases, while for one sub-region, the trend positively led the actual Public Health Ontario reported COVID-19 cases for the area. We found correlation between online COVID-19 self- assessment data and the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Southwestern region of Ontario. Trends in the COVID-19 associated emergency symptoms reported on the portal also tracked confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community. Peak response to the portal coincided with the peak volume of confirmed cases in Ontario during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, suggesting some consistency between the experiences of portal users and patterns of COVID-19 illness in the community. The portal was a useful tool at the person-level because it provided guidance to individuals about how to access appropriate health services according to the symptoms that they reported and connected them with primary care, reducing unnecessary visit to health facilities for COVID-19 related care.
| S-EPMC9156693 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes to academic program delivery worldwide. Face to face (traditional teaching) lectures were replaced with online, recorded, or live sessions; however, online systems are not an efficient substitute for clinical or laboratory courses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the imaging student's perspective on COVID-19 awareness to ensure they are prepared for clinical training and laboratory education, and to evaluate the teaching quality of the online radiography program delivery.MethodsAn online survey was conducted with radiography and medical imaging students of two female campuses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Knowledge and awareness level of COVID-19, such as symptoms and diagnostic tests, were evaluated using multiple choice questions. The Likert scale (1-5) was used to evaluate the teaching quality of the online learning of radiography, such as critical thinking and communication skills. Open-ended questions were included for students to provide comments and feedback.ResultsOut of 305 female students, 212 participants (71%) responded and were included in the study. The average age was 20 years, and respondents were from different study levels (year 1-year 5), with 47% and 53% of the participants from Al Ain campus and Abu Dhabi campus, respectively. Seventy percent of the respondents reported a Bachelor degree, while 30% were higher Diploma participants. The overall COVID-19 awareness level mean score was acceptable (70%). Senior students with a Bachelor degree and clinical experience scored higher than other students (72% vs. 65%, P<0.05). The mode value of the Likert scale for the teaching factors assessment (1-5) for most of the respondents showed average (mode=3) response value. However, the mode for the stress factor was high (mode=5). The overall online radiography teaching satisfaction for the teaching quality factors was less than 50%. However, more than half of the respondents (52%) recommended delivering the radiography program using the online learning system.DiscussionCOVID-19 imposed several challenges to the educational systems worldwide, requiring implementation of effective strategies to improve the current online teaching. Effective communication between instructors and students, engaging students with case studies discussion, and encouraging students to think critically and to be creative are important strategies.ConclusionOnline delivery of the radiography and medical imaging program imposes challenges for laboratory and clinical courses. It is recommended that academic institutions implement state of art technology to bridge the gap between traditional and online learning methods during the pandemic. Students are suggested to be mentally prepared to accept the shifting of the teaching mode to relieve stress and gain knowledge and practical skills more efficiently.
| S-EPMC8332710 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-BSST1055 | biostudies-other
Project description:ObjectiveTo conduct a nationwide assessment of communication by participating states and Washington DC about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Online Purchasing Pilot expansion.DesignSystematic coding of official communication from state and DC SNAP administrating agencies.ParticipantsForty-six states and DC approved to participate in the pilot as of October 2020 (n = 47). Data were collected from official SNAP administrating agency websites, state press releases, and state emergency coronavirus disease 2019 websites.Variables measuredFour domains were collected from communication materials: (1) program information, (2) retailer information, (3) health and nutrition information, and (4) communication accessibility.AnalysisQualitative content analysis, descriptive statistics.ResultsThirty-four (72%) states issued an official press release about the pilot that was easily accessible through online searches (15 available in multiple languages), 21 (45%) included information on their SNAP agency website, and 15 (32%) included information on their official coronavirus disease 2019 website. Most states identified authorized retailers (n = 37; 79%), provided information about pickup/delivery (n = 31; 66%), and stated the SNAP online start date (n = 29; 62%). About a quarter of states (n = 12; 26%) provided information about nutrition and health.Conclusions and implicationsState communication about the SNAP online pilot mostly focused on basic program and retailer information and included limited information about nutrition and health.
| S-EPMC8445848 | biostudies-literature
Project description:To understand and analyse the global impact of COVID-19 on outpatient services, inpatient care, elective surgery, and perioperative colorectal cancer care, a DElayed COloRectal cancer surgery (DECOR-19) survey was conducted in collaboration with numerous international colorectal societies with the objective of obtaining several learning points from the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our colorectal cancer patients which will assist us in the ongoing management of our colorectal cancer patients and to provide us safe oncological pathways for future outbreaks.
| 2346925 | ecrin-mdr-crc
Project description:The pervasive effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have put the world to test. Its effects permeate all facets of life including healthcare services and food supplies. However, most empirical studies failed to investigate its effects on the prices of food and healthcare services, which by all standards, are essential commodities. On this background, this study evaluates the impact of COVID-19 reported cases and lockdown stringency measures on the food and healthcare prices in the six (6) worst-affected countries. For empirical purposes, daily prices of food and healthcare services between 22nd January and 31st December 2020 were regressed against daily cases of COVID-19 and lockdown stringency measures within the dynamic autoregressive distributed lag procedure. Empirical evidences reveal that prices of healthcare and food are cointegrated with COVID-19 cases and lockdown measures in all the selected countries except Italy. Equally, healthcare and food prices reinforced itself in the long-run in the US, the UK and France. Furthermore, COVID-19 cases lead to significant increases in food and healthcare prices in the US, whereas, food and healthcare prices in France and UK declined significantly as COVID-19 cases mount. Conversely, food and healthcare prices declined significantly in the US and soar in France and the UK in reactions to COVID-19 new cases. Likewise, government stringency measures and containment health measures contributed significantly to healthcare and food price hike in the US and France respectively. Meanwhile, healthcare and food prices in the other selected countries remained unaffected even as the pandemic ravages. Following this empirical discoveries, relevant policy guidelines have been communicated.
| S-EPMC8691956 | biostudies-literature