The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project
Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant consequences on the well-being of individuals worldwide. However, some subgroups may be more affected, presenting numerous distressing psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress. The present study aims to explore the ne...
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2025-06-01
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02608-0 |
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| author | Francesco Iocca Barbara Giangrasso Giulia Fioravanti Daniele Pugi Nicole Loren Angelo David Baldo Andrea Failli Valerio Vignoli Ada Fort Giovanna Millozzi Giacomo Gualtieri Lore Lorenzi Francesca Gioia Sara Bocci Benucci Anna Coluccia Fabio Ferretti Andrea Pozza Silvia Casale |
| author_facet | Francesco Iocca Barbara Giangrasso Giulia Fioravanti Daniele Pugi Nicole Loren Angelo David Baldo Andrea Failli Valerio Vignoli Ada Fort Giovanna Millozzi Giacomo Gualtieri Lore Lorenzi Francesca Gioia Sara Bocci Benucci Anna Coluccia Fabio Ferretti Andrea Pozza Silvia Casale |
| author_sort | Francesco Iocca |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant consequences on the well-being of individuals worldwide. However, some subgroups may be more affected, presenting numerous distressing psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress. The present study aims to explore the needs and concerns of the most vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Methods Online focus groups were conducted with representatives of five vulnerable populations: frontline and non-frontline healthcare workers, young adults, older people, and entrepreneurs. The interviews with each group were transcribed, and an inducted theme analysis, based on the Health Belief Model, was conducted to identify recurring themes and build and implement a tailored intervention. Results Qualitative differences between groups emerged in risk perception, one of the main domains of the Health Belief Model, while similarities emerged in the perceived cost of the pandemic. Other themes that emerged included vaccination intention, future expectations, protective measures usage, and information searching. Conclusions The findings of the present study may help shape a Health Belief Model-based intervention to promote well-being and the use of protective measures during pandemics. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-df3c3fc43b5944cc8611add4a5ebb984 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2050-7283 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-df3c3fc43b5944cc8611add4a5ebb9842025-08-20T02:31:00ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832025-06-0113111810.1186/s40359-025-02608-0The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST projectFrancesco Iocca0Barbara Giangrasso1Giulia Fioravanti2Daniele Pugi3Nicole Loren Angelo4David Baldo5Andrea Failli6Valerio Vignoli7Ada Fort8Giovanna Millozzi9Giacomo Gualtieri10Lore Lorenzi11Francesca Gioia12Sara Bocci Benucci13Anna Coluccia14Fabio Ferretti15Andrea Pozza16Silvia Casale17Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of SienaDepartment of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of FlorenceDepartment of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of FlorenceDepartment of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of SienaDepartment of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of SienaDeparment of Information Engineering and Mathematics, University of SienaDeparment of Information Engineering and Mathematics, University of SienaDeparment of Information Engineering and Mathematics, University of SienaDeparment of Information Engineering and Mathematics, University of SienaUniversity Hospital of Siena, Santa Maria alle ScotteUniversity Hospital of Siena, Santa Maria alle ScotteUniversity Hospital of Siena, Santa Maria alle ScotteDepartment of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of FlorenceDepartment of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of FlorenceDepartment of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of SienaDepartment of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of SienaDepartment of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of SienaDepartment of Health Sciences, Psychology Unit, University of FlorenceAbstract Background The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant consequences on the well-being of individuals worldwide. However, some subgroups may be more affected, presenting numerous distressing psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress. The present study aims to explore the needs and concerns of the most vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Methods Online focus groups were conducted with representatives of five vulnerable populations: frontline and non-frontline healthcare workers, young adults, older people, and entrepreneurs. The interviews with each group were transcribed, and an inducted theme analysis, based on the Health Belief Model, was conducted to identify recurring themes and build and implement a tailored intervention. Results Qualitative differences between groups emerged in risk perception, one of the main domains of the Health Belief Model, while similarities emerged in the perceived cost of the pandemic. Other themes that emerged included vaccination intention, future expectations, protective measures usage, and information searching. Conclusions The findings of the present study may help shape a Health Belief Model-based intervention to promote well-being and the use of protective measures during pandemics.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02608-0Covid-19Health Belief ModelHealth promotionRisk susceptibilityPsychological outcomesSmartphone app |
| spellingShingle | Francesco Iocca Barbara Giangrasso Giulia Fioravanti Daniele Pugi Nicole Loren Angelo David Baldo Andrea Failli Valerio Vignoli Ada Fort Giovanna Millozzi Giacomo Gualtieri Lore Lorenzi Francesca Gioia Sara Bocci Benucci Anna Coluccia Fabio Ferretti Andrea Pozza Silvia Casale The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project BMC Psychology Covid-19 Health Belief Model Health promotion Risk susceptibility Psychological outcomes Smartphone app |
| title | The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project |
| title_full | The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project |
| title_fullStr | The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project |
| title_full_unstemmed | The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project |
| title_short | The perception of Covid-19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in Italy: insights from the qualitative study of the MOST project |
| title_sort | perception of covid 19 amongst vulnerable subgroups of the general population in italy insights from the qualitative study of the most project |
| topic | Covid-19 Health Belief Model Health promotion Risk susceptibility Psychological outcomes Smartphone app |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02608-0 |
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