Media

Researchers from the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU) and the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) jointly conducted an online survey in collaboration with the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation (HKSR) on Hong Kong citizens’ psychosocial health and their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination. A total of 2,733 people were surveyed in late January. About one-third of the respondents are patients with chronic illness.

As individuals with chronic illness are likely to be on the priority list under the government’s upcoming vaccination programme, the research team was able to reach out to those patients with the support of HKSR, and compared their responses with those without chronic illness.

According to the findings, a substantial portion of the respondents encountered psychosocial distress under the pandemic, some at moderate to severe levels. Moreover, a higher percentage of respondents with chronic illness reported feeling socially isolated. On the willingness to vaccinate, respondents in general are concerned about the efficacy of the vaccines and the likelihood of severe side-effects.  

The research team will hold a press conference on Thursday (February 18) to release research findings and policy recommendations for preventing a potential public mental health crisis and promoting vaccination. A patient representative will attend to share experience.

Media representatives are cordially invited to attend the press conference. Details are as below:

Date: February 18, 2021 (Thursday)
Time: 10:30 am
Venue: The Function Room, 11/F, The Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, HKU

Speakers:
Professor Siu-Man Ng, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong
Dr Bobo Lau, Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Dr Ricci Yue, Department of Geography, University of Hong Kong
Dr Samson Yuen, Department of Government and International Studies, Baptist University of Hong Kong
Dr Pamela Leung, Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

** The press conference will be simultaneously aired through Zoom:
Link： https://hku.zoom.us/j/97189399502?pwd=TGNVMFlQRlhUeFkvRWJCR09DazZPUT09
ID：971 8939 9502
Password：641842

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communication and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Melanie Wan (Tel: 2859 2600 / Email: melwkwan@hku.hk)
Rashida Suffiad (tel: 2857 8555, email: rsuffiad@hku.hk)