RESUMEN

Aim: Changes during the COVID-19 pandemic might create pressure on different people, thus this study aimed to measure respondents' psychological distress during the early phase of the Omicron wave in Java Island. Methods: A web-based survey on societal influence and COVID-19-related psychological distress was distributed through social media in November-December 2021, and received 396 responses. Results: This study showed that almost 50% of respondents faced psychological distress during the early phase of the Omicron variant, especially concerning hypervigilance and avoidance. Several sociodemographic factors might contribute to the incidence of psychological distress including comorbidity, age and education. Conclusion: Taken together, the incidence of COVID-19-related psychological distress was still found in the early phase of the Omicron variant, especially among young adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic hits every aspect of human life, including the social and psychological aspects. This study was conducted to measure these changes in Indonesian adults who stayed on Java Island during the early phase of the Omicron wave. Using an online questionnaire, 396 responses were received and analyzed. The results showed that almost half of the respondents still had symptoms of psychological distress. Several sociodemographic factors might contribute to the incidence of psychological distress including comorbidity, age, and education. Understanding these factors might bring benefits for future pandemic preparedness.

RESUMEN

Background: This study investigates the impact of price changes on decision to buy particular foods among adults in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Tax and subsidy were introduced for influencing decision buy particular foods, especially unhealthy foods that are predicted have consequences on health outcome. Unhealthy foods such as fast foods or junk foods, sugar sweetened beverages (SSB), salty, and fatty foods are reported as one of main causes of obesity incidence in most countries, such as Indonesia. Design and method: Computer laboratory experimental is designed for investigating the impacts of difference rates of taxes and subsidy on decision to buy foods. Taxes and subsidies rate are designed from low (5%), moderate (15%), and high rates (25%). Results: The findings are as follows. Firstly, participants do not respond immediately to price changes, that is, higher prices due to taxes and lower prices due to subsidies. Economic theory suggests that consumers demand for basic need such as foods is sensitive with change in price, they respond inversely to the price changes. However, the finding in this experimental study do not support this theory prediction. Secondly, 15% and subsidies are the threshold and the larger taxes and rate for changing consumer's choices on targeted foods. Conclusion: This study concludes that low rates of taxes and subsidies for unhealthy and healthy foods make these targeted foods affordable for majority of consumers. Besides introducing higher rates of taxes and subsidies, promoting and encouraging healthy life style such as consuming fresh and healthy foods is another alternative policy option.