I19 - Health: OtherReturn

The whole world is trying to keep the coronavirus under control. However, it is certain that the consequences of coronavirus do not affect the world economy but also health care and health-conscious consumer behaviour. The first wave of coronavirus came under control when the second wave appeared. What impact will this wave have on consumers’ health consciousness? The article focuses on examining the difference between the level of health consciousness at the time of the decline of the first wave and the release of measures against coronavirus and the second upcoming wave of the mutated version of the virus. The main goal of the state is to examine the level of health consciousness and follow the recommendations of W.H.O. against the spread of coronavirus in Slovakia and Hungary during the decline and re-emergence of coronavirus. The research consisted of two phases - the first phase after the first wave of the pandemic and the second during the onset of the second phase. The one-way ANOVA test and linear regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between health consciousness and W.H.O’s recommendations in the fight against coronavirus. The results indicate a close connection in the conditions of Slovakia and Hungary. At the same time, we concluded that health consciousness changes due to the acuteness of the situation. The results can be used in many fields (medicine, sociology, psychology, marketing), both theories and practice.
Implications for Central European audience: European countries, as well as the whole world, are fighting the coronavirus. Preliminary results suggest that the second wave will bring more infected. Health consciousness and prevention provide the best opportunity to fight coronavirus in times without an effective vaccine. It is, therefore, the role of the responsible authorities to examine the level of health consciousness and to try to influence it positively. The results suggest that only proper consumer information and adherence to the basic recommendations of W.H.O. can positively affect the level of health consciousness.

The adverse effects of the pandemic (COVID-19) are already reflected in the Slovak economy. At the same time, some experts warn that the pandemic is not over and may manifest itself in the second wave. The article examines the concept of Health consciousness as one of the possible (preventive) measures in a pandemic. The aim is fourfold: 1. to measure the level of health consciousness in normal conditions 2. to measure the level of health consciousness during a pandemic 3. to examine the differences between these levels and 4. to determine the true meaning of health consciousness in a pandemic. A sample of 384 respondents was employed in the research to collect the empirical data. The sample was selected by the quota method. The study consisted of two phases - the first phase before the pandemic and the second phase during the pandemic (COVID-19). The one-way ANOVA test and linear regression analysis were used to explore the impact of selected factors on health consciousness in the Slovak population and to verify the hypotheses. The results of the research indicate that health consciousness increased sharply during the pandemic. At the same time, selected demographic factors were confirmed as factors influencing the level of health consciousness. The level of health consciousness can affect the frequency of infections. The results can be used in many fields (medicine, sociology, psychology, marketing), both theories and practice.
Implications for a Central European audience: The development of the Slovak economy at the end of 2019 led to a more positive estimate of GDP growth and other economic indicators. The situation has changed in the context of the pandemic. Especially small and medium-sized enterprises represent a vulnerable place in the Slovak economy. We must look for possible ways to eliminate the pandemic and at the same time look for effective preventive means that could be used in the event of a second wave or another pandemic to protect human lives as well as the state economy.