The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis and threatening human lives, especially vulnerable groups. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported anxiety and to examine associated factors among the Vietnamese population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study in Vietnam was conducted in April 2020. An online survey was used to do the rapid assessment. Among 1,249 participants, the prevalence of selfreported anxiety was 8.5%. In the multivariable regression models, significant factors for self-reported anxiety were people aged 60 years old or older, rural areas, and COVID-related music-video-watching. Implications for social work practice were also discussed.

Smoking is a global health problem among health science students. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of smoking and to examine associated factors among health science students from five universities in Vietnam. Among 5946 participants (95.0% response rate), the smoking prevalence was 19.2% (95% CI:17.4–21.0%) among male students and 2.9% (95% CI:2.4–3.5%) among female students. In the multivariable regression models, significant factors for smoking were the perceived financial burden, the respondent’s year in university, a non-self-determined motivation profile, self-reported depression and/or anxiety, the level of vigorous physical activity, and alcohol drinking.

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Background Waste collection is a common practice in Vietnam. In general, the working and living conditions of waste collectors are poor. Thus, they might be exposed to occupational and environmental risk factors, which affect their health or could further exacerbate their health vulnerabilities. Moreover, they have difficulties to access to health services. Objective The aim of this study was to understand factors affecting the access to health services among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods The qualitative design was used for this study. A total of 30 in-depth interviews with waste collectors and 3 focused group discussions were conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2017. Results Findings showed the participants considered factors that affect the access to health services among waste collectors such as geographical accessibility, the availability of health facilities, the acceptance of the quality of health services, health insurance, and affordability. Conclusions Policy makers concerned with public health and social work need to have the suitable policies in order to promote actions on the access to health services among waste collectors.

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This article aims to describe the Vietnamese Government’s policy response to support disadvantaged groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the relief package. The Vietnamese policy response is characterized by rapid response, priority for disadvantaged groups in communities, social work core values in the policy, openness, and transparency. We hope the experiences from Vietnam could be helpful for similar settings in the world.

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