Abstract
The psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant measures and future consequences to life will be unveiled in time. To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant restrictions, impact on behaviours and mental wellbeing globally. This early analysis, explores positive and adverse factors and behaviours with focus on healthcare professionals. This is a cross-sectional survey, using a questionnaire based on published approaches to understand the psychological impact of COVID-19. The survey will be repeated at 6 months because of rapidly changing situation. We have presented results from first 3 weeks of the survey. Conclusions may change as more individuals take part over time. 7,917 participants completed the survey in the first 3 weeks; 7,271 are from the United Kingdom. 49.7% of the participants are healthcare professionals. There is high representation of female participants. Participants reporting suicidal thoughts is 32%. Healthcare professionals have reported mild depression and anxiety in higher proportions. Increasing age and female gender report higher compliance with government advice on COVID 19 whereas higher education, homeowners, key worker status, high alcohol, drug use and participants with pre-existing suicidal thoughts reported low compliance with government advice. Participants who reported suicidal thoughts pre-COVID are less likely to communicate with friends and family, or engage in coping strategies. Evidence has shown an adverse psychological impact of previous pandemics on the population, especially wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Research should focus on identifying the need, preparing services and determining the factors that enhance and build resilience. This survey is linked to a MRC global health research program of the Portsmouth-Brawijaya center for Global Health, Population, and Policy, (MR/N006267/1), University of Portsmouth.
Highlights
The psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant measures and future consequences to life will be unveiled in time
Vindegaarda, and Benros (2020) completed a systematic review of 43 studies measuring psychiatric impact associated with COVID-19 and concluded that further research is needed for preventive measures during potential subsequent pandemics
7271 individuals are from the United Kingdom
Summary
The psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant measures and future consequences to life will be unveiled in time. Aim: To investigate the psychological impact of COVID-19, resultant restrictions, impact on behaviours and mental wellbeing globally This early analysis, explores positive and adverse factors and behaviours with focus on healthcare professionals. While the primary focus has been on preventing transmission of the virus, finding vaccines and a cure, there is a realization that the effects and aftermath of this crisis, especially for mental health globally, could be unprecedented These may range from the understandable anxiety related to health, life and global uncertainty (Yao et al, 2020), to the effects of restrictions that have been placed on lives in the form of social distancing (Bedford et al, 2020), self-isolation and quarantine regimes (Reynolds et al, 2007; Memish et al, 2020). Vindegaarda, and Benros (2020) completed a systematic review of 43 studies measuring psychiatric impact associated with COVID-19 and concluded that further research is needed for preventive measures during potential subsequent pandemics
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