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Social Distancing Compliance under COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Impacts: A Population-Based Study

Author

Listed:
  • Sheng Zhi Zhao

    (School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China)

  • Janet Yuen Ha Wong

    (School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China)

  • Yongda Wu

    (School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China)

  • Edmond Pui Hang Choi

    (School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China)

  • Man Ping Wang

    (School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China)

  • Tai Hing Lam

    (School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

The success of public health measures for controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic relies on population compliance. We analyzed compliance with social distancing and its associations with mental health. The Hong Kong COVID-19 Health Information Survey was conducted from 9–23 April 2020 on 1501 adults randomly sampled for landline telephone interviews ( n = 500) and online surveys ( n = 1001). Compliance with social distancing and staying-at-home, stress (Perceived Stress Scale-4), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorders-2), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) were collected. The associations between mental health symptoms and compliance were examined by multivariable regression models. Of the 1501 respondents (52.5% female, 72.3% aged 18–59 years), 74.2%, 72.7%, and 59.7% reported avoiding going out, going to crowded places, and attending social gatherings of more than four people, respectively. Most respondents had stayed-at-home for at least four of the past seven days (58.4%; mean 4.12, Standard Deviation 2.05). Adoption, perceived effectiveness, and perceived compliance with social distancing were associated with lower stress levels and less anxiety and depressive symptoms (all p < 0.01). However, more days stayed-at-home were associated with more depressive symptoms (adjusted Odds Ratio 1.09; 95%Confidence Interval 1.00, 1.18). The long-term psychological impact in relation to social distancing and staying-at-home requires further investigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Sheng Zhi Zhao & Janet Yuen Ha Wong & Yongda Wu & Edmond Pui Hang Choi & Man Ping Wang & Tai Hing Lam, 2020. "Social Distancing Compliance under COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health Impacts: A Population-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6692-:d:413401
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    1. Schünemann, Johannes & Strulik, Holger & Trimborn, Timo, 2017. "The gender gap in mortality: How much is explained by behavior?," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 79-90.
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    14. Argang Ghadiri & David-Lennart Sturz & Hadjar Mohajerzad, 2022. "Associations between Health Education and Mental Health, Burnout, and Work Engagement by Application of Audiovisual Stimulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-18, July.
    15. Akira Teramura & Yumi Kimura & Kosuke Hamada & Yasuko Ishimoto & Masato Kawamori, 2021. "COVID-19-Related Lifestyle Changes among Community-Dwelling Older Adult Day-Care Users: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-11, December.
    16. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman & Jean-Claude Thill, 2022. "Associations between COVID-19 Pandemic, Lockdown Measures and Human Mobility: Longitudinal Evidence from 86 Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-31, June.
    17. Henrike Schecke & Madeleine Fink & Alexander Bäuerle & Eva-Maria Skoda & Adam Schweda & Venja Musche & Hannah Dinse & Benjamin Maurice Weismüller & Sheila Moradian & Norbert Scherbaum & Martin Teufel, 2021. "Changes in Substance Use and Mental Health Burden among Women during the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Germany," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-12, September.
    18. Ambra Gentile & Marianna Alesi & Barbara Caci, 2022. "Protective and Educational Effects of Physical Activity Practice on Mental Health in Young Age during COVID-19 Lockdown," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
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