![]() Therefore, the evaluation of lockdown strategies and containment policies is crucial. The adverse effects of the lockdowns should not be ignored and officials should take every measure to minimise the societal impact and ensure that this experience is as tolerable as possible for the general population. As these lockdowns have so negatively affected individuals in these ways and have had a devastating impact on economic growth, public debt and employment, lockdown measures should be administered carefully and should be based on unbiased carefully collected data. A recent report presented by the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region found that lockdown restrictions contributed to an increase in problems such as addiction, poor diet, lack of physical activity, deteriorating mental health, and domestic violence. Although the introduction of a lockdown is an effective strategy to slow the spread of infection, several studies pointed out its negative effects on mental health, health behaviours, social connectedness, and loneliness. Lockdowns during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak include a range of largely non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit physical interactions and introduce social distancing. Furthermore, declining adherence to most public health measures over time raises a question about the effectiveness of future lockdown measures. ![]() The study found that the extended duration of the pandemic and recurring lockdowns restricting freedom of movement and social contacts appear to have caused significant disruptions to many areas of life. Larger negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on friendships, leisure activities, education and community were reported during the second lockdown. Closure of schools was seen as the least essential restriction during the second lockdown, while wearing masks gained additional approval between the first and the second lockdown. Compliance with public health measures was overall lower during the second lockdown, although it varied according to the type of the measure. During the second lockdown, study respondents were more concerned about their family members contracting Covid-19 when compared with the first lockdown. Resultsįive hundred sixty participants were included in the first wave and a sub-sample of 134 participants in the second wave of data collection. T-test and chi-square tests were used to test differences between the two lockdowns. Descriptive statistics including frequency analysis were used to compare respondents’ answers collected in the two waves of the survey. Two waves of an online survey were conducted in May and December 2020 asking respondents about their concerns related to the Covid-19 illness, personal experiences of the lockdowns, perceptions of and compliance with imposed public health measures, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on different aspects of life during the two lockdowns. The aim of this study was to compare the perceptions and experiences of the general population related to the first and second Covid-19 lockdowns in Austria. ![]() Seven months after that, in November 2020, the second full lockdown was implemented. ![]() In Austria, the first Covid-19-related lockdown was introduced on 16 March 2020 with most restrictions being lifted 1 month later. However, several studies indicated negative impacts of lockdowns on the well-being and mental health of many people. Introducing national lockdown has been effective in containing Covid-19.
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