Health and social behaviour through pandemic phases in Switzerland: Regional time-trends of the COVID-19 Social Monitor panel study

Abstract

Background Switzerland has a liberal implementation of Coronavirus mitigation measures compared to other European countries. Since March 2020, measures have been evolving and include a mixture of central and federalistic mitigation strategies across three culturally diverse language regions. The present study investigates a hypothesised heterogeneity in health, social behavior and adherence to mitigation measures across the language regions by studying pre-specified interaction effects. Our findings aim to support the communication of regionally targeted mitigation strategies and to provide evidence to address longterm population-health consequences of the pandemic by accounting for different pandemic contexts and cultural aspects. Methods We use data from from the COVID-19 Social Monitor, a longitudinal population-based online survey. We define five mitigation periods between March 2020 and May 2021. We use unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models to investigate a hypothesized interaction effect between mitigation periods and language regions on selected study outcomes covering the domains of general health and quality of life, mental health, loneliness/isolation, physical activity, health care use and adherence to mitigation measures. Results We analyze 2,163 (64%) participants from the German/Romansh-speaking part of Switzerland, 713 (21%) from the French-speaking part and 505 (15%) from the Italian-speaking part. We found evidence for an interaction effect between mitigation periods and language regions for adherence to mitigation measures, but not for other study outcomes (social behavior, health). The presence of poor quality of life, lack of energy, no physical activity, health care use, and the adherence to mitigation measures changed similarly over mitigation periods in all language regions. Discussion As the pandemic unfolded in Switzerland, also health and social behavior changed between March 2020 to May 2021. Changes in adherence to mitigation measures differ between language regions and reflect the COVID-19 incidence patterns in the investigated mitigation periods, with higher adherence in regions with previously higher incidence. Targeted communcation of mitigation measures and policy making should include cultural, geographical and socioeconomic aspects to address yet unknown long-term population health consequences caused by the pandemic.

Public health communication: Attitudes, experiences, and lessons learned from users of a COVID-19 digital triage tool for children

“…For them, the experience was described as both isolating and disorienting, as many grandparents find purpose and meaning in caring for grandchildren ( 2 , 24 , 25 ). Significant social isolation-induced psychological effects have been reported in this group ( 11 , 22 , 24 , 26 ). In concurrence with our findings, socioeconomic status, particularly finances, and influences perceived stress levels ( 7 , 23 , 27 ).…”

“…The way information is conveyed shapes public trust both negatively and positively. According to the literature, adherence and attitudes to public health recommendations in Switzerland differ along cultural, geographical, and socioeconomic lines, highlighting the importance of targeted communication ( 11 ).…”

COVID-19 vaccination and changes in preventive behaviours: findings from the 2021 vaccine roll-out in Switzerland

“… 18 , 28 The finding that mask wearing and physical distancing were higher in Italian vs. German/French language region respondents is similar to previous studies. 19 Regional differences may be due to discussions in media, 29 political leaning, 30 and perceived severity of COVID-19. 31 Perceived severity of COVID-19 may be higher in the Italian region (Ticino) because neighbouring Lombardy is the first area where the pandemic emerged and a large number of deaths occurred in Europe.…”

“… 18 A study in Switzerland conducted at earlier time points also found regional differences in adherence. 19 Thus, we examined the association between these demographic characteristics and vaccination status, consistent mask wearing and physical distancing. We additionally included the presence of additional adults older than 65 years in the home to account for the people who live in homes with multiple older adults/multi-generational homes where the perceived risk of household members may be higher.…”

Did COVID-19 Policies Have the Same Effect on COVID-19 Incidence Among Women and Men? Evidence From Spain and Switzerland

“…For this study, we chose to focus on two European countries: Switzerland and Spain, which were among the European countries with the highest numbers of cases and deaths per capita in the first year of the pandemic [ 14 , 15 ]. Additionally, the countries’ policies represent different stringency to COVID-19 containment approaches, with Spain going into full “lockdown” (as in people were not allowed to leave their homes freely) for a considerable time, while Switzerland never went into full lockdown.…”