Loneliness and mental well-being in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveThere is a growing concern that the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to increased loneliness and mental disorders, which are considered a major public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignA cross-sectional study. The study participants completed an online questionnaire using the computer-assisted web interview technique. Data were collected using Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.SettingPoland.ParticipantsThis study was conducted between 6 October and 12 October 2020, in a representative sample of 890 Polish residents.Primary outcome measuresSelf-reported loneliness; sociodemographic and COVID-19 pandemic factors associated with loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability.ResultsThe analyses showed a moderately high degree of loneliness in 22%, symptoms of anxiety in 27%, depression in 14% and irritability in 33% of the respondents. The increasing severity of anxiety, depression and irritation in the study group was accompanied by higher loneliness. Generally, younger people, both tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and those who experienced home quarantine, scored higher in both scales.ConclusionsIt is necessary to identify those most vulnerable to loneliness, anxiety and depression during a crisis to assess health needs and proactively allocate resources during and after the pandemic. Loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability are important factors to consider in a population of younger, disadvantaged people, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, people who were quarantined at home, and people who believe that their physical and mental health is worse than in the pre-pandemic period. It is important to cater for the mental health of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote psychological interventions to improve mental well-being in potentially vulnerable social groups.

Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life among Online Responders in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study Covering Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…According to this study, younger people scored higher on the GAD-7 and Beck’s Depression Inventory, which is consistent with observations from Australia that suggest an effect of the introduction of distance learning on anxiety escalation [ 64 ]. Similar observations were found regarding remote work [ 65 ]. Moreover, reduced autonomy, loneliness and difficulties in relationships with parents contributed to increased negative emotions [ 16 , 64 ].…”

Sociodemographic effects on pandemic fatigue are multifaceted and context-specific: a longitudinal analysis of physical distancing adherence

“…The association between fewer household members and faster increases in the residential contact rate among older adults could be driven by a greater need for social contact in this subgroup. Loneliness has been recognized as a particular concern for mental health during the pandemic, [20][21][22][23][24][25] and living alone has been documented as a risk factor for loneliness among older adults in the pandemic context. 26 Among adults with children, the association with household size was opposite.…”

Depressive disorders of working Poles during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2022)

“…Poza danymi gromadzonymi przez ZUS w Polsce dostępnych jest niewiele aktualnych informacji na temat występowania zaburzeń depresyjnych wśród osób pracujących, szczególnie w ujęciu podłużnym podczas pandemii COVID-19 [16,17]. Jedynie pojedyncze badania dostarczają informacji na ten temat w tej grupie osób i związku tych problemów z warunkami pracy [18].…”

“…Oprócz lęku o zdrowie samopoczucie psychiczne Polaków mogło pogarszać się z powodu izolacji od rodzin i bliskich, a także własnych środowisk zawodowych. W tym okresie zaobserwowano nasilone zjawisko samotności wśród polskich obywateli [16,17]. Dodatkowo u dużej części osób pracujących w związku z zamknięciem lub poważnym ograniczeniem działalności wielu branż wzmagała się niepewność o przyszłość zatrudnienia.…”