The Effect of Social Isolation Types on Quality of Life during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic that has spread rapidly to six continents, with over 2.5 million deaths from December 2019 to March 2021. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is still growing worldwide, and quarantines have been recommended to prevent the disease’s spread. However, quarantines affect people’s quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to assess the effect of social isolation—quarantine—on QOL during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used in the present study. We obtained data from an online survey conducted in Saudi Arabia. We included a convenience sample of 775 participants in the study. Most of the participants were female (67%), with a mean age of 46 years ranging from 18 to 75 years. Many participants were government employees (n = 308, 39.7%) and had a bachelor’s degree or greater (n = 513, 66.2%). Most of the participants (n = 629, 81%) were free from any chronic disease. Nearly 88% of participants were partially isolated socially owing to COVID-19. Concerning QOL, the means of both the Physical Health Composite Scale and the Mental Health Composite Scale SF-12 scores were 44.7 and 34.6, respectively. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that partially socially isolated participants appeared to have significantly better physical health statuses (M = 44.96, SD = 5.90) than completely socially isolated participants (M = 42.87 ± 7.26). There was no significant social isolation effect on mental health status (t (773) = 2.5, p = 0.115). Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic considerably influenced various aspects of QOL including physical and mental health. Community-based interventions such as online counseling services and wellness programs are required to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact and enhance overall health status and QOL.

Relationship between Health Status and Daily Activities Based on Housing Type among Suburban Residents during COVID-19 Self-Isolation

“…It is estimated that COVID-19 self-isolation was a factor in reducing both PCS and MCS. In contrast, among two Saudi studies, one by Aisha Alhofaian et al found a value of 44.7 for PCS of 44.7 and 34.6 for MCS [47], while the study by Manal Mohammed Hawash et al found a value of 41.65 for PCS and 32.34 for MCS [48].…”

Assessing the Impact of Multidisciplinary Collaboration on Quality of Life in Older Patients Receiving Primary Care: Cross Sectional Study

“…As individuals age, they often face myriad health challenges that require more than just medical treatment [30]. These challenges can include chronic diseases, mobility issues, mental health conditions, and social isolation, all of which can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL) [31]. Multidisciplinary teams are well equipped to address these diverse needs by integrating medical care with psychological support, rehabilitation services, and social interventions [32].…”

Pandemic process status questionnaire: Development and psychometric properties

“…During the pandemic, house arrest has been implemented in many countries to prevent the spread of the virus. When these restrictions are considered in general terms, they have caused significant changes in many areas of people's daily lives such as health, economic status and eating habits, physical mobility [3]. The pandemic has caused difficulties in accessing healthcare, especially for those without COVID-19 [4].…”