The impact of quarantine on mental health status among general population in China during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Quarantine and isolation measures urgently adopted to control the COVID-19 pandemic might potentially have negative psychological and social effects. We conducted this cross-sectional, nationwide study to ascertain the psychological effect of quarantine and identify factors associated with mental health outcomes among population quarantined to further inform interventions of mitigating mental health risk especially for vulnerable groups under pandemic conditions. Sociodemographic data, attitudes toward the COVID-19, and mental health measurements of 56,679 participants from 34 provinces in China were collected by an online survey from February 28 to March 11, 2020. Of the 56,679 participants included in the study (mean [SD] age, 36.0 [8.2] years), 27,149 (47.9%) were male and 16,454 (29.0%) ever experienced home confinement or centralized quarantine during COVID-19 outbreak. Compared those without quarantine and adjusted for potential confounders, quarantine measures were associated with increased risk of total psychological outcomes (prevalence, 34.1% vs 27.3%; odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% CI, 1.28-1.39; P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that vulnerable groups of the quarantined population included those with pre-existing mental disorders or chronic physical diseases, frontline workers, those in the most severely affected areas during outbreak, infected or suspected patients, and those who are less financially well-off. Complying with quarantine, being able to take part in usual work, and having adequate understanding of information related to the outbreak were associated with less mental health issues. These results suggest that quarantine measures during COVID-19 pandemic are associated with increased risk of experiencing mental health burden, especially for vulnerable groups. Further study is needed to establish interventions to reduce mental health consequences of quarantine and empower wellbeing especially in vulnerable groups under pandemic conditions.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome and the Potential Benefits of Exercise

“…It is now clear that quarantine has had a very perdurable effect on psychological and social health and that the weight of these mood alterations (loneliness, fear, anxiety, depression, acute stress and insomnia) falls especially among the most vulnerable populations: those with pre-existing mental and chronic health disorders, health care workers and those living in the most restricted areas and those who are poor [68]. The neuropsychiatric symptomatology of post-COVID-19 syndrome focuses precisely on the loss of these cognitive abilities.…”

Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic in Nepal: A Lockdown Scenario Analysis

“…These effects of lockdown on psychological health are in line with evidence from other countries. Studies from these countries show that lockdown, quarantine, and isolations have increased social isolation, frustration, loneliness, boredom, inadequate supplies, financial insecurity, and stigma which are associated with increased risk of depression, stress, anxiety, confusion, fear, emotional disturbance, insomnia, grief and irritability (28)(29)(30). A study conducted in India shows that the prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased by eight to ten-fold among the adult population during lockdown (31).…”

Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Quarantine, Isolation, and Lockdown Policies on Mental Health and Suicide

“…Several studies reported that these above-mentioned factors will or have already increased suicide rates during COVID-19 (8,(10)(11)(12). A nationwide survey study reported that 34.1% of the quarantined or isolated people had experienced at least one of the following mental health issues: acute stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders (13), and their study also stated that this likelihood was higher in frontline workers, people with preexisting mental health issues, and people with chronic physical health disorders. Specifically, a previous study found that suicidal ideation behavior was significantly higher among people with pre-existing mental health disorders than in healthy controls in the COVID-19 pandemic (14).…”