The long-tail effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on Italians’ quality of life, sleep and physical activity

Abstract

From March 2020 to May 2021, several lockdown periods caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have limited people’s usual activities and mobility in Italy, as well as around the world. These unprecedented confinement measures dramatically modified citizens’ daily lifestyles and behaviours. However, with the advent of summer 2021 and thanks to the vaccination campaign that significantly prevents serious illness and death, and reduces the risk of contagion, all the Italian regions finally returned to regular behaviours and routines. Anyhow, it is unclear if there is a long-tail effect on people’s quality of life, sleep- and physical activity-related behaviours. Thanks to the dataset described in this paper, it will be possible to obtain accurate insights of the changes induced by the lockdown period in the Italians’ health that will permit to provide practical suggestions at local, regional, and state institutions and companies to improve infrastructures and services that could be beneficial to Italians’ well being.

Active Aging Policies Targeting Health and Care During the of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis of Italian National and Regional Policies

“…This situation progressively prompted regional governments to devise new ways for reaching users and addressing new emerging needs (Nanetti et al, 2020). Due to imposed distancing, lockdowns, quarantine measures, and meeting restrictions in general, the pandemic context exacerbated and created additional risks for the mental health and well-being of people with fewer social and economic resources, particularly older people living alone (Natilli et al, 2022; Pancani et al, 2021; Principi, Lucantoni, et al, 2022). The provision of adapted services for combating social isolation and managing mental health issues was part of a resilience mechanism implemented by regional governments, despite difficulties and delays in organizational change, implementation, and outreach to citizens (Maffeo et al, 2021; Palombi et al, 2020; Spadea et al, 2021).…”

COVID-19: Insights into long-term manifestations and lockdown impacts

“…In another recently published Italian survey comparing pre- and post-lockdown time periods, sedentary time was still increased, especially during weekends, several months after the lockdown, with an overall 7% increase in PI. 201 Moreover, locations and types of activities have changed over time in the Italian population: PA at home increased by 13% but decreased by 17% indoors (e.g., gyms and swimming pools) and by 3% outdoors (e.g., outdoor playground and parks). 201 Fitness sports, jogging, and cycling increased, and participation in excursions, water sports, dance, and volleyball declined.…”

“… 201 Moreover, locations and types of activities have changed over time in the Italian population: PA at home increased by 13% but decreased by 17% indoors (e.g., gyms and swimming pools) and by 3% outdoors (e.g., outdoor playground and parks). 201 Fitness sports, jogging, and cycling increased, and participation in excursions, water sports, dance, and volleyball declined. 201 …”

“… 201 Fitness sports, jogging, and cycling increased, and participation in excursions, water sports, dance, and volleyball declined. 201 …”

Quality assessment and community detection methods for anonymized mobility data in the Italian Covid context

“…While lockdowns are certainly effective in reducing people's mobility, as proven by several studies 31 – 34 , and thus curbing the rise of infections, their imposition severely affects the lives and health of citizens 35 – 37 . The extent of their deployment thus needs to be optimized both in space and time to minimize the number of people affected, while guaranteeing the safety of the population.…”