Concerns and coping mechanisms during the first national COVID-19 lockdown: an online prospective study in Portugal

Data de publicação: Data Ahead of Print:

Autores da FMUP

  • Cláudia Susana Soares De Freitas

    Autor

  • Raquel Lucas Calado Ferreira

    Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

  • Silva, S
  • Machado, H

Unidades de investigação

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore concerns and coping mechanisms during the first national COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal. The general population provided statements via an open comment box as part of an online prospective study. Study design: This was an Internet-based open cohort study. Methods: Individuals aged >16 years were eligible to participate in this study. Inductive content analysis was performed on completed questionnaires submitted between 23 and 29 March 2020 and 27 April and 3 May 2020 (corresponding with the early and late phases of the first national lockdown, respectively). Results: Data suggest the prominence of behavioural and emotional responses to COVID-19; namely, self compliance with measures promoted by the government; adopting practices of self-care and supporting/ protecting others; and enacting hope (both currently and for the future). Concerns were related to the perception of vulnerabilities for oneself, family and others and to challenging situations presenting in society (e.g. physical and mental health, academic/professional careers, income, social inequality, potential discrimination and stigmatisation, inconsistent information and negative approach to the news), coupled with criticism, scepticism or doubts about government policy and performance of the healthcare system. Expressions of fear and worry and non-compliance with mitigation measures by others (e.g. close relatives, employees and general population) emerged as additional concerns. Conclusions: Continuous assessment of behavioural and emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to support effective communication and public health policies that are sensitive to the concerns, motivations and expectations of the population. Awareness of changing public opinions enables governments to continue to effectively mobilise the population to take recommended actions to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Dados da publicação

ISSN/ISSNe:
0033-3506, 1476-5616

Public Health  Elsevier

Tipo:
Article
Páginas:
24-27
Link para outro recurso:
www.scopus.com

Citações Recebidas na Web of Science: 1

Citações Recebidas na Scopus: 1

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Keywords

  • COVID-19; Public opinion; Behaviour mechanisms; Health communication; Portugal

Campos de estudo

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Estudo Clínico Académico (Bone status) . 2020

Exploring the role of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases in Multimorbidity: a study of the Portuguese population

Investigador Principal: Raquel Lucas Calado Ferreira

Estudo Clínico Académico . 2019

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