Mental health effects of infection containment strategies: quarantine and isolation—a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented number of people worldwide is currently affected by quarantine or isolation. These measures have been suggested to negatively impact on mental health. We conducted the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis assessing the psychological effects in both quarantined and isolated persons compared to non-quarantined and non-isolated persons. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases were searched for studies until April 22, 2020 (Prospero Registration-No.: CRD42020180043). We followed PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines for data extraction and synthesis and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for assessing risk of bias of included studies. A random-effects model was implemented to pool effect sizes of included studies. The primary outcomes were depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. All other psychological parameters, such as anger, were reported as secondary outcomes. Out of 6807 screened articles, 25 studies were included in our analyses. Compared to controls, individuals experiencing isolation or quarantine were at increased risk for adverse mental health outcomes, particularly after containment duration of 1 week or longer. Effect sizes were summarized for depressive disorders (odds ratio 2.795; 95% CI 1.467–5.324), anxiety disorders (odds ratio 2.0; 95% CI 0.883–4.527), and stress-related disorders (odds ratio 2.742; 95% CI 1.496–5.027). Among secondary outcomes, elevated levels of anger were reported most consistently. There is compelling evidence for adverse mental health effects of isolation and quarantine, in particular depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and anger. Reported determinants can help identify populations at risk and our findings may serve as an evidence-base for prevention and management strategies.

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RESILIENCE THROUGH CONNECTION: SOCIAL SUPPORT AND ELDER ABUSE, DISASTER, BEREAVEMENT, AND COMBAT

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1581 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S423-S423

Author(s):

Ron Acierno ◽

Wendy Muzzy

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Support ◽

Older Adults ◽

Natural Disaster ◽

Health Effects ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Elder Abuse ◽

Social Connection ◽

High Social Support ◽

Mental Health Effects

Abstract Elder abuse prevalence among community residing adults is 10%, but this prevalence is cut by more than half among those who report high levels of social connection. Relatedly, elder abuse outcomes are significant, producing increased prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders, the prevalences of which are, again, halved when one experiences abuse in the context of high social support. Similarly, mental health effects of natural disaster on older adults are virtually eliminated in the presence of high social support. Moreover, treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders is improved when high social support is present. We will present findings from five of our major studies in the aforementioned areas that underscore this point.

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Mental health effects following the eruption in Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland: A population-based study

Scandinavian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1177/1403494817751327 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 47 (2) ◽

pp. 251-259 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Ólöf Sunna Gissurardóttir ◽

Heidrun Hlodversdóttir ◽

Edda Bjork Thordardóttir ◽

Gudrún Pétursdóttir ◽

Arna Hauksdóttir

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Effects ◽

Mental Distress ◽

Volcanic Eruptions ◽

Population Based ◽

Exposed Group ◽

Population Based Study ◽

Exposed Area ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Mental Health Effects

Aim: Volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters may affect survivor’s physical and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the mental health effects of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in Iceland on nearby residents, by exposure level and experience. Methods: This population-based study included 1615 residents living in an area close to the Eyjafjallajökull volcano at the time of the eruption and a sample of 697 residents from a non-exposed area. All participants received a questionnaire 6–9 months after the eruption assessing mental health (GHQ-12, PSS-4 and PC-PTSD). The exposed group also received questions related to the experience of the eruption. Results: Replies were received from 1146 participants in the exposed group (71%) and 510 participants in the non-exposed group (73%). Compared to the non-exposed group, participants living in the high-exposed area were at increased risk of experiencing mental distress (GHQ) 6–9 months following the eruption (odds ratio (OR) 1.45%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.90). High-exposed participants were furthermore at increased risk of experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those living in the low-exposed area (OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.34–15.41). We further found that those who had direct experience of the eruption were more likely to suffer from symptoms of mental distress, PTSD symptoms and perceived stress, compared to those less exposed. Conclusions: The findings indicate that screening for these factors (e.g. experience of the event) could potentially aid in identifying those most vulnerable to developing psychological morbidity after this unique type of disaster.

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