ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE
Explore the perceptions and experiences of the UK public of social
distancing and social isolation measures related to the COVID-19
pandemic.
DESIGN
Qualitative study comprising five focus groups carried out online during
the early stages of the UK’s social distancing and isolation measures (5-12
days post lockdown).
SETTING
Online video-conferencing
PARTICIPANTS
27 participants, all UK residents aged 18 years and older, representing
a range of gender, ethnic, age and occupational backgrounds.
RESULTS
The social distancing and isolation associated with COVID-19 policy has
had having substantial negative impacts on the mental health and wellbeing
of the UK public within a short time of policy implementation. It has
disproportionately negatively affected those in low-paid or precarious
employment. Practical social and economic losses - the loss of (in-person)
social interaction, loss of income and loss of structure and routine – led
to psychological and emotional ‘losses’ – the loss of motivation, loss of
meaning, and loss of self-worth. Participants reported high adherence to
distancing and isolation guidelines but reported seeing or hearing of
non-adherence in others. A central concern for participants was the
uncertainty duration of the measures, and their ability to cope longer-term.
Some participants felt they would have lingering concerns over social
contact while others were eager to return to high levels of social
activity.
CONCLUSIONS
A rapid response is necessary in terms of public health programming to
mitigate the mental health impacts of COVID-19 social distancing and
isolation. Initial high levels of support for, and adherence to, social
distancing and isolation is likely to wane over time, particularly where end
dates are uncertain. Social distancing and isolation ‘exit strategies’ must
account for the fact that, although some individuals will voluntarily or
habitually continue to socially distance, others will seek high levels of
social engagement as soon as possible.
What is already known on this
topic
Adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions during
pandemics is lower where people have low trust in government
and where people perceive themselves at relatively low risk
from the disease
There is a need for evidence on public perceptions and
experiences of the psychological and social public
experiences of COVID-19 related social distancing and
isolation, and its relation to adherence.
What this study adds
People lack trust in government and perceive themselves
at low personal risk,but closely adhere to social distancing
and isolation measures motivated by social conscience, and
are critical of non-adherence in others.
Population-wide social distancing and isolation can have
significant negative social and psychological impacts within
a short time of policy implementation.
Key concerns during social distancing and isolation are
uncertainty of duration and ability to cope
longer-term.
At the end of pandemic ‘lockdowns’, some individuals
will likely voluntarily or habitually continue to socially
distance, while others will likely seek high levels of
social engagement as soon as possible.
How do we talk about race…and mental health?
