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Public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-based focus group study.
Williams, Simon N; Armitage, Christopher J; Tampe, Tova; Dienes, Kimberly.
  • Williams SN; Centre for People and Organisation, School of Management, Swansea University, Swansea, UK s.n.williams@swansea.ac.uk.
  • Armitage CJ; Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
  • Tampe T; World Health Organization, Genève, Switzerland.
  • Dienes K; Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
BMJ Open ; 10(7): e039334, 2020 07 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-665965
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ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

This study explored UK public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN:

This qualitative study comprised five focus groups, carried out online during the early stages of the UK's stay at home order ('lockdown'), and analysed using a thematic approach.

SETTING:

Focus groups took place via online videoconferencing.

PARTICIPANTS:

Participants (n=27) were all UK residents aged 18 years and older, representing a range of gender, ethnic, age and occupational backgrounds.

RESULTS:

Qualitative analysis revealed four main themes (1) loss-participants' loss of (in-person) social interaction, loss of income and loss of structure and routine led to psychological and emotional 'losses' such as loss of motivation, loss of meaning and loss of self-worth; (2) criticisms of government communication-participants reported a lack of trust in government and a lack of clarity in the guidelines around social distancing and isolation; (3) adherence-participants reported high self-adherence to social distancing guidelines but reported seeing or hearing of non-adherence in others; (4) uncertainty around social reintegration and the future-some participants felt they would have lingering concerns over social contact while others were eager to return to high levels of social activity.Most participants, and particularly those in low-paid or precarious employment, reported feeling that the social distancing and isolation associated with COVID-19 policy has had negative impacts on their mental health and well-being during the early stages of the UK's 'lockdown'.

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. 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.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Public Policy / Social Isolation / Attitude / Communicable Disease Control / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics / Government Type of study: Experimental Studies / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Long Covid Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: BMJ Open Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjopen-2020-039334

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Public Policy / Social Isolation / Attitude / Communicable Disease Control / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics / Government Type of study: Experimental Studies / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Long Covid Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Middle aged / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: BMJ Open Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Bmjopen-2020-039334