Why study the impact of the pandemic on mental health?
One of the aims of the Specchio-COVID19 study is to determine the impact of the pandemic on several aspects of the health of the population of the canton of Geneva. For this reason, a specific 'Mental Health' questionnaire was designed and administered to all Specchio-COVID19 participants in order to study the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in the population. For the results to be interpretable, all participants had to complete the questionnaire, regardless of their mental state, in order to obtain the most representative picture possible of the mental health of the Geneva population.
In international scientific publications, mental health problems (anxiety, depression, stress, sadness and loneliness) have been identified as a major risk linked to the pandemic situation and living conditions at this particular time. They are generated by a range of psychosocial and economic factors, such as fear of illness for oneself and one's family and friends, social and family isolation following the preventive measures put in place, loss of job and salary, frustration at the restrictions on leisure activities and travel, fear for the future, and the illness itself. This impact on mental health can have short- or long-term consequences on health behaviours (poor diet, deterioration in sleep quality, excessive consumption of alcohol or tobacco or other psychoactive substances, etc.), contribute to an increase in violence or disrupt working life (work stoppages, etc.) and family life (tensions, conflicts, anger, separations, etc.).
It is therefore important to put in place adequate support resources for the groups of people who may need them most. The study of the prevalence of mental health disorders and their determinants in the Geneva population is helping to optimise the development of these local resources.
To find out more, visit the website Minds - Mental Health Promotion Geneva.
