Loneliness and mental well-being in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Feb 2, 2022BMJ open

Loneliness and mental health in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Abstract

In a representative sample of 890 Polish residents, 22% reported a moderately high degree of during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Symptoms of were reported by 27% of respondents.
14% of participants experienced .
Irritability was noted in 33% of individuals surveyed.
Higher levels of loneliness were associated with increased severity of anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Younger individuals and those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 or experienced home quarantine reported greater loneliness and mental health symptoms.

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OBJECTIVE: There is a growing concern that the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to increased and mental disorders, which are considered a major public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess loneliness, , and irritability in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. The study participants completed an online questionnaire using the computer-assisted web interview technique. Data were collected using Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

SETTING: Poland.

PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted between 6 October and 12 October 2020, in a representative sample of 890 Polish residents.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported loneliness; sociodemographic and COVID-19 pandemic factors associated with loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability.

RESULTS: The analyses showed a moderately high degree of loneliness in 22%, symptoms of anxiety in 27%, depression in 14% and irritability in 33% of the respondents. The increasing severity of anxiety, depression and irritation in the study group was accompanied by higher loneliness. Generally, younger people, both tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and those who experienced home quarantine, scored higher in both scales.

CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to identify those most vulnerable to loneliness, anxiety and depression during a crisis to assess health needs and proactively allocate resources during and after the pandemic. Loneliness, anxiety, depression and irritability are important factors to consider in a population of younger, disadvantaged people, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, people who were quarantined at home, and people who believe that their physical and mental health is worse than in the pre-pandemic period. It is important to cater for the mental health of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic and to promote psychological interventions to improve mental well-being in potentially vulnerable social groups.

Key numbers

22%

Moderately High Rate

Percentage of respondents reporting a moderately high degree of .

27%

Symptoms Rate

Percentage of participants exhibiting symptoms of .

14%

Symptoms Rate

Percentage of participants reporting .

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Loneliness and mental well-being in the Polish population during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

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