In March 2020, in response to the Covid-19 epidemic, the government imposed strict eight-week confinement on the French population, in order to combat the spread of this new virus. If we already suspected the impact of this first quarantine period on the health of the French, a Toulouse study has confirmed these suspicions. Published on 1e February 2022 in theInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthL’study followed 534 people aged 50 to 89 during confinement, then its domino effects one month, six months and twelve months later.
During the post-lockdown follow-up period, 65% of respondents said they had reduced physical activity, 27% saw weight gain and 61% had a lower quality diet, with more sugary foods. , alcohol, lipids or carbohydrates, not compensated by an increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables or lean proteins compared to before this phase of confinement.
The researchers also noted a increased tobacco use, in 9% of participants, and 12% said they had increased their medication intake. More factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Women and rural people more affected by anxiety and depression
But physiological symptoms were not the only ones to affect this monitored population. 35% of them reported having symptoms of anxiety and 35% showed signs of depression. “Participants with symptoms of depression during lockdown were more likely to report increased cardiovascular drug therapy, decreased physical activity, and weight gain after lockdown“, summarizes the study.
The study also notes higher anxiety in females, as well as in the professions that continued to work during this anxiety-provoking period. “We found that participants continuing to work during lockdown in a role requiring face-to-face contact with the public (such as cashiers, nurses, or doctors) were more likely to report an incident of post-lockdown anxiety.“, she continues.
People living in rural areas or experiencing changes in sleep patterns had a higher tendency to experience depressive symptoms. HAS Conversely, having a good relationship with your partner during confinement reduced the risk of depression.
Another interesting fact to note: the decrease in alcohol consumption was mostly linked to a decrease in anxiety in the following months. Factors to be taken into account according to the study, if ever a new containment should, in the future, be in force.
Source :
- “One-Year Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown-Related Factors on Cardiovascular Risk and Mental Health: A Population-Based Cohort Study”, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthFebruary 2022
Read also:
- Covid infection would increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders in the following year
- Covid-19: WHO predicts the end of the “acute phase” of the epidemic this year (on one condition)
