Hesitancy to Return to the Pre-pandemic Routine

Abstract

The goal of the present study was to explore COVID-19 related hesitancy, which represents the inability of people to return to previous levels of functioning after a major medical crisis like the current pandemic. A new questionnaire was developed to evaluate participants’ hesitancy. The study was conducted online in November, 2020, using convenience sampling. A total of 538 individuals from the general Greek population participated in the study and completed the Hesitancy Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item (GAD-2), the Short Health Anxiety Inventory and a COVID-19-related worry question. The Hesitancy Questionnaire proved to have adequate psychometric properties. Correlation with anxiety as assessed by GAD-2 proved to be significant but low, indicating that the two scales are measuring two different concepts. The greatest hesitancy was observed in older adults for both genders (males, M = 40.86, SD = 15.24; females, M = 49.34, SD = 14.74). Women in general appeared more hesitant than men scoring higher (males, M = 36.13, SD = 15.25; females, M = 42.63, SD = 17.31) with a statistically significant difference [ t (536) = − 3.706, p = .001). This study provided a tool to informed understanding on how citizens perceive the new normality after the COVID-19 pandemic. If not appropriately addressed, hesitancy may increase stress levels and result in mental health or socialization problems.

Impact of COVID-19 Restriction on Weight, Physical Activity, Diet and Psychological Distress on People with PCOS

“…In the current post-pandemic world, women's physical activity levels may still be impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and disease transmission risk. This is supported by one study reporting women were more hesitant to return to their pre-pandemic routines compared to men [41]. Focus should be given on the reintegration of exercise in the current post-COVID-19 pandemic world to assist those with PCOS to meet physical activity recommendations and to aid with achieving lifestyle management recommendations consistent with evidence-based guidelines [19].…”

Fear of COVID-19 Among Elderly Patients with a Chronic Physical or Mental Disease

“…The many faces of fear during the current pandemic, e.g fear of becoming severely ill or dying, fear of transmitting the virus, fear of health deterioration due to the signi cant changes in health care delivery, fear of disconnecting with the close ones, add an additional burden to older adults (Parlapani et al, 2020). Both positive and negative behavioural consequences arise from fear such as greater adherence to protective measures and control strategies or avoiding health care settings (Harper et al, 2021) and being hesitant to return to old habits (Holeva et al, 2021a).…”