Impact of COVID-19-Related Social Isolation on Behavioral Outcomes in Young Adults Residing in Northern Italy

Abstract

Social isolation affects our emotions, behavior and interactions. Worldwide, individuals experienced prolonged periods of isolation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic when authorities-imposed restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. In this study, we investigated the effects of social isolation on emotional and behavioral outcomes in young adults from Lombardy, Italy, a global hotspot of COVID-19. We leveraged baseline (pre-social isolation) and follow-up (mid- or post-isolation) data collected from young adults enrolled in the ongoing, longitudinal Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure (PHIME) study. At baseline, 167 participants completed the ASEBA questionnaires (ASR/YSR) by web link or in person; 65 completed the ASR 12–18 weeks after the onset of restrictions. Using the sign test and multiple linear regression models, we examined differences in ASR scores between baseline and follow-up adjusting for sex, age, pre-pandemic IQ and time with social restrictions (weeks). Further, we examined interactions between sex and time in social isolation. Participants completed the ASR after spending an average of 14 weeks in social isolation (range 12–18 weeks). Thought problems increased between baseline and follow-up (median difference 1.0; 1st, 3rd quartile: −1.0, 4.0; p = 0.049). Among males, a longer time in social isolation (≥14 weeks) was associated with increased rule-breaking behaviors of 2.8 points. These results suggest the social isolation related to COVID-19 adversely impacted mental health. In particular, males seem to externalize their condition. These findings might help future interventions and treatment to minimize the consequences of social isolation experience in young adults.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Use of Antidepressants by Young Adults in the ASL TO4 Regione Piemonte (Italy)

“…Interestingly, in line with previously cited studies on the Italian population [18][19][20][21][22][23], we found no changes in AD use comparable to young adults in other age groups, supporting the hypothesis that this subgroup of individuals had needed medication to treat their psychological distress during the lockdown periods and/or after the reopening phase. This evidence supports the association between younger age and lower levels of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. We can also speculate that the increase in the use of ADs by young adults in the ASL TO4 Regione Piemonte may be related to prescriptions for the treatment of post-COVID-19 depression.…”

“…In this respect, the association between younger age and lower levels of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been documented. In particular, young adults have been found to experience high rates of loneliness, anxious and depressive symptoms, stress, and sleep disturbances [24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. Whether these changes were associated with a parallel change in AD consumption needs to be better understood.…”

Psychological impact of COVID-19 containment on CADASIL patients

“…Outside this context of COVID pandemic, singlehood has been already shown to have a considerable impact on the psychological health of individuals in the general population [ 2 ]. In individuals living alone, the lockdown situation obviously aggravated this isolation by reducing or completely eliminating the interactions which were previously maintained through working activities [ 31 , 37 ]. The absence of a close partner with whom the patient can share his/her impressions, routines of daily life, hobbies and can discuss the information received through the media appears to be particularly deleterious.…”

Socio‐emotional, cognitive, affective disorders and substance use in a sample of students in first‐ and second‐grade high school in Italy: A comparison among students', parents', and teachers' perceptions

“…During the COVID‐19 period, Italian studies compared groups of different informants and analyzed the impact of social isolation on behavior (Patrono et al, 2022). Our research was conducted over the same period, and it was analyzed that students perceived greater behavioral and emotional difficulties (assessed using the SDQ) than faced by parents and teachers.…”