Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Abstract

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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

“…Although the pandemic affects everyone, the intensity and severity of the response may vary depending on the latitude. Such comparisons between three different countries were presented by Emodi-Perlman et al 61. They found that Polish participants showed the second largest concern for mental health and relationships with relatives and friends.…”

“…Such comparisons between three different countries were presented by Emodi-Perlman et al . 61 They found that Polish participants showed the second largest concern for mental health and relationships with relatives and friends.…”

Long-Term Impact of Economic Downturn and Loneliness on Psychological Distress: Triple Crises of COVID-19 Pandemic

“…However, the economic and social costs of these strategies are substantial, as unemployment has surged in many countries, economic and trade activities have been severely affected, and social risks and vulnerabilities have emerged [ 5 , 6 ]. Moreover, social isolation brings on or exacerbates mental health problems [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Individuals feel fear, sadness, anxiety, and face worry and isolation [ 4 ].…”

Home-quarantine during the initial Covid-19 outbreak in Israel: parent perceived impact on children with ASD

“…Hence, parent ratings of home-quarantine impact in Israel may differ from those of other populations. Indeed, studies comparing the Israeli general population with populations in the US, Poland, and Canada have reported that Israeli participants reported less anxiety and depression following the Covid-19 outbreak 46 , 47 .…”