Reflections, resilience and recovery: a qualitative study of Covid-19’s impact on an international adult population’s mental health and priorities for support

Abstract

The impact of the coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on different countries and populations is well documented in quantitative studies, with some studies showing stable mental health symptoms and others showing fluctuating symptoms. However, the reasons behind why some symptoms are stable and others change are under-explored, which in turn makes identifying the types of support needed by participants themselves challenging. To address these gaps, this study thematically analysed 925 qualitative responses from five open-ended responses collected in the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study between 17 April and 31 July 2021 (Wave 3). Three key themes that comprised 13 codes were reported by participants across countries and ages regarding the impact of Covid-19 on their health, both mental and physical, and livelihoods. These include: (1) Outlook on self/life, (2) Self-improvement, and (3) Loved ones (friends and family). In terms of support, while 2.91% did not require additional support, 91% wanted support beyond financial support. Other unexpected new themes were also discussed regarding vulnerable populations suffering disproportionately. The pandemic has brought into sharp focus various changes in people’s mental health, physical health and relationships. Greater policy considerations should be given to supporting citizens’ continued access to mental health when considering pandemic recovery.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people from black and mixed ethnic groups’ mental health in West London: a qualitative study

“…The charity—who engages with the young people on a weekly basis—gained a deeper understanding of the young peoples’ needs and expanded the scope of possible initiatives beyond psychological support 16. Student researchers involved also gained first-hand experience with a full timeline of the research process and insight into the widely differing experiences of individuals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds to the existing literature 3. By bringing previously unnoticed voices into focus, in cooperation with the CopeWell project,39 this study exemplifies how community-based research can be a means to advocate for greater policy developments promoting racial justice in response to the COVID-19 outbreak 65.…”

“…16 Student researchers involved also gained first-hand experience with a full timeline of the research process and insight into the widely differing experiences of individuals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, which adds to the existing literature. 3 By bringing previously unnoticed voices into focus, in cooperation with the CopeWell project, 39 this study exemplifies how community-based research can be a means to advocate for greater policy developments promoting racial justice in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 65 Crucially, this study highlights the importance of developing grassroots support that is sustained through policy and practice for young people from black and mixed ethnic groups in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.…”

“…The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), infecting over 600 million people and claiming more than six million lives and counting, has triggered unprecedented economic and social disruptions worldwide 1 2. While everyone has been impacted, certain groups have been disproportionately affected,3 including individuals from ethnic minority groups 4. Mortality rates in the UK between March and April 2020 for instance were two and three times higher for individuals from minority ethnic groups than for ethnically white groups 5.…”

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people from black and mixed-ethnic groups’ mental health: A qualitative study

“…Student researchers involved also gained first-hand experience with a full timeline of the research process and insight into the widely differing experiences of individuals throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, which adds to the existing literature [3]. By bringing previously unnoticed voices into focus, in cooperation with the CopeWell project [38], this study exemplifies how community-based research can be a means to advocate for greater policy developments promoting racial justice in response to the Covid-19 outbreak [59].…”

“…The severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) coronavirus, infecting over 600 million people and claiming more than six million lives and counting, has triggered unprecedented economic and social disruptions worldwide [1,2]. Whilst everyone has been impacted, certain groups have been disproportionately affected [3], including individuals from ethnic minority groups [4]. Mortality rates in the United Kingdom (UK) between March and April 2020 for instance, were two and three times higher for individuals from minority ethnic groups than for ethnically white groups [5].…”