State Anxiety in People Living with Disability and Visual Impairment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Heinze, Nikki; Castle, Claire L.; Hussain, Syeda F.; Godier-McBard, Lauren R.; Kempapidis, Theofilos; Gomes, Renata S. M.

doi:10.3390/disabilities2020017

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 38 publications

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“…The results were reported according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology cross-sectional reporting guidelines 28. Findings relating to loneliness,29 sleep30 and anxiety31 in the same sample population are reported elsewhere.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Snapshot of health-related behaviours in adults living with disabilities 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study

Hussain¹,

Heinze²,

Castle³

et al. 2022

BMJ Open

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ObjectivesThis survey aimed to assess the status of a range of health-related behaviours 1 year after the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic in adults living with disabilities comparative with those with no disabilities.DesignThis cross-sectional study reports findings from an online survey conducted in March 2021. Mann-Whitney U and Χ2 tests were used to compare a range of health behaviours including time spent self-isolating, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency and diet in adults with and without disabilities.SettingA convenience sample of UK adults was recruited through the researchers’ personal and professional networks including UK-based sight loss sector charities, social media platforms and professional forums.ParticipantsA total of 123 UK participants completed the survey.Outcome measuresCOVID-19 diagnosis, time spent self-isolating, alcohol consumption frequency, exercise frequency, change in smoking habit and eating habits.ResultsNo significant differences were found in alcohol consumption, smoking, water intake, breakfast, or fruit and vegetable intake. There were statistically significant differences in the time spent self-isolating (U=2061, p=0.001), exercise frequency (U=1171.5, p=0.005) and the amount of food eaten (χ2 (2)=9.60, p=0.008, Cramer’s V=0.281). Although the majority in both groups reported exercising three to four times per week and eating what they should, those with disabilities were more likely to eat less than they should, not exercise at all and to have been self-isolating for over 6 months than participants with no disabilities.ConclusionsThe data in this study present some key differences between the two groups, with those living with disabilities being more likely to report that they had been self-isolating for prolonged periods of time, not exercising at all, and not eating as much as they should . This raises concerns for the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Snapshot of health-related behaviours in adults living with disabilities 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study

Hussain¹,

Heinze²,

Castle³

et al. 2022

BMJ Open

Self Cite

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Effects of COVID-19 Among People With Disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe: A Mixed-Method Survey

Ndlovu,

Mudonhi,

Sibanda

et al. 2024

Health�Serv�Insights

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Introduction: Persons with disabilities are the most affected by rising pandemics worldwide. COVID-19 has affected people with disabilities in many areas of their lives; however, its impact has been overlooked. This study aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe, to develop a disability-inclusive approach in response to COVID-19. Methods: A concurrent mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 7 key informants and ninety-two participants with disabilities, from January to May 2023. Quantitative data were analysed using STATA software version 12 and Microsoft Excel. Multiple Logistic Regression, Chi-square test, and paired-sample test were used to test for associations among COVID-19 cases, source of income, key challenges, and demographic characteristics. Qualitative data were analysed and presented in the form of themes. Results: We recruited more females (56.5%) than males with disabilities, and more than half were unemployed (56.5%). In contrast, only 3.3% of the respondents were formally employed. The results also indicated a significant relationship between age and COVID-19 positivity ( P = .025). The results also indicated that efforts were being made by government and non-governmental departments to assist people with disabilities during the pandemic through finance, food, awareness campaigns, and social support. Conclusion: Restriction measures put in place disturbed the livelihood of people with disabilities in Plumtree. Therefore, entrepreneurship programmes targeting vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities, should be introduced to ensure that their sources of income are sustained despite emergencies or pandemics.

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Coming out of isolation: impacts of COVID-19 on physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep over time

Billings,

Kwesell,

Cosby

et al. 2024

Front. Psychol.

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IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown significantly disrupted daily routines and impacted physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep. This mixed-methods study investigates these changes over three periods—pre-pandemic, pandemic onset, and one-year post-onset—to understand their causes and inform public health policy for improved resilience during future crises.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted with 34 US participants who completed open-ended qualitative questions and quantitative assessments in May 2020 and May 2021. Participants were recruited via social media from 10 states with high COVID-19 cases. Quantitative data categorized health changes (positive, negative, or no change), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to explore reasons for these changes and uncover interrelationships among health behaviors.ResultsQuantitative results showed that, during the pandemic onset, most participants experienced negative changes in diet, mental well-being, and sleep, while physical activity varied. By one-year post-onset, improvements were noted across all health pillars, with mental well-being and sleep showing the most significant positive changes. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed stress, anxiety, and personal motivations as key drivers of health behaviors. Participants’ narratives provided a deeper understanding of these shifts that a Likert-style survey alone could not capture, highlighting the interconnectedness of health pillars.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate the importance of addressing mental well-being to improve overall health resilience. Public health interventions should prioritize mental health and consider the interrelated nature of health behaviors. The mixed-methods approach combined quantitative trends with qualitative insights, offering a comprehensive understanding of why health changes occurred, providing actionable guidance for future public health policy.

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State Anxiety in People Living with Disability and Visual Impairment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cited by 3 publications

References 38 publications

Snapshot of health-related behaviours in adults living with disabilities 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study

Snapshot of health-related behaviours in adults living with disabilities 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey study

Effects of COVID-19 Among People With Disabilities in Plumtree, Zimbabwe: A Mixed-Method Survey

Coming out of isolation: impacts of COVID-19 on physical activity, diet, mental well-being, and sleep over time

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