The health impacts of a 4-month long community-wide COVID-19 lockdown: Findings from a prospective longitudinal study in the state of Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Objectives To determine health impacts during, and following, an extended community lockdown and COVID-19 outbreak in the Australian state of Victoria, compared with the rest of Australia. Methods A national cohort of 898 working-age Australians enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study, completing surveys before, during, and after a 112-day community lockdown in Victoria (8 July– 27 October 2020). Outcomes included psychological distress, mental and physical health, work, social interactions and finances. Regression models examined health changes during and following lockdown. Results The Victorian lockdown led to increased psychological distress. Health impacts coincided with greater social isolation and work loss. Following the extended lockdown, mental health, work and social interactions recovered to an extent whereby no significant long-lasting effects were identified in Victoria compared to the rest of Australia. Conclusion The Victorian community lockdown had adverse health consequences, which reversed upon release from lockdown. Governments should weigh all potential health impacts of lockdown. Services and programs to reduce the negative impacts of lockdown may include increases in mental health care, encouraging safe social interactions and supports to maintain employment relationships.

Distress Signals: Age Differences in Psychological Distress before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Notably, equivalent levels of distress were observed in Victoria and other states prior to the lockdown, suggesting that the different states did not differ appreciably with respect to ongoing trends in psychological distress. During the period when lockdown was in effect in Victoria, however, symptoms of both anxiety and depression were significantly higher than in other states [ 26 , 27 ]. In addition, a national lockdown was imposed in New Zealand in 2020.…”

Perceived impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires on the implementation of an obesity prevention trial in Northeast Victoria, Australia

“…It was reported that many community members were not able to prioritise the work of RESPOND as they were being pulled in other directions and began to have more focus on addressing the mental health impacts of these shocks on communities. COVID-19 has been reported to increase psychological distress, and adversely impact mental and physical health among others [ 29 ].…”

“Too young to have this kind of diagnosis”: A qualitative exploration of younger adults' experiences of colorectal cancer diagnosis

“…Victoria experienced the longest COVID-19 restrictions in Australia with six lockdowns (total 262 days in the capital city, Melbourne) across 2020-2021 impacting delivery of primary care, hospital procedures and capacity constraints, including reduced endoscopy and visitor limits. 16,18,21,22 Australian citizens and permanent residents have access to universal public healthcare, Medicare, with the option to purchase additional insurance for private hospital and specialist care. 23 GP appointment costs are fully or partially covered by Medicare, with patients paying out-of-pocket costs in the latter instance.…”