Psychosocial Aspects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Mendoza Population

pp. 203-206

Abstract

Background: In March 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease a pandemic, and since then the largest psychological experiment in the world is being carried out: social isolation.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the psychosocial aspects of confinement and the restrictions imposed by the pandemic in the city of Mendoza, Argentina.

Methods: An anonymous survey using social networks (WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and e-mail) was designed to assess the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of mandatory confinement due to the pandemic and its impact in the population that attends the Institute of Cardiology and Sports in the city of Mendoza and Greater Mendoza.

Results: The survey was answered by 915 persons within 10 days of sending the link; 49% of participants were between 20 and 40 years old with a majority of female gender. In 80.7% of cases they performed physical exercise during the confinement, but only 3.8% maintained the previous number of hours of weekly activity, 44% increased their time in front of a screen and 61% altered their healthy eating habits. At least 60% of the surveyed population reported symptoms compatible with depression: anxiety, sadness, unwillingness or hopelessness.

Conclusions: Confinement without allowing outdoor activities, notwithstanding the proscription of social contact, is associated with changes in healthy lifestyle.