engleski

Psychosocial effects of the quarantine during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residents of the island of Brač

Abstract Background. The COVID-19 pandemic is posing an unprecedented health and economic crisis for small island communities. This indicated the importance of studying harmful effects of the pandemic on mental health of the residents. An unprecedented health and economic crisis in small island communities during the COVID-19 pandemic indicated the importance of studying its harmful effects on mental health of the residents. Objectives. To examine the differences in negative affectivity (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress), perceived stressors and social support between of the residents of the island of Brač compared to non quarantined islands residents. and the residents of other islands who were not quarantined. Methods. A web-based survey and correlational cross- sectional research design were used, based on a non- probabilistic convenience sampling method to select 613 residents of the Croatian islands during May 2020. The participants completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the General Information Questionnaire, data on their exposures to stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic and the perceived social support. Results. Compared to the non-quarantined residents of other islands, the quarantined residents of the island of Brač scored significantly higher on the symptoms of depression (M=11.61 ; t=2.13, p<0.05) and stress (M=13.06 ; t=3.21, p=0.001) subscales. receiving significantly more support from religious communities (t=2.34, p=0.02) and less support from the physicians (t=-2.68, p=0.01) Lower socio- demographic status was associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Greater partner support was associated with lower levels of anxiety and stress, while greater religious community support was associated with lower anxiety. Conclusion. This study indicates the need for better organization of psychological assistance for singles and people of low socioeconomic status in isolated island areas. Being quarantined on the island during the pandemic significantly contributed to the levels of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need to protect mental health.

COVID-19 pandemic ; family medicine ; islands ; mental health ; psychological reactions ; quarantine

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