Coronavirus: Study tracks lockdown impact on quality of life

The mental health and quality of life of a large part of the population in Cyprus has been adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic, research by Frederick University has revealed.

According to a statement by the university, a total of four studies on mental resilience and the effects of restrictive measures on different groups of the population have been conducted so far.

The research, carried out by the newly established mental resilience research unit of the department of psychology and social science has been published in international scientific journals and on specialised databases.

It found 40 per cent of the population face psychological problems due to the situation, with young people more negatively affected than older ones.

“It has also been shown that people who have lost their income experience more severe psychosomatic symptoms of anxiety and feel that their quality of life has deteriorated significantly,” the university announced.

“According to research findings working mothers, especially those over the age of 38 to 40, with children attending school who are forced to stay at home, face increasing responsibilities such as teleworking, helping children not in school with distance education, maintaining balance at home and supporting young and old family members.”

Another study on students who had to adjust to online study showed that 30 per cent experience high levels of stress while for students who also work stress and anxiety levels are even higher.

Frederick University’s research on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic began at the beginning of the Cyprus pandemic in March 2020.