Impact of quarantine on lifestyle and psychological state of people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess impact of quarantine on lifestyle behavior and the psychological state of persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: This study was a cross-sectional study. Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 persons quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic at home or in selected facilities set up by various tertiary care hospitals and administrative authorities in various parts of India. The questionnaire was distributed among participants using electronic media. Psychological state during quarantine was assessed using the DASS 21 questionnaire. Results: Out of 57.4% of responders who gave a history of physical exercise before quarantine, 52.7% reported a reduction in physical activity. 18.5% of study participants brought about dietary changes towards healthy diet during quarantine, while 24.5% took up some new activities or hobbies. 62.9% of respondents reported any degree of psychological stress (depression, stress, or anxiety) during the quarantine. Conclusions: Quarantine impacted psychological state of individuals and brought about changes in lifestyle with both positive attributes such as dietary modification toward healthy diet or negative attributes such as reduction in physical activity. IEC activities have a positive impact in terms of reducing negative attributes and increasing the compliance toward quarantine.

Keywords

• compliance
• covid-19
• lifestyle changes
• psychological state
• quarantine