Perceived Preparedness and Mental Health in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the UK Population.

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Pub Date : 2025-03-04 DOI:10.1017/dmp.2025.42

Sarita Jane Robinson, Matthew Brooks, Naomi Fallon, Carolina Campodonico, Champika Liyanage

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective: Preparedness levels have been shown to improve the outcomes for people who find themselves in an emergency. However, uptake of preparedness behaviors by the public prior to a major disaster is limited. This 2-part study examined perceived preparedness in the UK during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic (Study 1), and 2 years later (Study 2).

Methods: Both studies investigated the effect of individual demographics (gender, age, perceived socioeconomic and health status) on perceived preparedness. Next, the studies examined the extent to which perceived preparedness was associated with mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms). Participants (Study 1, N = 409) completed an online survey in May to June 2020 during a national lockdown, with another sample (Study 2, N = 87) completing the same survey from March to July 2022.

Results: Across both studies, participants completed 2 to 3 different preparedness activities. Greater subjective perceptions of socioeconomic status were associated with perceived preparedness. Preparedness levels were related with better mental health, and unrelated to age and gender.

Conclusions: Encouraging the public to engage with preparedness behaviors may not only have practical benefits but also help to protect mental well-being during a disaster.

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来源期刊

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

4.40

自引率

7.40%

发文量

258

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness is the first comprehensive and authoritative journal emphasizing public health preparedness and disaster response for all health care and public health professionals globally. The journal seeks to translate science into practice and integrate medical and public health perspectives. With the events of September 11, the subsequent anthrax attacks, the tsunami in Indonesia, hurricane Katrina, SARS and the H1N1 Influenza Pandemic, all health care and public health professionals must be prepared to respond to emergency situations. In support of these pressing public health needs, Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness is committed to the medical and public health communities who are the stewards of the health and security of citizens worldwide.