Mental Health Impacts of Quarantine: Insights from the COVID-19 International Border Surveillance Study in Toronto, Canada. (1st June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Regehr, C.; Goel, V.; De Prophetis, E.; Jamil, M.; Mertz, D.; Rosella, L.; Bulir, D.; Smieja, M.
• Is Part Of: European psychiatry. Volume 65:Supplement 1(2022)
• Page Start: S135
• Page End: S135
• Publication Date: 2022-06-01
• Subjects: covid -- quarantine -- mental health; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.368
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0924-9338

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Nations thorughout the world are imposing mandatory quarantine on those entering the country. While such measures may be effective in reducing the importation of COVID-19, the mental health implications remain unclear. Objectives: This study sought to assess mental well-being and factors associated with changes in mental health in individuals subject to mandatory quarantine following travel. Methods: Travellers arriving at a large urban international airport completed online questionnaires on arrival and days 7 and 14 of mandated quarantine. Questionnaire items such as travel history, mental health, attitudes towards COVID-19, and protection behaviours were drawn from the World Health Organization Survey Tool for COVID-19. Results: There was a clinically significant decline in mental health over the course of quarantine among the 10, 965 eligible participants. Poor mental health was reported by 5.1% of participants on arrival and 26% on day 7 of quarantine. Factors associated with greater decline in mental health were younger age, female gender, negative views towards quarantine measures, and engaging in fewer COVID-19 prevention behaviours. Conclusions: While the widespread use of quarantine may be effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19, the mental health implications are profound and have largely been ignored in public policy decision-making. Psychiatry has a role to play in contributing to the public policy debate to ensure that all aspects of health and well-being are reflected in decisions to isolate people from others. Disclosure: No significant relationships.