Health impacts of a 4 month community-wide lockdown: a prospective longitudinal study in Victoria, Australia

Griffiths, Daniel Sheehan Luke Vreden Caryn van Petrie Dennis Sim Malcolm Collie Alex

Background In response to the second wave of COVID-19 in Australia a 4 month community-wide lockdown resulted in Victoria, Australia. We explored the health impacts during lockdown and following its conclusion. Methods A cohort of 898 working-age Australians enrolled in a national longitudinal cohort study, completing surveys prior to, during, and following a Victorian lockdown during the southern hemisphere winter and early spring 2020. Mixed linear regression models examined health outcomes during and following the lockdown. Generalised estimating equations assessed changes in several determinants of health such as social interactions, engagement in work and finances. Results The Victorian lockdown had negative consequences for mental health and increased levels of psychological distress. These health impacts coincided with greater social isolation and cessation of work. Following the conclusion of lockdown, outcomes assessing mental health, work and social interactions had recovered to an extent whereby no significant long-lasting effects were identified compared to pre-lockdown conditions. Conclusions Extended community lockdowns have adverse health consequences. Governments should weigh the potential health impacts of lockdown with the benefits of reducing COVID-19 transmission. Services and programs to reduce the negative impacts of lockdown may include increases in mental health care, encouraging safe social interactions and financial support to maintain employment relationships. Longer-term follow-up is required to identify any persistent health effects of community lockdowns. Key messages Lockdowns result in adverse health consequences, and some quickly recover. Timely services and programs are encouraged to reduce negative impacts of lockdowns such as mental health supports and promoting safe interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Epidemiology is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)