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Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellbeing in Austria – an exploratory study

This study aims to explore the impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on people's mental health and wellbeing in Austria from the perspective of Capability Approach. The Capability Approach is a theoretical framework that proposes that wellbeing is determined by people's freedom to engage in forms of being and doing that are of intrinsic value to the person (Simon, 2013). The COVID-19 outbreak has had a profound impact on people's agency, opportunity and freedom to engage in behaviours that are consistent with subjectively held values (visiting loved ones, engaging in recreational activities, spending time outdoors, etc). The online questionnaires includes a standardised assessment measure to assess wellbeing from a capability perspective (OxCAP-MH), along with other commonly used standardised assessment measures for determining levels of common mental disorders (HADS), wellbeing (WHO-5), and social support (MSPSS). A number of survey questions are also included, which intend to assess people's perceptions about the COVID-19 outbreak, and the advice that was provided as to how to respond to the outbreak. Similar study is being currently conducted in the United Kingdom (UK). Both studies, in Austria and the UK, will use the same study design and questionnaires.

The study aims to recruit at least 300 participants, and any person who is an adult (+18 years) with sufficient German knowledge, has access to the online survey and lives in Austria are able to participate. The questionnaire intends to get permission from the participants to collect data on these questions at a second timepoint when the incidence of COVID-19 has reduced. Hence, data will be collected at two timepoints: at Timepoint 1 in May-June 2020 (during this interview respondents will be asked about their experiences between mid March and mid April 2020); and at Timepoint 2, which will be at least 3 months after the COVID-19 public health situation is resolved.

Objectives of the current study (Timepoint 1) include:

1) An exploration of the levels of common mental health disorder symptoms (including anxiety and depression) and levels of wellbeing (including from a Capability Approach perspective) reported by the participants at the time of the public health measures used between mid March and mid April 2020.

2) Ascertaining whether those participants who fall into 'at risk' groups have higher levels of symptoms of common mental disorders and lower levels of wellbeing than those individuals who are not classified as 'high risk'.

3) Investigating whether having close exposure to COVID-19 (e.g. experiencing the condition or having close family members test positive) leads to increased levels of symptoms of common mental disorder and lower levels of wellbeing.

4) Determining participants' perceptions of occupational and governmental measures to restrict the spread of COVID-19.

5) Comparison of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and wellbeing across Austria and the UK.

It is anticipated that this research will help to promote better understanding of the impact that pandemics, and nationwide responses to pandemics, can have on mental health and wellbeing both at a time of crisis, as well as in the aftermath of the crisis. This will be helpful for government departments, clinical services and community-based sources of support in planning how best to support the population during future pandemics. It will also be helpful for members of the public to understand what factors can be protective in mitigating the mental health and wellbeing impacts of public health emergencies. Since both studies, in Austria and the UK, will use the same study design and questionnaires, this study will allow us to observe differences in mental health and wellbeing outcomes between the two countries.

Download summary of the study results.

The ethics committee of the Medical University of Vienna approved this study (EK Nr: 1529/2020).

For further information, please contact the Project Team:

Researchers:

Mag. Timea Helter

timea.helter@meduniwien.ac.at

+43 (0)1-40160–34850

Dr. Agata Łaszewska

agata.laszewska@meduniwien.ac.at

+43 (0)1-40160-34844

Principal Investigator:

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Judit Simon