September 14, 2020

Study looks at pandemic’s impact on health and wellbeing

Researchers examine how education, income, gender and other factors influence health outcomes

Researchers from the University of Wollongong’s School of Nursing are looking for participants to take part in a study into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and wellbeing of adult Australians.

The first phase of the study is open to all Australian residents aged 18 or over and consists of an online survey (www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID_Wellbeing).

The researchers are seeking participants from across rural, regional and urban areas, and from a broad socioeconomic cross-section.

The second phase of the study will involve interviews with volunteers selected from those who have taken part in the online survey.

The survey asks a number of questions about people’s experiences during the pandemic, including the ease or difficulty people have had accessing health, housing and other services; the quality of their health and life during the COVID-19 restriction period; and whether any of a number of behaviours changed during the pandemic.

School of Nursing PhD candidate Heidi Lord said: “We want to explore how social determinants – education, income, employment, social class, ethnicity, gender, health risk behaviours, psychological factors – have influenced health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is hoped that the results of the research will highlight that health and social policies need to factor in social determinants of health, so as to reduce the health and social disparities that occur in society.

“Ideally the study will also inform policy makers and help them prepare for future pandemics or disasters.”

Findings from the study will be published in a report as well as being published in nursing journals and presented at international conferences.