The toll of a second lockdown: A longitudinal study.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The mental health consequences of a second lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic remain under-examined.
• Previous research has not fully explored the psychological factors predicting Adjustment Disorder (AjD) following prolonged pandemic restrictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate psychological predictors preceding the second COVID-19 lockdown.
• To assess the predictive impact of these factors on the development of ICD-11 probable Adjustment Disorder (AjD) post-lockdown.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study surveyed a representative Israeli population sample before and after the second lockdown.
• Data collection involved questionnaires on COVID-19 related stressful events, uncertainty, and probable depression.
• Statistical analysis identified predictors of probable AjD using logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Significant predictors of AjD included female sex (OR=1.868), COVID-19 occupational stress (OR=2.855), probable depression (OR=2.520), and uncertainty (OR=4.485).
• Uncertainty emerged as the strongest predictor of Adjustment Disorder.
• The findings highlight the substantial psychological burden imposed by the second lockdown.

Conclusions:

• The second COVID-19 lockdown exerted a considerable mental health toll on the population.
• Psychological factors such as stress, depression, and uncertainty are critical in predicting Adjustment Disorder.
• Public health strategies should address these psychological vulnerabilities during future pandemic-related restrictions.