Environmental Public Health Journal 2021 | BCIT Institutional Repository

Environmental Public Health Journal 2021

Effect of social isolation on COVID-19 risk taking behavior
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 has changed the daily lives for everyone. Many governments around the world instituted social distancing measures in order to slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the general population. Although social distancing has proven to be effective in slowing down the spread of the Covid-19 virus, it has brought an unintended effect of social isolation and decreases in mental health for many people. Loneliness and the lack of social support for individuals likely played a large part in individuals risk assessment when partaking in social interactions at the expense of Covid-19 exposure. However, social isolation does not affect every individual equally. The effect varies depending on living situation, employment, age, and cultural background. This study examined the relationship between age and ethnicity of individuals and their willingness to participate in social interactions at the expense of exposure to Covid-19., Canada, COVID-19, social isolation, risk, age, individualism, collectivism
Impact on Canadians' mental health due to COVID19
SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID19, spread across the globe in 2020 and 2021impacting many people, their livelihood, and their mental health. Because of how the disease spread, certain controls were enacted such as community lockdowns, social distancing, working remotely, restricting one’s social contacts, and mask wearing. This caused unintended consequences where some people are left with psychological distress. While the media and the general public appear to be more focused on the physical health aspect of the virus, mental health has not received the same attention. This study examined the mental health of Canadians during the COVID19 pandemic. Results can be used to create policies and programs addressing mental health issues that have arisen from this global health crisis., COVID19