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Relationships between Physical and Social Behavioural Changes and the Mental Status of Homebound Residents in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Ben Y. F. Fong

    (School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Martin C. S. Wong

    (The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Vincent T. S. Law

    (School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Man Fung Lo

    (Department of Mathematics and Information Technology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

  • Tommy K. C. Ng

    (School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Hilary H. L. Yee

    (School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Tiffany C. H. Leung

    (Faulty of Business, City University of Macau, Macau, China)

  • Percy W. T. Ho

    (Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

In Hong Kong, social distancing has been adopted in order to minimise the spread of COVID-19. This study aims to examine the changes in physical health, mental health, and social well-being experienced by local residents who were homebound during the pandemic. An online questionnaire in both Chinese and English versions was completed by 590 eligible participants from 24 April to 13 May 2020. The questionnaire found that individuals aged 18 to 25 years spent more time resting and relaxing but experienced more physical strain. Working status was associated with social contact, with participants working full-time jobs scoring higher in “maintaining social communication via electronic means” and “avoiding social activities outside the home”. Additionally, approximately one third of the participants (29.7%) had moderate to severe depression, and participants aged 18 to 25 were found to have higher scores in PHQ-9. Changes in physical health and social contact were significantly associated with developing depressive symptoms. From the results, it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to exert a negative impact on the mental health status of individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben Y. F. Fong & Martin C. S. Wong & Vincent T. S. Law & Man Fung Lo & Tommy K. C. Ng & Hilary H. L. Yee & Tiffany C. H. Leung & Percy W. T. Ho, 2020. "Relationships between Physical and Social Behavioural Changes and the Mental Status of Homebound Residents in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:18:p:6653-:d:412677
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Albert Lee & Vera M. W. Keung & Vincent T. C. Lau & Calvin K. M. Cheung & Amelia S. C. Lo, 2021. "Impact of COVID-19 on Life of Students: Case Study in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-16, October.
    2. Albert Lee & Keiko Nakamura, 2021. "Engaging Diverse Community Groups to Promote Population Health through Healthy City Approach: Analysis of Successful Cases in Western Pacific Region," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-26, June.
    3. Cheuk-yeung Ho & Albert Lee, 2022. "Cultivating a Healthy Living Environment for Adolescents in the Post-COVID Era in Hong Kong: Exploring Youth Health Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-14, June.
    4. Teris Cheung & Tim Man Ho Li & Yuen Shan Ho & Georg Kranz & Kenneth N. K. Fong & Sau Fong Leung & Simon Ching Lam & Wing Fai Yeung & Joyce Yuen Ting Lam & Kwan Hin Fong & Roland Beisteiner & Yu-Tao Xi, 2023. "Effects of Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) on Adults with Symptoms of Depression—A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-17, January.

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