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Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Inger Schou-Bredal

    (Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Health and Science, University in Oslo, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

  • Laila Skogstad

    (Department of Research, Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital HF, 1453 Bjørnemyr, Norway
    Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

  • Tine K. Grimholt

    (Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, 0319 Oslo, Norway
    Department of Acute Medicine, University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway)

  • Tore Bonsaksen

    (Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, 2418 Elverum, Norway
    Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, 4306 Sandnes, Norway)

  • Øivind Ekeberg

    (Psychosomatic and CI Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway)

  • Trond Heir

    (Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, 0409 Oslo, Norway
    Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

Although concern affects one’s welfare or happiness, few studies to date have focused on peoples’ concerns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to explore concerns in the Norwegian populations according to gender and age, and identify which concerns were most prominent during the lockdown. A population-based cross-sectional online survey using snowball-sampling strategies was conducted, to which 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Questions related to concerns had response alternatives yes or no. In addition, they were asked which concern was most prominent. Nearly all the 4527 respondents (92%) reported that they were concerned: 60.9% were generally concerned about the pandemic, 83.9% were concerned about family and friends, 21.8% had financial concerns, and 25.3% expected financial loss. More women were concerned about family and friends than males, (85.2% vs. 76.2%, p < 0.001), whereas more men expected financial loss (30.4% vs. 24.4%y, p = 0.001). Younger adults (<50 years) had more financial concerns than older adults (25.9% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Being concerned about family and friends was the most prominent concern and was associated with; lower age (OR 0.79), female gender (OR 1.59), and being next of kin (2.42). The most prominent concern for adults 70 years or older was being infected by COVID-19. In conclusion, women and younger individuals were most concerned. While adults under 70 years of age were most concerned about family and friends and adults 70 years or older were most concerned about being infected by COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Inger Schou-Bredal & Laila Skogstad & Tine K. Grimholt & Tore Bonsaksen & Øivind Ekeberg & Trond Heir, 2021. "Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:11:p:6119-:d:569746
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tore Bonsaksen & Trond Heir & Inger Schou-Bredal & Øivind Ekeberg & Laila Skogstad & Tine K. Grimholt, 2020. "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Factors during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Norway," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Benjamin W Nelson & Adam Pettitt & Jessica E Flannery & Nicholas B Allen, 2020. "Rapid assessment of psychological and epidemiological correlates of COVID-19 concern, financial strain, and health-related behavior change in a large online sample," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(11), pages 1-16, November.
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    4. Laila Skogstad & Inger Schou-Bredal & Tore Bonsaksen & Trond Heir & Øivind Ekeberg & Tine Grimholt, 2021. "Concerns Related to the COVID-19 in Adult Norwegians during the First Outbreak in 2020: A Qualitative Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-14, April.
    5. Sabat, Iryna & Neuman-Böhme, Sebastian & Varghese, Nirosha Elsem & Barros, Pedro Pita & Brouwer, Werner & van Exel, Job & Schreyögg, Jonas & Stargardt, Tom, 2020. "United but divided: Policy responses and people’s perceptions in the EU during the COVID-19 outbreak," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 124(9), pages 909-918.
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    1. Laila Skogstad & Inger Schou-Bredal & Tore Bonsaksen & Trond Heir & Øivind Ekeberg & Tine Grimholt, 2021. "Concerns Related to the COVID-19 in Adult Norwegians during the First Outbreak in 2020: A Qualitative Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-14, April.

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