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Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Christina Brogårdh

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
    Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, 222 41 Lund, Sweden)

  • Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
    The PRO-CARE Group, School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, 291 39 Kristianstad, Sweden)

  • Frida Eek

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

  • Kjerstin Stigmar

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
    Department of Research and Development, Skåne University Hospital, 222 41 Lund, Sweden)

  • Ingrid Lindgren

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
    Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, 222 41 Lund, Sweden)

  • Anna Trulsson Schouenborg

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
    Department of Neurosurgery and Pain Rehabilitation, Skåne University Hospital, 222 41 Lund, Sweden)

  • Eva Ekvall Hansson

    (Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden)

Abstract

Currently, there is limited knowledge on how the Swedish strategy with more lenient public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced people’s life satisfaction. Here, we investigated self-reported life satisfaction during the first wave of the pandemic in Sweden, and perceived changes in life satisfaction in relation to various sociodemographic factors. A total of 1082 people (mean age 48 (SD 12.2); 82% women) responded to an online survey during autumn 2020 including the “Life Satisfaction Questionnaire-11”. A majority (69%) were satisfied with life as a whole, and with other important life domains, with the exception of contact with friends and sexual life. An equal share reported that life as a whole had either deteriorated (28%) or improved (29%). Of those that perceived a deterioration, 95% considered it to be due to the pandemic. Regarding deteriorated satisfaction with life as a whole, higher odds were found in the following groups: having no children living at home; being middle aged; having other sources of income than being employed; and having a chronic disease. The Swedish strategy might have contributed to the high proportion of satisfied people. Those who perceived a deterioration in life satisfaction may, however, need attention from Swedish Welfare Authorities.

Suggested Citation

  • Christina Brogårdh & Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund & Frida Eek & Kjerstin Stigmar & Ingrid Lindgren & Anna Trulsson Schouenborg & Eva Ekvall Hansson, 2021. "Self-Perceived Life Satisfaction during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6234-:d:571618
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Aviad Tur-Sinai & Netta Bentur & Giovanni Lamura, 2022. "Perceived deterioration in health status among older adults in Europe and Israel following the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1243-1250, December.
    2. Catharina Sjödahl Hammarlund & Anna Norlander & Christina Brogårdh, 2023. "Experiences of People with Cardiovascular Disease during COVID-19 in Sweden: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-11, April.
    3. Elisabeth Ekstrand & Christina Brogårdh & Iben Axen & Agneta Malmgren Fänge & Kjerstin Stigmar & Eva Ekvall Hansson, 2022. "Perceived Consequences of Post-COVID-19 and Factors Associated with Low Life Satisfaction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.

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