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Impact of COVID-19-Related Social Isolation on Behavioral Outcomes in Young Adults Residing in Northern Italy

Author

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  • Alessandra Patrono

    (Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
    Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

  • Azzurra Invernizzi

    (Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

  • Donatella Placidi

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Giuseppa Cagna

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Stefano Calza

    (Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Manuela Oppini

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Elza Rechtman

    (Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

  • Demetrios M. Papazaharias

    (Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

  • Abraham Reichenberg

    (Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

  • Roberto G. Lucchini

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
    Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Maurizio Memo

    (Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Elisa Ongaro

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Matteo Rota

    (Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Robert O. Wright

    (Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

  • Stefano Renzetti

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy)

  • Megan K. Horton

    (Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA)

Abstract

Social isolation affects our emotions, behavior and interactions. Worldwide, individuals experienced prolonged periods of isolation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic when authorities-imposed restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. In this study, we investigated the effects of social isolation on emotional and behavioral outcomes in young adults from Lombardy, Italy, a global hotspot of COVID-19. We leveraged baseline (pre-social isolation) and follow-up (mid- or post-isolation) data collected from young adults enrolled in the ongoing, longitudinal Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure (PHIME) study. At baseline, 167 participants completed the ASEBA questionnaires (ASR/YSR) by web link or in person; 65 completed the ASR 12–18 weeks after the onset of restrictions. Using the sign test and multiple linear regression models, we examined differences in ASR scores between baseline and follow-up adjusting for sex, age, pre-pandemic IQ and time with social restrictions (weeks). Further, we examined interactions between sex and time in social isolation. Participants completed the ASR after spending an average of 14 weeks in social isolation (range 12–18 weeks). Thought problems increased between baseline and follow-up (median difference 1.0; 1st, 3rd quartile: −1.0, 4.0; p = 0.049). Among males, a longer time in social isolation (≥14 weeks) was associated with increased rule-breaking behaviors of 2.8 points. These results suggest the social isolation related to COVID-19 adversely impacted mental health. In particular, males seem to externalize their condition. These findings might help future interventions and treatment to minimize the consequences of social isolation experience in young adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Patrono & Azzurra Invernizzi & Donatella Placidi & Giuseppa Cagna & Stefano Calza & Manuela Oppini & Elza Rechtman & Demetrios M. Papazaharias & Abraham Reichenberg & Roberto G. Lucchini & , 2022. "Impact of COVID-19-Related Social Isolation on Behavioral Outcomes in Young Adults Residing in Northern Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16496-:d:997650
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Selçuk Özdin & Şükriye Bayrak Özdin, 2020. "Levels and predictors of anxiety, depression and health anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society: The importance of gender," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(5), pages 504-511, August.
    2. Diego Zavaleta & Kim Samuel & China Mills, 2014. "Social Isolation: A conceptual and Measurement Proposal," OPHI Working Papers 67, Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford.
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    1. Sana Malik & Ijeoma Opara & David T. Lardier & Jessica Younger & R. Neil Greene, 2023. "Young Adults at the National Epicenter of the COVID-19 Outbreak: Understanding the Impact and Future Challenges of Social Distancing on Mental Health Outcomes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-13, December.

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