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Concerns and adjustments: How the Portuguese population met COVID-19

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  • Sara Valente de Almeida
  • Eduardo Costa
  • Francisca Vargas Lopes
  • João Vasco Santos
  • Pedro Pita Barros

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptive changes worldwide, with different implications across countries. The evolution of citizens’ concerns and behaviours over time is a central piece to support public policies. Objective: To unveil perceptions and behaviours of the Portuguese population regarding social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for more informed public policies. Methods: Online panel survey distributed in three waves between March 13th and May 6th 2020. Data collected from a non-representative sample of 7,448 respondents includes socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported measures on levels of concern and behaviours related to COVID-19. We performed descriptive analysis and probit regressions to understand relationships between the different variables. Results: Most participants (85%) report being at least very concerned with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation reached a high level of adherence during the state of emergency. Around 36% of the sample anticipated consumption decisions, stockpiling ahead of the state of emergency declaration. Medical appointments suffered severe consequences, being re-rescheduled or cancelled. We find important variation in concerns with the economic impact across activity sectors. Conclusion: We show that high level of concern and behaviour adaptation in our sample preceded the implementation of lockdown measures in Portugal around mid-March. One month later, a large share of individuals had suffered disruption in their routine health care and negative impacts in their financial status.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Valente de Almeida & Eduardo Costa & Francisca Vargas Lopes & João Vasco Santos & Pedro Pita Barros, 2020. "Concerns and adjustments: How the Portuguese population met COVID-19," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0240500
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240500
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bruno Pires & Hermínia Gonçalves, 2022. "Transformative Processes of Gerontological Responses in Different Models of Public Providentialism in the COVID-19 Context: A Bibliometric Review," Societies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Kelly Cosgrove & Maricarmen Vizcaino & Christopher Wharton, 2021. "COVID-19-Related Changes in Perceived Household Food Waste in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-11, January.
    3. Daniela Azevedo & Ana Isabel Plácido & Maria Teresa Herdeiro & Fátima Roque & Vítor Roque, 2022. "How Portuguese Health Entities Used Social Media to Face the Public Health Emergency during COVID-19 Disease," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, September.

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