Zorggebruik en Gezondheidsrelaties: De impact van de Coronapandemie
The COVID-19 measures had a significant impact on daily life. The pandemic was accompanied by increased stress, loneliness, physical complaints, and deteriorating lifestyles. Previous studies have shown relationships between well-being and these factors, but the interactions, the pandemic’s influence, and the long-term effects remain insufficiently studied. By investigating these aspects and identifying subgroups with different care needs, the project can develop more targeted health strategies and maximize the impact of interventions in future crises.
Goal
From a preventive perspective and to gain a better understanding of social concepts, the project examines among adults and older adults the relationships between stress, loneliness, physical complaints, lifestyle, and well-being before, during, and after the acute phase of the pandemic. The project will analyze how these relationships differ across social strata. In addition, they will identify subgroups with different care needs and lifestyle patterns.
Approach
The project uses data from the Health Monitor for adults and older adults to examine how stress, loneliness, physical complaints, and well-being are related before, during, and after the acute phase of the pandemic, and what role lifestyle and demographic factors play in these relationships. They study changes in these relationships over time using data from the quarterly survey for adults and older adults. Finally, they will combine 2022 Health Monitor data for adults and older adults with primary care registration data to identify subgroups with specific care needs.
Collaboration partners
The project collaborates with various project partners from the University of Groningen, bringing together unique knowledge and expertise. The team consists of experts with extensive experience and affinity in research on the COVID-19 crisis, statistics, and psychology. Each researcher has their own specialty, contributing to a strengthened multidisciplinary approach. This collaboration is essential for carrying out this research, providing a broader perspective and potentially deeper insights into the health effects of COVID-19 on different target groups.
(expected) Results
The project expects to gain better insights into the relationships between well-being, stress, loneliness, and physical complaints before, during, and after the pandemic, as well as the role of lifestyle and demographic factors in these relationships. They will also identify subgroups with unique care needs. The results are expected during 2026. This will contribute to scientific knowledge on the long-term effects of the pandemic and help prepare for (future) pandemics. Moreover, the findings may inform targeted policy recommendations, interventions, and practices to promote the well-being of different subgroups.