The degree of social isolation varies from staying indoors completely to not going out or going out less often, for example, to catering or theater. Social isolation is six times more common among participants with a severe immune disorder and almost three times more often among participants with another medical condition than among participants without a medical condition.
Reasons for Social Isolation
The research reveals several reasons for social isolation. Some of the people who live in social isolation are afraid of infection because of a serious immune disorder and/or other medical condition, such as (serious) obesity or a chronic illness.
In addition, there are people who live in social isolation, while they themselves are not at an increased risk of a serious course of COVID-19. Reasons for social isolation within this group range from protecting a loved one to fear of the virus or uncertainty about one’s own health risks.
A third group concerns people who are even more cautious after the relaxation, but who indicate that they are gradually participating in social activities again.
Support question
Only one in five participants living in social isolation has a support request. In particular, participants with a severe immune disorder or other medical condition often need support. For example, they are asking for the reintroduction of corona measures or the faster and broader offering of repeat injections.
Negative effects on mental and physical health
In-depth interviews show that the perceived social isolation is related to reduced mental health. The people interviewed miss social contacts, feel lonely and misunderstood. Social isolation also has negative consequences for work, physical health and keeping children at home from school (for longer).
By: National Care Guide
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