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The impact of confinement has not been the same for men and women. A study conducted by Canadian researchers reveals that women suffered more from this period of social distancing linked to Covid-19, especially in terms of sleep, anxiety, depression, and trauma.<!– –>
Researchers at the University of Calgary, in collaboration with the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, looked at sleep, state of mind, and mental health disorders in men and women during the months of confinement, examining more particularly the differences of sex and gender. An online survey was conducted among 573 Canadians – 112 men and 459 women – with an average age of 25.9 years between March 23 and June 7, 2020.
Published in Frontiers in Global Women’s Health, their work first found that more than two-thirds of participants reported poor sleep quality during confinement, and more than 39% reported an increase in symptoms related to the condition. insomnia, while anxiety and feelings of distress increased across the sample. Last but not least, symptoms related to sleep, depression, and anxiety were more common in women.<!– –>
Isolation worsens symptoms
“Overall, the study found that women reported more anxiety and depression.” Their symptoms worsened over time and with a longer period of isolation. There was a gradual increase in anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, and trauma in both men and women. But, it turned out to be more important for women over time, ”says Dr. Veronica Guadagni of the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
The study also shows a higher level of empathy in women, specifying that this mainly concerned the ability to understand emotions and take care of others. These high levels of empathy were, however, associated with high levels of anxiety, depression and trauma. “I was not surprised by the results; women are the ones who carry the extra load. Taking care of the family and critical situations has always been a huge burden for women, ”analyzes Dr Giuseppe Iaria, co-author of the survey.
Researchers now want to take a closer look at these gender differences to put in place targeted psychological interventions to help men and women cope with the pandemic.
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