Socio-psychological consequences of quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to self-isolation measures to prevent the spread of the virus world- wide. The study sought to systematize information on the socio-economic effects of quarantine measures and self-isolation. The results of recent country studies have been systematized through a descriptive overview. The study examined the impact of quarantine on all age groups, from children to the elderly. The analysis included studies that addressed the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic, which proved to be a crosscutting issue at all stages of the life cycle. Articles were also discussed that show that quarantine measures have also contributed to increased social disadvantage among vulnerable populations, leading to increased poverty and inequality. The aim of the study is to analyse the scientific literature on the social psychological consequences of quarantine. It was searched in Springer, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, Web of Science for original scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals in English. The search for a scientific article in Russian was carried out in the eLIBRARY.RU. The results of the study showed that, from a sociological point of view, quarantine measures had increased social inequality, poverty, domestic violence and divorce. Psychological aspects include increased anxiety, depression acute and post-traumatic stress disorder. The authors also noted various other emotional problems, loneliness, anger, frustration and psychosomatic problems. People in quarantine experience stigma and isolation. The above-mentioned social and psychological problems are all interrelated and 

have a direct impact on each other. The conclusion of the study is the need to address the psychosocial problems arising from quarantine, not excluding both aspects.

Key words: quarantine, isolation, socio-psychological consequences, COVID-19, epidemics, pan- demics, psychological health.