A Coronavirus report dedicated to physical and mental health collected between 9-14th April, amongst 3.7k UK and US consumers, found that the crisis is taking a toll on our mental wellbeing as well as our diet and fitness.
The data, taken from 18-64 year olds, highlights the different mental health concerns between UK and US consumers that have been heightened since lockdown – such as anxiety, loneliness and stress – and how they are safeguarding their wellbeing.
Key findings include:
The crisis is impacting consumers’ mental and physical wellbeing
- 54% of UK consumers claim their mental health has worsenedduring the crisis. Two thirds who shared concerns about their diet and fitness also reported worsening mental health
- Anxiety rises with age, most prevalent with 57-64 year olds(46%), with loneliness being a bigger issue right now during lockdown – nearly a third of consumers have expressed feelings
The lockdown has led to less healthy lifestyles
- 30% of UKconsumers are exercising and eating healthy foods less than normal during the pandemic, with a quarter noticing a reduction in the hours of sleep they’re getting
- The report also shows a direct link between mental health concerns and sleep patterns, with those worried about their mental health reporting the most reduction in their sleep as a result of the crisis(36% compared to 25% on average)
Talking to loved ones is the best mental health remedy
- Looking for the support of friends and familyis reported as the top way consumers are looking after their mental health while at home
- Taking up an activity and declutteringare other ways UK consumers are dealing with lockdown
Consumers interested in Telehealth services to diagnose coronavirus
- 34% of UK consumers would consider using this technology to be screened for the virus, but US consumers were more interested (57%)
Socio-economic inequalities are highlighted
- Concerns of the impact of COVID-19 amongst higher and lower earners, when it comes to becoming ill (44% vs. 67%)and being able to afford expenses (16% vs. 31%), show through within this report.
Committed to help businesses stay ahead of what’s to come, GlobalWebIndex has set up a free COVID-19 Research Hub, into the international effects of COVID-19. Aggregating responses from 24,465 internet users aged 16-64 across all surveys conducted to date.
