Impact of COVID-19-Related Social Isolation on Behavioral Outcomes in Young Adults Residing in Northern Italy

Alessandra Patrono (), Azzurra Invernizzi, Donatella Placidi, Giuseppa Cagna, Stefano Calza, Manuela Oppini, Elza Rechtman, Demetrios M. Papazaharias, Abraham Reichenberg, Roberto G. Lucchini, Maurizio Memo, Elisa Ongaro, Matteo Rota, Robert O. Wright, Stefano Renzetti and Megan K. Horton
Additional contact information
Alessandra Patrono: Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Azzurra Invernizzi: Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Donatella Placidi: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Giuseppa Cagna: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Stefano Calza: Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Manuela Oppini: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Elza Rechtman: Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Demetrios M. Papazaharias: Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Abraham Reichenberg: Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Roberto G. Lucchini: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Maurizio Memo: Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Elisa Ongaro: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Matteo Rota: Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Robert O. Wright: Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
Stefano Renzetti: Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy
Megan K. Horton: Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 24, 1-10

Abstract: Social isolation affects our emotions, behavior and interactions. Worldwide, individuals experienced prolonged periods of isolation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic when authorities-imposed restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus. In this study, we investigated the effects of social isolation on emotional and behavioral outcomes in young adults from Lombardy, Italy, a global hotspot of COVID-19. We leveraged baseline (pre-social isolation) and follow-up (mid- or post-isolation) data collected from young adults enrolled in the ongoing, longitudinal Public Health Impact of Metals Exposure (PHIME) study. At baseline, 167 participants completed the ASEBA questionnaires (ASR/YSR) by web link or in person; 65 completed the ASR 12–18 weeks after the onset of restrictions. Using the sign test and multiple linear regression models, we examined differences in ASR scores between baseline and follow-up adjusting for sex, age, pre-pandemic IQ and time with social restrictions (weeks). Further, we examined interactions between sex and time in social isolation. Participants completed the ASR after spending an average of 14 weeks in social isolation (range 12–18 weeks). Thought problems increased between baseline and follow-up (median difference 1.0; 1st, 3rd quartile: −1.0, 4.0; p = 0.049). Among males, a longer time in social isolation (≥14 weeks) was associated with increased rule-breaking behaviors of 2.8 points. These results suggest the social isolation related to COVID-19 adversely impacted mental health. In particular, males seem to externalize their condition. These findings might help future interventions and treatment to minimize the consequences of social isolation experience in young adults.

Keywords: social isolation; mental health; COVID-19; young adults (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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