PSYCHOSOCIAL DIMENSION OF THE PANDEMIC: THE OTHER SIDE OF COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To identify the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic and to define proposals for coping with the negative effects of the pandemic and confinement on mental health. Materials and Methods: For the first objective we searched for empirical articles in English or Spanish, published between January and May 2020, and indexed in the Web of Science data base. For the second objective, the search was expanded, from the year 2004 onwards, to reviews, national surveys, short communications and reports from international organizations such as the WHO, the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC). Results: 11 scientific articles and 6 documents were analyzed. The emotional experience related to the pandemic has a wide range of individual variability, with a high prevalence of psychological distress and anxiety reported. The severity of symptoms was related to the period of isolation, fear of contracting the disease, financial instability and media exposure. In order to manage adverse consequences, it is recommended to satisfy basic needs, maintain social ties and receive truthful and non-alarmist information from the authorities and the media. Conclusion: The consequences of the pandemic include discomfort and responses of fear and anxiety. For people who suffer abandonment and social exclusion, confinement makes this condition even more precarious. Considering that the pandemic occurs in a context of high heterogeneity, the psychosocial dimension should also be a priority.