University seeks participants for study into effects of lockdown on health

Researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) have launched a study to track the health of the nation during lockdown. 

Using information submitted by volunteers from the general public, the researchers will seek to monito and track how the lifestyle changes imposed by lockdown affect the physical and mental health of the public.

Lifestyle factors including changes to weight and levels of physical activity, diet, sleep and mental wellbeing will be studied as well as participants’ use of alcohol, drugs and smoking. Participants will complete a short online survey every day for 12 weeks.

These factors will be analysed in the context of societal changes as lockdown continues, such as the tightening or easing of lockdown rules as the pandemic continues. 

The research team hopes to publish the findings swiftly to help inform current decision making around the response to covid-19; as well as to contribute to planning for future pandemic responses. 

Lead researcher Dr Caitlin Notley, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “People around the world have had to change their lifestyles very quickly in response to the covid-19 pandemic. We want to track people’s health and lifestyle behaviours over the lockdown period to help answer important questions about the overall impact of social distancing measures on health.

“We’ll be looking at the impact of changes – focusing on things like people’s mental health and wellbeing, whether we are getting enough exercise, whether people are smoking or drinking more alcohol.”

Dr Felix Naughton, from UEA’s School of Health Sciences and one of the study team leaders, added: “What is different about this study is that we are collecting information daily. This means we can actually learn about how individuals respond differently during the lockdown and what factors influence each person’s lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing.

“We will also be able to provide a summary to each participant of their data tracked over time.” 

The study is still seeking male participants, including those who identify as non-binary. Sign up here. 

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