Study 1:
Exploring the Psychosocial Consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Expatriate Families in Hong Kong
Context:
Without a doubt, COVID-19, a worldwide pandemic has affected humanity on a global level. One cannot imagine a population that hasn’t been affected in some way, shape or form by the effects of the virus. While the regular news reports inform us of the numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, little is known of the psychosocial consequences on families when dealing with a pandemic (Loades et al., 2020). Both the realities and the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic have led to experiencing strong emotions. The unpredictability of the virus brings about fear and anxiety; school closure and social distancing produce feelings of loneliness and isolation, while the loss of a family member to the disease can cause long-term grief and trauma.
Since Hong Kong’s first reported case on 23 January 2020, there have been 10,159 cases (9056 recovered) and 171 deaths at the time of writing (Geodata.gov.hk, 2020). Efforts by the Hong Kong government to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus has resulted in cross-border travel bans and restrictions, stringent quarantine regulations, working from home, social distancing, compulsory mask wearing and other measures including widespread closure of schools, college and universities. As a result, children and adolescents are experiencing a prolonged state of physical isolation from their peers, teachers, extended families, and community networks. This social distancing and closure of educational institutions is increasing mental health problems in children and adolescents who are already at a higher risk of developing mental health issues compared to adults (Singh et al., 2020). A recent study in Hong Kong found that 14% of the general population reported a moderate level of anxiety symptoms, while 25.4% reported deteriorated mental health since the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis is, without a doubt, a highly stressful experience for the Hong Kong general population.
Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 million people of which 4.2% are expatriates (Census and Statistics Department, 2020). Although a minority group, the concerns of 315,000 people cannot be underestimated or overlooked. In addition to the usual challenges of being an expatriate, the rapid increase in the global spread of the virus has created a sense of uncertainty and anticipatory anxiety as to where this will all lead. The recent ban of residents coming in from the U.K or from Southern African countries, as well as the stringent quarantine regulations of 21-days in a government appointed hotel, means that many expatriate are finding travelling to their home countries to see their families prohibitive, if not impossible, in terms of time and money. Furthermore, for expatriates who are far from family support, there is the real possibility and concern of parents being separated from their children should they be tested positive for COVID-19. The effects of this on mental wellbeing is yet to be fully understood.
It is hoped that this research will provide a framework for considering the psychosocial consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage the health care system and policy makers discuss how best to ameliorate access to mental health support services that are geared towards providing measures for developing healthy coping mechanisms during the current crisis. Due to the investigative nature and its execution within the real-world situation, the research would be limited to expatriates in Hong Kong and thus the results may not be generalizable across other settings.
Survey Link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C28G39G
STUDY 2:
Exploring the psychosocial consequences of mandatory quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic on 12th March, 2020. Indeed, one cannot imagine a population in the world that has not been affected by the virus in one way or another. Hong Kong reported their first case on 23rd January 2020 and since then there have been . In an attempt to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Hong Kong government has introduced widespread measures such as social distancing, university and school closures, working from home, compulsory mask wearing, cross-border travel bans and restrictions and stringent quarantine regulations for those residents (re)entering Hong Kong. And while regular information and statistics are provided on the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, little is known of the psychosocial consequences of those in quarantine. In a review of articles exploring the mental health outcomes of quarantine and isolation among patients, informal caregivers and healthcare providers, Hussein, Sultana & Purohit (2020) found the prevalent mental health issues to include depression, anxiety, psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia fear and other adverse outcomes. Similarly, Brooks, et al (2020) reviewed the psychological impact of quarantine and found that most studies reported negative psychological effects including PTSD symptoms, anger, frustration, boredom, as well as financial loss, inadequate information, inadequate loss and stigma. In another study, Wessely & Rubin (2020) explored the psychological effects of quarantining an entire city and argue that while there are epidemiological benefits of mandatory quarantining, the psychological costs should be taken into account and that alternatives could be considered. They suggest that voluntary quarantine may be accompanied by good compliance and less psychosocial consequences, particularly when valid explanations are given at it is promoted as altruistic. In a speech on 12th March 2020, the WHO Director-General stated that “all countries must strike a fine balance between protecting health, preventing economic and social disruption, and respecting human rights”. In exploring the psychosocial consequences of mandatory quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, this article will question whether, in the pursuit of protecting human health, perhaps we are losing sight of humanity?
Survey Link: