Learning how people are coping during COVID-19
COVID-19 has led to drastic changes to everyday life for people all around the world. As the pandemic continues to alter many aspects of life including family, work, social interactions, and beyond, researchers in Ontario and Quebec have launched a study to learn about people’s experiences and how they are coping during this challenging time.
“This study will investigate various life changes over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Rick Swartz, one of the study’s investigators, who is leading the Sunnybrook site. “We will examine the psychological, social and financial impacts at different stages of the outbreak to understand how people are dealing with these changes and adjusting to a new way of life.”
Researchers are inviting the general public, health care providers and patients to participate in the study by completing an online survey. Individuals 12 years old and up are eligible to volunteer and participate.
The study, “How are you coping? Assessing the psychological, social, and economic impacts of an emerging pandemic,” is being conducted by researchers from the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, The Ottawa Hospital, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Southlake Regional Health Centre, l’Hôpital Rivière-des-Prairies, and l’Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal who are affiliated to the University of Ottawa, University of Montreal, and University McGill.
In addition to helping researchers better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting people’s lives, physical and mental well-being, the data could eventually pave the way to assist others in the future.
“The results may one day lead researchers to further design or improve tools to help individuals cope when they’re faced with a drastic change in their lives,” says Dr. Swartz.
