A Systematic Review of the Definition, Measurement, and Associated Factors of Pandemic Fatigue

Abstract

<p>The rapid emergence and widespread transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have prompted governments worldwide to enact policies and measures to manage the virus’s spread. These interventions have substantially contributed to controlling disease transmission. However, they have also significantly disrupted daily life, leading to increased public fatigue and resistance to sustained control measures, a phenomenon known as pandemic fatigue. To develop a comprehensive understanding of pandemic fatigue, this review systematically explores the concept and identifies quantitative indicators for measuring it. We reviewed studies on pandemic fatigue across various countries, summarized the contributing factors, and analyzed its impact on personal protective behaviors. Our findings indicate that the enforcement of health measures significantly influences the onset of pandemic fatigue, while individual perceptions of risk can negatively affect personal protective behaviors, creating a feedback loop with increasing fatigue. These results underscore the importance of considering the current severity of the pandemic and individual decision-making processes in the implementation of interventions. Enhancing our understanding of pandemic fatigue is essential for developing effective policy responses in preparation for future potential epidemics.coronavirus (3). These interventions have significantly curtailed the transmission of COVID-19 (4). However, a global observation indicates a decreasing adherence to preventive measures against COVID-19 over time (5), a phenomenon referred to as pandemic fatigue. This condition is characterized by widespread feelings of fatigue and diminished motivation to comply with expert recommendations concerning COVID-19. Within the public sphere, pandemic fatigue can significantly undermine the effectiveness of health intervention strategies. Governments have acknowledged their duty to tackle the root causes of pandemic fatigue in order to sustain public support for COVID-19 prevention measures (6). Numerous studies have endeavored to define and quantify pandemic fatigue from various angles. This systematic review seeks to attain a more holistic understanding of pandemic fatigue by identifying how it is conceptualized across different studies and exploring the factors that influence its intensity. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to governments and societies worldwide (1). As of December 24, 2023, there have been more than 773 million confirmed cases and approximately 6.9 million reported fatalities (2). In response to the outbreak, governments have implemented extraordinary measures designed to mitigate the spread of the novel.<br></p>