COVID-19 pandemic : global impact, induced fear, public response preferences, and strategies for holistic health improvement among general population

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global well-being, yet the most affected aspects of lifestyles and health are unclear. Although primarily negative, some positive impacts exist but remain understudied. These effects vary by region and might be influenced by cultural, policy, and economic differences, necessitating tailored strategies based on cross-regional comparisons. Current interventions addressing these impacts are limited, and optimizing resource allocation through central variables within the interplay of lifestyle and health outcomes networks is crucial for holistic health improvement. In Hong Kong, a densely populated and technologically advanced city, the influence of personality traits on pandemic perceptions and the sustainability of pandemic-induced digital transformations require further investigation for local guidance. This thesis aims to: 1) Assess the global impact of COVID-19 on health and lifestyle, as well as individuals' preparedness preferences; 2) Examine global pandemic-induced fear, with comparisons to multiple factors; 3) Identify positive impacts of the pandemic; 4) Determine key lifestyle and health outcomes for resource allocation in the general population and in 16 chronic disease groups; 5) Explore personality differences in pandemic perceptions and preparedness in Hong Kong; 6) Investigate the willingness to sustain pandemic-induced digital work in Hong Kong. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted: one international, spanning 30 countries from July 2020 to August 2021, assessing the global impact of COVID-19, future preparedness, fear of 11 factors, positive pandemic outcomes, and chronic disease history; another, a local survey in Hong Kong from May to June 2022, evaluating personality differences and willingness to sustain pandemic-induced digital work. Globally, 16,512 adults participated. The most affected aspects included meals and cooking at home, social activities, screen time, and sitting duration. Preferred future preparations were medicine delivery, hospital-prescribed medication, and online shopping. The most feared factors were loss of family members, cancer, and stroke. Multidimensional preference analysis showed regional variations in the above findings. Positive learnings included enhanced holistic health, strengthened social cohesion, personal growth, increased resilience, and significant digital shifts, with regional variations. Network analysis identified central lifestyles were fruit and vegetable consumption (centrality = 0.98) and reduced sugary drink intake (0.93), cnetral health outcomes were quality of life (1.00) tied with reduced emotional distress. The amount of exercise was the bridge lifestyle (0.51). Those variables differed across 16 chronic diseases. In Hong Kong, among 1,990 participants, extroverts and introverts showed differences in 15 domains (all p < 0.05). 38.6% expressed a willingness to sustain digital work, with 13 factors influencing this willingness and screen time moderating 10 factors (all p < 0.05). The main lifestyle and health impacts of the pandemic, alongside the most feared factors, need targeted interventions. Future pandemic preparedness should consider individual preferences. The positives from this pandemic offer chances to sustain beneficial changes for a resilient society. Localized strategies are essential due to cross-regional differences. Key lifestyle and health areas deserve more resource allocation for holistic improvements. Additionally, personality differences can inform future local pandemic preparation, while the sustainability of digital work modes highlights the need for related telework policies and practices.