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Publication - Research and analysis

Coronavirus (COVID-19): impact on wellbeing - research

Published
17 September 2020
From
Director-General Education and Justice
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland
ISBN
9781839609909

This report contains the findings from a telephone survey commissioned by Scottish Government to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in Scotland.

View supporting documents Supporting documents

Introduction

This report contains the findings from a telephone survey commissioned by Scottish Government to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in Scotland. The survey was intended to supplement other polling work, published in April, May and June which focused more on attitudes, knowledge and behaviours directly related to the pandemic.

Background

The survey fieldwork was conducted from 27th April - 3rd May. The 'lockdown' restrictions implemented by the UK and Scottish Governments had been in place since 23 March. An 'effective ban'[1] was placed on public gatherings of more than two people, and on leaving home except to shop for necessities, exercise, for medical reasons, to care for a vulnerable person or to travel to essential work if it could not be done from home. Schools and public spaces such as libraries, communal parks and playgrounds were closed, as well as non-essential shops and places of worship. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme had been put in place, which allowed businesses to 'furlough' workers.

These measures were in place until 29 May, when Scotland moved into 'Phase 1' of the four-phase 'route map'[2] for easing lockdown restrictions. At this point, restrictions on outdoor activity were eased, with the public able to meet up with another household outdoors and use outdoor public spaces for recreational purposes.

Research aims

The research aimed to collect data in response to the following questions;

  • What has the impact of COVID-19 and related response measures been on wellbeing in Scotland?
  • What are people's experiences of COVID-19 and related response measures?
  • What personal strategies are being developed to cope with COVID-19 and the restrictions in place?
  • How do these experiences and strategies differ by groups, especially for those who typically had lower levels of wellbeing?
  • How do experiences and strategies differ by types of places (rural/urban/SIMD)?
  • Are people getting the support they need and where from?

Contact

Email: socialresearch@gov.scot

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