Social distancing and mental health two years into a global pandemic: a sequential exploratory mixed-methods investigation in Hong Kong.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the implementation of social distancing measures on an unprecedented scale, but their impacts on the mental health of the general public, especially in places with strict and prolonged restrictions, are not well understood. This study explored the Hong Kong public's views on social distancing measures that were implemented approximately two years into the pandemic and examined how these perceptions influence their stay-at-home motivation and mental health based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT).

Design

A two-phase sequential exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted.

Setting

Data were collected as part of a larger study of a universal online public health campaign in Hong Kong.

Participants

First, qualitativ

SUBMITTER: Ho GWK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11907017 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature