Scientists and students of the SWPS University in Warsaw, together with researchers from Wuhan and Singapore, examined the psychological impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Poles and the Chinese.

The aim of the study was to compare the assessment of mental health, levels of anxiety, depression and physical health of residents of both countries in the third week of the onset of the epidemic.

Poles show the results indicating significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression than in the Chinese group. The main risk factors for the occurrence of these disorders were more frequent use of preventive measures, fear of unemployment, retirement age, experiencing physical symptoms resembling COVID-19 infection, undergoing a related medical consultation or undergoing a coronavirus test, and a long time being in isolation.

The study revealed that Poles accept wearing protective masks with a significantly lower willingness than the Chinese from Wuhan. The use of masks is not as popular in Poland as in Asian countries. Also encouraging the use of anti-smog or anti-dust masks to protect people employed in mining and industry has already encountered resistance in Poland earlier.

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https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.569981/full