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15 - Mental Health and Health Behaviours among Vulnerable Populations during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

from Part II - Health Behaviours and Policies during Covid-19

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  aN Invalid Date NaN

By
Daniel Banko-Ferran ,
Rania Gihleb  and
Osea Giuntella
Edited by
Joan Costa-Font  and
Matteo M. Galizzi
Joan Costa-Font
Affiliation:
London School of Economics and Political Science
Matteo M. Galizzi
Affiliation:
London School of Economics and Political Science
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Summary

In this chapter, we review the evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviours and explore observational data on mental health, anxiety medications, and time use. We focus on the most vulnerable populations: young adults, parents and children, essential workers, and minorities. First, we explore the heterogeneity in the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and then examine more closely the impact on time use, with a specific focus on health behaviours (exercise, sleeping, eating habits) and personal care. Our evidence suggests that it will be crucial to support and facilitate access to mental health services even as the number of cases and deaths associated with COVID-19 declines. It also highlights the need for intervention aimed at reaching communities that may have worse access to or face more barriers to mental care services.

Keywords

mental healthsleephealth behavioursCOVID-19
Type
Chapter
Information
Behavioural Economics and Policy for Pandemics
Insights from Responses to COVID-19
 , pp. 290 - 308
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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