COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS IN INDIVIDUALS UNDER QUARANTINE AND FORCED SOCIAL ISOLATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1811-2471.2024.v.i3.14899Keywords:
pandemic, COVID-19, social isolation, quarantine, mental health, cognitive functionsAbstract
SUMMARY. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in people’s lives, affecting both physical and mental health. The impact of quarantine measures and social isolation on cognitive health is particularly important. Stressful conditions, limited social contacts, and prolonged isolation can lead to a decline in cognitive functions.
The aim – to study the impact of quarantine measures and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic on cognitive functions.
Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 161 respondents. General questionnaires were used to assess socio-demographic data, the "Schulte Tables" scale, the Munsterberg attention test, and the Jacobson memory test.
Results. Munsterberg Test: In the study group, a normal level of attention was found in 7.4 % of individuals compared to 28.8 % in the control group. A decreased level of attention was observed in 92.6 % of the study group compared to 71.2 % in the control group. Schulte Tables Scale: A normal level of attention was found in 27.2 % of the study group compared to 72.5 % in the control group. A decreased level of attention was observed in 71.6 % of the study group compared to 25 % in the control group. Jacobson Test: A high level of memory was found in 6.2 % of the study group compared to 32.5 % in the control group. An average level of memory was observed in 27.2 % of the study group compared to 51.3 % in the control group. A low level of memory was observed in 40.7 % of the study group compared to 11.3 % in the control group. A very low level of memory was recorded in 25.9 % of the study group compared to 4.9 % in the control group.
Conclusions. The conditions of forced social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly negatively impact cognitive functions, including attention and memory.
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