Changes in psychological wellbeing, attitude and information-seeking behaviour among people at the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic: a panel survey of residents in Hubei province, China

• DOI: 10.1017/s0950268820002009
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02T04:39:56Z
• Authors: Xi Chen; Haiyan Gao; Yuchun Zou; Fen Lin
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Panel survey

While most research focuses on the clinical treatment of COVID-19, fewer studies have investigated individuals' responses towards this novel infectious disease. This study aims to report temporal changes in psychological wellbeing, perceived discrimination, sociopolitical perceptions and information-seeking behaviours among general public Hubei, China. Data were obtained from a two-wave survey 1902 respondents aged 18-80 Hubei province during peak mitigation stages outbreak. The results showed that prevalence distress dropped over 75% around 15% throughout period, but discrimination remained stable. Female, middle-aged, well-educated those employed government/public institutions/state-owned enterprises tended more distress. respondents' attention COVID-19 information kept high stable, their sources diversified across different sociodemographic groups. Over time, people social support neighbourhoods than friends relatives or non-government organisations. 80% satisfied with performance central government, which was notably higher ratings local government neighbourhood/village committees. findings are informative for formulating effective intervention strategies tackle various psychosocial problems COVID-19.