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Impacts of Covid-19 restrictions on loneliness in a neglected population group

Grant number: COV/QMU/20/02

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Key facts

  • Disease

    COVID-19

  • Known Financial Commitments (USD)

    $79,481.52

  • Funder

    CSO Scotland

  • Principal Investigator

    Alison Strang

  • Research Location

    United Kingdom

  • Lead Research Institution

    Queen Margaret University

  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A

  • Research Category

    Secondary impacts of disease, response & control measures

  • Research Subcategory

    Indirect health impacts

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Unspecified

  • Vulnerable Population

    Internally Displaced and Migrants

  • Occupations of Interest

    Unspecified

Abstract

QMU studies demonstrate the effects of sudden-onset isolation, whilst challenging assumptions that isolation inevitably results in loneliness and poor mental health (Sagan & Miller, 2017). We focus on the neglected case of refugees (with sparse social networks; Strang & Quinn, 2019), and interrogate the relationships between isolation, loneliness, 'comfort with solitude' among refugees across Scotland, to extrapolate principles of vulnerability and resilience applicable to other marginalised groups. Through action-research in collaboration with refugee support organisations, using a QMU-developed social connections mapping application, and remote interviewing, we will document experiences and identify coping, resilience and effective support mechanisms.