Impacts of COVID-19 and its prevention measures on mental health and social relations in Canada, Australia and Colombia: how to optimize policy strategy to improve pandemic response

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused historic morbidity and mortality as well as economic and social disruption across Canada and the rest of the world. The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 lies in the adherence of the population to public health prevention measures. However, adhesion implies significant changes in behaviour which can be accompanied by significant personal and social costs. In fact, one of the main reasons for the lifting of many restrictions has been the alleged impact on mental health and social relationships. Although, few studies have assessed the association between the presence/absence of prevention policies and impacts on mental health and social relations. The purpose of this study is to determine and compare the impact of public health measures (masking, vaccine passports, isolation, quarantine) on mental health (e.g., degree of anxiety, depression, anger) and social relations (e.g., degree of isolation, frequency of verbal/physical arguments, rates of separation and divorce) in Canada compared to two countries where prevention measures were much stricter (Australia) and much more lenient (Colombia). This research project is part of the iCARE (International COVID-19 Awareness and Responses Evaluation) Study, an international cross-sectional observational cohort study designed to assess public awareness, attitudes and behaviours regarding COVID-19 and related public health measures. This study will provide representative, standardized, and high-quality evidence to support policy strategy and communications related to prevention measures in Canada and around the world. The inclusion of a low- and middle-income country in this study helps to highlight the disparities between the capacities of different countries to cope with the COVID-19 crisis.