Title: The impact of COVID-19 Fear: evidence to inform social, health and economic recovery (a Healthy Ageing In Scotland study)
Funder: Economic and Social Research Council

Abstract: COVID-19 fear influences decisions such as visiting family and friends, attending GP/hospital appointments, returning to the workplace and employment/consumption patterns. Yet there is no generally accepted instrument to define or measure COVID-19 Fear. This study addresses the problem by: (1) constructing a robust and evidence-based survey instrument for COVID-19 Fear; (2) using the instrument to measure prevalence among older people in Scotland, and (3) relating this to willingness to re-engage across social, health, and economic domains as society adjusts to what may be termed the 'new normal'. This will help researchers and policymakers to understand and respond to the social, health, and economic impacts of COVID-19 fear. The effects of COVID-19 are likely to play out beyond the successful introduction of a vaccine or treatment. So, it is essential that Scotland has the data infrastructure to advance understanding now and in the future. Therefore, we will extend the Healthy Ageing In Scotland (HAGIS, www.hagis.scot) study by partnering with Generation Scotland to advance the development of Scotland's first comprehensive longitudinal study of ageing. Quantitative research will highlight social gradients in COVID-19 fear and will be complemented by qualitative research to address the effects of COVID-19 fear on the use of internet and mobile communication technology (ICT) during lockdown and its impact on social connectedness, engagement with health services, return to the workplace, and consumption and spending patterns. Further an eDelphi exercise will use findings to inform policy and behavioural interventions to address COVID-19 fear.

Lay abstract: COVID-19 fear influences decisions such as visiting family and friends, attending GP/hospital appointments, returning to the workplace and employment/consumption patterns. Yet there is no generally accepted instrument to define or measure COVID-19 Fear. This study addresses the problem by: (1) constructing a robust and evidence-based survey instrument for COVID-19 Fear; (2) using the instrument to measure prevalence among older people in Scotland, and (3) relating this to willingness to re-engage across social, health, and economic domains as society adjusts to what may be termed the 'new normal'. This will help researchers and policymakers to understand and respond to the social, health, and economic impacts of COVID-19 fear. The effects of COVID-19 are likely to play out beyond the successful introduction of a vaccine or treatment. So, it is essential that Scotland has the data infrastructure to advance understanding now and in the future. Therefore, we will extend the Healthy Ageing In Scotland (HAGIS, www.hagis.scot) study by partnering with Generation Scotland to advance the development of Scotland's first comprehensive longitudinal study of ageing. Quantitative research will highlight social gradients in COVID-19 fear and will be complemented by qualitative research to address the effects of COVID-19 fear on the use of internet and mobile communication technology (ICT) during lockdown and its impact on social connectedness, engagement with health services, return to the workplace, and consumption and spending patterns. Further an eDelphi exercise will use findings to inform policy and behavioural interventions to address COVID-19 fear.

Research activity codes: 2.4 SURVEILLANCE AND DISTRIBUTION;8.3 POLICY, ETHICS AND RESEARCH GOVERNANCE
Health categories: MENTAL HEALTH;INFECTION