Article
The health and well-being of Portuguese citizens: impacts of covid-19
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1One-fourth of respondents reported “very good” health and almost half reported “good” health. A significant share of respondents considered their health to be worse than before the pandemic.
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2Access to healthcare has decreased during the pandemic: 4% of respondents had surgeries postponed or cancelled because of covid-19; more than a quarter had medical appointments or complementary exams postponed or cancelled. The number of postponements and cancellations was higher among older respondents.
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3Half of respondents reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge and for 85% of these respondents, these feelings were more prevalent than before the pandemic. Almost 45% of respondents felt sad or depressed and, of these, 85% felt more so than before the pandemic.
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4Respondents reported that their social networks were severely affected: they did not gather socially with more than five people from outside their own household and visited family members less frequently than before the pandemic. Most also went shopping and went for a walk less frequently than before the pandemic.
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5Respondents perceived that their economic situation had weakened during the pandemic. More than two-thirds reported experiencing a reduction in salary or turnover due to the pandemic. The impact on economic situation and work was greatest for people aged 18-34.
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6Respondents were slightly satisfied with life and reported moderate well-being.
