The influential philosopher George Santayana once famously said “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” The message is simple, we must learn lessons from our past endeavours to better prepare and limit the effects of similar future events.
So what lessons can be learnt from the lockdown we collectively experienced in Western Australia between April and June of 2020?
That is the question researchers from The University of Notre Dame Australia are trying to answer.
While WA has, so far, fared well in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, the state did enter lockdown, and many people had to drastically change the way they lived, worked, and relaxed. A new State Government funded study aims to find out what these changes were and how they affected West Australians.
The study is being led by Director of the Institute for Health Research Fremantle, Professor Jim Codde, and includes a project team of subject matter experts in Dr Paola Chivers; Professor Caroline Bulsara; Dr Ben Piggott; Michelle Lambert; Dr Lynne Millar and Dr Ranila Bhoyroo.
Speaking about the pandemic, Professor Codde said that to date, infection rates for COVID-19 in Western Australia remain low with only 644 cases of COVID-19 being detected and 9 deaths as of 13th August 2020.
“However, to achieve these great outcomes, all of WA’s 2.8 million people experienced lockdown and restrictions to go about their normal daily living. This survey seeks to get a better understanding of their story and the how their experience could have been improved,” he said.
“While the benefits of government mandated isolation and other protective steps for people suspected of, or having, COVID-19 are largely understood, the impact of limited access to parks, shops and other services (including those involving medical, exercise and recreation) on the wider community is largely unknown. This survey seeks to get a better understanding of their story and the how their experience could have been improved.”
Those interested in taking part in this state-wide study are asked to complete a short online survey that explores any changes in diet, exercise, and mental well-being during both the COVID lockdown period and currently.
The results of the study will not only give researchers an understanding of the effects of Western Australia’s first lockdown, but will also inform health promotion campaigns that aim to help all Western Australians better cope physically and mentally in the event of any future lockdown periods.
By completing the survey, participants will be contributing to a broad database of answers that will allow researchers to answer three key questions:
- What changes in nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown?
- Why did these changes occur and what was the impact on mental well-being and Quality of Life?
- Did the social and economic impact of the lockdown affect mental well-being and Quality of Life?
While it is uncertain whether WA will re-enter lockdown, to put ourselves in the best possible position for any eventuality it is vital that we can understand not only how we ourselves were affected, but also the rest of our community.
The survey is open now and can be accessed by visiting this link.
If you have any questions about this study and the survey, please contact Professor Jim Codde at IHR@nd.edu.au.