Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 restrictive measures Cape Verdean residents: A population-based cross-sectional study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31211/rpics.2025.11.2.318Keywords:
Cape Verde, COVID-19, Mental health, Restrictive measures, Psychosocial impactAbstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has affected mental health and socioeconomic conditions worldwide, yet evidence from African island states such as Cape Verde remains limited. Aim: To characterize the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and associated restrictive measures on the population residing in Cape Verde. Method: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 3,520 residents of Cape Verde aged ≥ 12 years. A structured questionnaire, adapted to the target population, assessed mental health and well-being, life changes, social support, access to health care and protective resources, and concerns regarding reopening and the future. Frequencies and weighted proportions were calculated for psychosocial indicators. Results: Approximately half of respondents reported being able to balance work and family life and to maintain daily routines; most reported having at least one trusted person, continuing to access public-sector health care, and having protective materials available. Only a minority indicated having easy access to psychological helplines, psychological care, or home-based health care. High levels of concern were observed regarding the sufficiency of measures, increased risk for vulnerable groups, income loss, and a potential severe economic crisis, alongside a positive evaluation of some alternative work arrangements) and substantial levels of optimism about the future. Conclusions: Residents of Cape Verde demonstrated the capacity to adapt to public health measures, although psychosocial vulnerability persists, particularly related to economic insecurity and the protection of vulnerable groups.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Maria da Luz Lima Mendonça, Jaclin Freire, Janice de Jesus Soares , Ana Moniz , Odete Mota, Edith Pereira, Aristides da Luz , Maria de Fátima Carvalho-Alves, Edna Duarte Lopes
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