Nearly four in 10 people (38%) are worried about their finances – up from 32% in January and the highest since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. About 33% are concerned about the transmission of COVID-19 – up from 40% in January. The survey comes from the COVID-19 Social Study at University College London, which is based on the views of 28,495 people between March 21 and March 27 in the United Kingdom. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:14 “I take the bus to warm up” The researchers also found that just 56% of people felt in control of their finances in March, compared with 63% in October, with working-age adults twice as likely as adults to worry. About 49% said they felt in control of their mental health, compared with 54% six months ago, with the number of people reporting anxiety and depression at their highest level in 11 months. “New psychological stressors” Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health said: . “But it is also noteworthy that in recent months there has been a cost-of-life crisis. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:57 The free trials end on the day of the COVID outbreak “Concerns about money have grown, with people now worrying more about finances than about COVID-19. “This suggests that new psychological stressors are becoming dominant for individuals.” Dr Fankour said the significant reduction in concern about HIV infection comes at the same time as the reduction in the number of people following the advice to wear face masks, social distance and take COVID tests. “Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the number of COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths remains equivalent or higher than in January 2022, which means that the overall situation remains unchanged despite the change of attitude.” The study is funded by the Nuffield Foundation, UK Research and Innovation and Wellcome.
