Impacts on behavior and mental health of vulnerable groups at the time of coping with the COVID-19 infection: narrative review

Abstract

Objective: To carry out a narrative review of the repercussions on the behavior and mental health of the vulnerable population and on the measures adopted to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Bibliographic review: Due to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental consequences are increasingly reported. Suspects, infected, essential service professionals, those who live alone, institutions such as nursing homes, prisons, immigration detention centers, the elderly, people with mental illness, immunocompromised and homeless people, are more prone to damage to physical health and mental. The intensification of feelings such as fear, anger, stress, insecurity, and frustration are associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders. In order to minimize these feelings, it is important that the media transmit real news about facing the pandemic and that leisure programs and online religious services are identified, as they emphasize positive emotions. Final considerations: The repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic are compared to natural disasters and wars, due to the fear of falling ill, being unemployed, helpless, being stigmatized in the event of becoming infected and the fear of dying. The feeling of uncertainty about the economic and educational future also has implications for mental health. Social, educational, economic strategies must be implemented to minimize the damage caused by COVID-19.