Almost half of Canadians with long-term conditions and disabilities are reporting that their general health is worse now than before the COVID-19 pandemic started.
Statistics Canada reported 48 per cent of Canadians surveyed said the pandemic is taking a toll on their physical health and 57 per cent said it's deteriorating their mental health. The survey showed over three-quarters (77%) of participants who needed at least one therapy or service for their condition did not receive it because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Some of the most commonly reported unmet needs were related to regular medical or dental treatments or appointments for issues unrelated to COVID-19 (51%) and physiotherapy, massage therapy, or chiropractic treatments (37%). The report also showed that almost one in 10 participants (8%) reported that they required testing or medical attention for COVID-19 but were unable to receive it because of their condition.
Results also showed that more than half of participants with long-term conditions and disabilities whose household income decreased struggled to meet their financial obligations or essential needs, such as buying food and groceries and personal protective equipment.
"The pandemic has sparked increased demand for personal protective equipment, and many participants experienced difficulties obtaining some, such as hand sanitizer or face masks," read the report.
Female participants (60%) were also more likely than male participants (56%) to report they were unable to meet their financial obligations and essential needs.
The survey was conducted from June 23 to July 6, 2020 and asked a series of questions from employment status to health and economic circumstances during the pandemic. A recent study found that challenges related to COVID-19, such as following physical distancing measures, losing a job or caring for family members, can lead to an increase in loneliness, stress and anxiety. The study also found that the pandemic can have a greater impact on vulnerable groups, particularly on their mental health.
