The Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown Restrictions on Attention and Activities of Daily Living in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland resulted in a nationwide lockdown on March 27, 2020. Previous studies have focused on the mental health issues surrounding lockdown in Ireland, but this study examines how the restrictions impacted attention levels across gender, work status, and age. We also investigated whether this impact translates into deficits in daily activities, such as driving and navigation. Self-report data were collected online from a healthy Irish sample (N= 178) between May 2020 and February 2021. Younger adults, particularly females, reported higher impact on attention, navigation and driving skills. Those working from home had difficulty focusing on work. Driving and navigation impacts were strongly associated with impact on attention. Impacts on daily activities were not universally felt and depended on work status and location, but not exercise rates. Screening for certain cognitive deficits may provide a greater understanding of the mental health issues faced in Ireland and abroad during the pandemic.