According to Researchers, Recurrent COVID-19 Disease Increases Attention Span

09:12, April 22, 2024

A university student with her Italian and Iranian colleagues discovered the correlation

People who have had COVID-19 several times "turn on" an adaptive mechanism for coping with stress that enhances attention rather than detrimental effects on mental health. Sofya Kireeva, a student of UrFU GSEM, with colleagues from Italy (University of Padua) and Iran (Isfahan University of Technology; Payam Noor University), reached this conclusion. They published the results of a questionnaire of students from Russia and Iran in a Research Square preprint.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the human predisposition to mental health problems, as exposure to isolation and stressors has significantly impacted our lives. Realizing that is crucial, as creating a healthy society is impossible without understanding the limitations, threats, and challenges people face," believes Sofia Kireeva. "Findings from studying the impact of the pandemic on mental health and multifaceted behaviors have important implications for informing policy, interventions, and the overall well-being of individuals and communities. We can work towards a more supportive and stable society by recognizing our vulnerabilities and the nuances of human behavior."

The study included two parts: the study of the effect of initial and repeated COVID-19 disease on negative effects (depression, anxiety, stress) and the study of attention control among students. In the first phase, it was possible to find out that after getting sick for the first time, people experienced anxiety, and stress, but did not lose control over attention. The second phase showed that repeated illness worsened mental health outcomes but improved attention.

"Overall, both initial and recurrent diagnoses have a serious impact on psychological well-being, leading to cumulative mental health consequences. It leads to the fact that paying attention to one's mental well-being is crucial. However, the study showed that a resilience of attention, an adaptive response to overcome difficulties, appears with recurrent illness," says Sofia Kireeva.

Mental health and behavior are two interrelated aspects. The student suggests that this connection is important for scientists tohave a better ubderstanding of the problems associated with the pandemic.

"As a business informatics student, these topics are of particular importance to me. In the age of technology, understanding human behavior and interpreting data from behavioral tests and questionnaires can provide a better understanding of business applications and the use of technology. The study of human behavior can provide valuable information that will determine the future of technology in various business areas," explains Sofia Kireeva.

Anna Marinovich

The news article was translated by UrFU International Marketing Office.
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