Abstract:
Background: Though quarantine is a pertinent control measure for the spread of COVID-19, it is equally important
to consider its negative impacts, as it causes severe psychological, emotional, and financial problems not only for
those who are quarantined but also for many others who are directly or indirectly connected to those who are
quarantined. There appears to be a need to synthesise the available literature evidence on the psychological
impact of quarantine experience, especially the multilevel risk factors that make individuals vulnerable to psy-
chological impact and the protective factors to deal with the negative effects of quarantine.
Objective: This systematic review attempted to identify the various psychological impacts associated with the
experience of quarantine, the risk and protective factors and list out various psycho-social interventions that can
minimise the risks and facilitate the protective factors associated with the experience of quarantine.
Methods: A systematic search adhering to the PRISMA guidelines was performed in four databases PubMed,
Scopus, PsycNet, Web of Science and 10518 articles related to COVID-19 and quarantine were obtained. After
screening processes and quality assessment using standard checklist 74 articles that fulfilled the eligibility criteria
were chosen for the final review.
Findings: Individuals subjected to quarantine had anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, sleep
problems, and somatic difficulties. Some of the key risk factors during quarantine are young age, female gender,
low money, fear of infection, poor sleep quality, reduced physical activity, increased sedentary behaviours, and a
lack of social support. Financial difficulties and stigma remained risk factors even after the quarantine period had
ended. Key protective factors were coping skills, home based exercise, leisure, recreational activities, maintaining
relationships using social media and availability of mental health services. The findings also highlight the ne-
cessity for tele mental health interventions to address the psychological effects of quarantine.
Conclusion: Multilevel interventions are required to minimise the impact of risk factors and enhance protective
factors.