The epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which began in Wuhan city in December 2019, quickly spread to various countries around the world. The first case in New York State was confirmed on March 1; three weeks later (on March 22, 8 p.m.) the entire population was sheltered in place (SIP). By March 27, the USA had already become the first country in the world for the number of infections. 56% of known domestic cases were confined to New York State.

The study aims to evaluate the immediate psychological effects on sheltered in place persons aged between 18 and 70 years old and living in New York State (USA).

This study is based on a cross-sectional online survey conducted anonymously in the period between the tenth and twenty-third day of SIP. Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale (ZAS scale), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS4) were used to evaluate anxiety, insomnia and stress respectively.

We collected data on 354 individuals (189 females, 34.9 years). MANOVA evidenced that anxiety was significantly related to marital status (higher for divorced/widow participants as compared to married/civil partnership and single), it decreased significantly with age, it was higher for females and for persons having an history of psychiatric disorders and sleeping problems.

Our results could be used as a “psychological baseline” meanwhile the outbreak of COVID-19 is still ongoing. Despite the few days of shelter in place, we found the presence of a significant incidence and pervasive prevalence of psychological distress.

No significant relationships.

The epidemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which began in Wuhan city in December 2019, quickly spread to various countries around the world. On march Italy had already become the second country after China in terms of number of infections and deaths and Emilia Romagna was the second region in Italy by number of cases after Lombardy. On 11th of March 2020 through the “Stay at home” decree, the entire nation was sheltered-in-place (SIP).

Main objective is to understand immediate psychological effects on sheltered in place persons living in Emilia Romagna.

This study is based on a cross-sectional online survey conducted anonymously in the period between the tenth and seventeenth day of SIP. We used Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale, Insomnia Severity Index and Perceived Stress Scale 4. SPSS 21.0 was used for data analysis.

We collected data on 651 individuals. About 38% of the sample reported having sleep problems; 31% of the population has a minimal-moderate level of anxiety while 4% marked-severe; finally, 54% of the interviewees perceive a moderate level of stress while 31% high. The MANOVAs showed that anxiety is influenced by gender, age, level of education and occupational status. Greater levels of stress are shown by individuals who declared the fear of contracting the virus and the concern of financial loss.

Our results could be used as a “psychological baseline” meanwhile the outbreak of COVID-19 is still ongoing. Despite the few days of SIP, we found the presence of a significant incidence and pervasive prevalence of psychological distress.

Radiological terror presents a real threat, but little is known about how low-income, urban African Americans may respond to such threats. The aim of this study was to understand the unique challenges of this group and to explore their knowledge of what a “dirty bomb” is, their intended behaviors should one occur, and their barriers to complying with “shelter in place” recommendations.

Thirty-seven 18-65-year-olds who were users of community centers in disadvantaged areas participated in 3 focus groups in Philadelphia. Results were analyzed by using the Krueger method of analyzing narrative text.

The responses highlighted little knowledge or concern about a dirty bomb. Lack of trust in local authorities was expressed, with participants indicating that they did not feel their needs were addressed. While shelter in place was understood, most said they would still check on family or talk with others to get the “whole truth” because the most trusted information sources were neighbors and community leaders.

Our results indicate that a risk communication intervention for urban minorities may support desirable behaviors in the event of a dirty bomb, but successful communication will require establishing a local leader as a spokesperson to convince people of the importance of sheltering in place.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;0:1-10)