Daily routine and habits during COVID-19 lockdown in Italy: An observational survey

Abstract

Introduction:

Between March–May 2020, the Italian Government applied restrictive measures to reduce the risk of contagion, fostering a potential condition of occupational deprivation.

Methods:

A digital survey was administered in June 2020 including closed and open questions. The goal was to report how the first Italian lockdown affected daily routine.

Results:

648 surveys were valid. Most respondents were workers and spent lockdown at home. Before quarantine, the most representative occupations were working and housekeeping; the significant ones were working and meeting friends/relatives. Wellbeing meant meeting friends/relatives and hobbies/interests. During lockdown, respondents dedicated themselves to housekeeping and working; meaningful occupations were working and cooking. All data was stratified according to age and perceived wellbeing; open questions were categorized by the researchers.

Discussion:

A daily routine in compliance with lockdown restrictions required a change in habits. Time was used for occupations not strictly contentful; finance and work gained significance. It is to hypothesize that the idea of wellbeing was deeply altered.

Conclusions:

The study focuses on a slice of everyday life in times of emergency, it highlights people adaptability and their experiences according to age and future plans. Occupational justice emerges as a strong topic: the environment influences wellbeing, habits, and self-perception.