Work

Indirect impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health and wellbeing: a narrative review.

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on global health, notably affecting patients with non-COVID-19 conditions, who faced substantial disruptions in their treatment and care. The aim of this narrative review was to identify the main indicators used in literature to evaluate the indirect impact of COVID-19 on health and wellbeing. METHOD: A literature search was conducted using PubMed from January 2021 to November 2022. The indicators were categorized into five main groups: burden of disease (BoD), life expectancy (LE), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cost of illness and mental health status and were retrieved from 20 scientific articles. RESULTS: Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) revealed substantial health losses; a decrease in LE was observed, with inequalities across population subgroups; HRQoL showed impairments in physical functioning, daily activities and emotional well-being; productivity losses were economically relevant and varied by context and elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression were reported. DISCUSSION: The compiled indicators may contribute to the development of sustainable pandemic mitigation policies.

Source: Annali dell Istituto Superiore di Sanità

DOI: 10.4415/ann_26_01_08