In the third week of lockdown:

• Respondents believe they are well-informed about and effectively implementing protective measures (physical distancing and preventive measures), but:

  • they are unable to spontaneously name the four main recommended preventive measures,

  • they do not follow the recommended steps for handwashing,

  • they may doubt their effectiveness,

  • measures for isolating a person with COVID-19 within the household do not appear to be known.

• Respondents do not express major resistance to adopting preventive measures, but they doubt the effectiveness and feasibility of maintaining a 1-meter distance between individuals in public spaces, particularly in cramped public areas.

• The vast majority of participants spontaneously report washing their hands approximately every hour and systematically after leaving their home. However, they wash their hands for an average of 15 seconds, compared to the recommended 30 seconds, often forget to scrub their fingertips and wrists, and systematically turn off the faucet with one of their washed hands, without having cleaned it first.

In the 5th week of lockdown:

• Respondents seem to be aware that the lifting of lockdown measures will not mean a return to normal and that it must be accompanied by continued adherence to preventive measures, as the epidemic will not yet be over.

• The requirement to wear a mask in certain circumstances starting May 11 is seen as a necessary and effective measure to protect oneself and others from the virus. Respondents indicate they already wear a mask whenever possible, particularly in public places where people are in close proximity (stores and public transportation).

• The inconveniences (physical discomfort, changes in habits, etc.) caused by wearing a mask are cited as the main factors likely to limit public compliance with the measure. The short duration of the mask’s effectiveness, as well as potential supply difficulties, are also cited as obstacles to the widespread adoption of the measure among the population.

In the 6th week of lockdown and after 3 weeks of widespread exposure to various informational messages:

• No significant improvement in handwashing practices has been observed, even among those who received the poster on the steps of handwashing.

• The recommended duration of handwashing remains the guideline that is least known and least followed.

In the 8^th and final week of lockdown:

• At the prospect of returning to work, all “active” respondents stated that they would follow preventive measures on public transportation and at their workplace.

• “Active” workers trust their employers to implement protective measures at their workplace.

• Many associate returning to work with an increased risk of exposure to the virus, particularly on public transportation; as a result, several participants plan to employ certain avoidance strategies to reduce their use of public transportation.

Changes in Perceptions and Practices Regarding Preventive Measures (July 2020)

Week 6 of Lockdown - Findings from the study panel on the isolation of people who have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient:

• Very strong and spontaneous support for the principle of isolating people who are sick or at risk of becoming sick, viewed as a logical and effective measure to limit the spread of the virus.

• If they are personally affected, they express reservations, mainly related to the psychological and economic consequences of another round of isolation, given that significant sacrifices have already been made during the lockdown.

• They are highly skeptical about the feasibility of contact tracing and sometimes express concerns regarding their ability to maintain their freedom; for

  • this isolation measure to be acceptable, they believe that: all other measures to combat the epidemic must be strengthened (wearing masks, testing…),

  • contact tracing participants have rapid access to testing so they are not isolated longer than necessary,

  • in the event of hotel isolation, the room must be comfortable, contact with loved ones must be possible, and accommodation costs must be covered.

First week of reopening - Feedback from the study panel regarding two information sheets on guidelines during isolation, intended for people diagnosed with COVID-19 (sheet 11) or close contacts (sheet ²²)

• Most respondents found these fact sheets dense and lengthy. They said they were already familiar with most of the information they contained, but their feedback was generally positive.

• The density of information is considered reassuring.

• The fact sheets are viewed as a “reference” document to consult if they become a close contact or if they become ill.

• The comprehensive format, coming from a public entity, is appreciated, especially given the abundance of information—which is sometimes contradictory and comes from various sources of varying reliability.

• Respondents generally seek official communications that reassure them and allow them to feel properly informed and prepared in the face of this period of uncertainty and, at times, mistrust.

• Areas for improvement or questions are emerging:

  • some guidelines seem difficult to follow, particularly isolating oneself when living with others under the same roof, or not sharing toilets or a bathroom,

  • others are not specific enough and raise questions: “How should bleach be diluted to disinfect surfaces?”, “Why wait 24 hours before throwing out your trash bag?” etc. Respondents do not fully understand the concept of the “incubation period” or the conditions under which test results are valid, which makes it harder to grasp the isolation periods—which can range from 8 to 14 days—or the need to retake a test.

¹ Sheet 1: Information for people diagnosed with the disease

² Sheet 2: Information for contacts

Compliance with Isolation Measures for COVID-19 Patients and Close Contacts (December 2020)

In the third week of lockdown:

• Implementation of various strategies to cope with the lockdown and manage the stress it causes as effectively as possible.

• Having to go grocery shopping is perceived as a particularly anxiety-inducing experience.

• While generally accepted during the first three weeks, the lockdown situation seems to have caused anxiety once it was extended.

• The presidential announcements on April 13, 2020, also led to low spirits and a feeling of the “blues.”

In the 4th week of lockdown:

• A majority of respondents reported experiencing negative physical symptoms (weight gain, pain, sleep problems, etc.) and psychological symptoms (anxiety, irritability, sadness) linked to the stress of the exceptional health situation and the changes in routines imposed by lockdown.

• The impact of lockdown on individuals’ mental and physical health is socially marked:

  • the minority of people stating they are “doing very well” are older and more likely to be male than other respondents and have access to outdoor space. The lockdown situation appears to have caused relatively little change in these individuals’ daily lives,

  • the majority of people reporting that they are “doing fairly well”—but who are weary and prone to anxiety—are predominantly men under 50, those with a relatively stable socioeconomic status, and those without access to outdoor space. This group primarily experiences negative emotional changes due to the lockdown,

  • the minority of people describing themselves as “impacted” is more female than the rest of the respondents and lacks outdoor space. They are primarily residents of the Paris region belonging to a lower socioeconomic class. Among those who were working before the lockdown began, many have lost their jobs.

In the 5th week of lockdown: concerns regarding the lifting of restrictions (fear of a second wave of the epidemic or anxiety about children returning to school) have become a major source of anxiety.

In the 7th week of lockdown: participants’ assessment of their perceived health remains fairly mixed. The three subgroups identified during the 4th week of lockdown emerge again. However, the group of “those affected” reporting that they are doing rather poorly consists of a larger number of respondents.

In the ^first week of reopening:

• Participants’ average mood score increased significantly compared to previous surveys conducted during lockdown.

• The gradual return to normal life, with the resumption of work (whether remote or on-site) and social life, is described positively by participants, who report a sense of regained freedom.

• Fears or anxieties regarding the economic situation in France or the pandemic remain a cause for concern

• A minority of respondents report continuing to self-isolate (in a less strict manner) out of fear of the virus.

• A certain weariness regarding the various communications related to COVID-19 is evident.

• The COVID-19 pandemic and the various phases of lockdown and reopening have had an impact on people’s lifestyles, including their use of psychoactive substances.

• Internet users participating in the ViQuoP qualitative study were surveyed twice about their use of psychoactive substances (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis): during the fourth week of lockdown (April 7–8, 2020) and two weeks after the start of reopening (May 20–25). During lockdown, they reported two types of behavior: a strategy to control consumption for some, and a more or less uncontrolled increase for others. The constraints, stress, and boredom associated with the situation both limited and encouraged consumption. Continued adherence to safety measures at the start of the easing of lockdown restricted consumption for some, while others celebrated the end of confinement by consuming alcohol and tobacco. After the first few days of reopening, participants whose consumption patterns had changed during lockdown most often described a return to their pre-lockdown habits as they partially resumed their normal lifestyles.

• The smokers surveyed had heard about the scientific debate regarding tobacco’s potential protective effect against COVID-19 as reported by the media, but they received this information with caution and a critical eye. They thus expressed a sense that they were at higher risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19.

• Participants considered it appropriate to resume non-COVID prevention campaigns (e.g., healthier eating, reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking). Opinions were fairly divided regarding the need to contextualize the content of these communication campaigns (by including information on preventive measures and physical distancing). There were some fairly strong positions in favor of this contextualization option (for the sake of consistency in public discourse) as well as against it (saturation with COVID-19 messages). However, a preference for campaigns that at least briefly mention the context of the COVID-19 pandemic remained the majority view.

Trends in tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use, and acceptance of non-COVID-19 prevention campaigns (November 2020)

Time spent sitting during lockdown

For the majority of respondents, lockdown increased the amount of time spent sitting: for some, working from home eliminated certain trips (to work, to the coffee machine, to the cafeteria, etc.); for others, the total or partial halt of professional activity increased free time frequently spent on sedentary activities, particularly time spent in front of screens.

Trying to break up the time spent sitting does not seem to be a concern for the majority of respondents. Some of the older respondents, however, made a point of interspersing their sitting time with activities performed while standing, whereas this was not at all the case among younger people.

Spontaneously, people tended to mention their feelings regarding reduced activity, whether physical or related to having little to do during the day. Some feelings related to time spent sitting were also mentioned.

Physical Activity and Lockdown

Assessment of physical activity after 46 days of lockdown (April 30)

• Nearly all respondents made the same observation: lockdown measures hindered their ability to engage in their usual physical activity or activities.

• The impact of lockdown on physical activity varies: some have seen their physical activity decrease significantly, while others have implemented strategies to stay active.

• The majority of respondents reported a decrease, or even a complete halt, in their physical activity.

• However, some participants reported maintaining or even increasing their physical activity.

• They thus adopted two types of activities:

  • new at-home sports activities

  • running or long walks (about 1 hour).

• Respondents spontaneously reported engaging in physical activities to improve their psychological well-being. According to them, these activities contribute to: reduced stress, improved sleep and mood, enhanced self-esteem, and a break from monotony.

• Improving physical fitness is also a stated goal, varying by age and gender. For women, maintaining or losing weight is mentioned more frequently; for older adults, the focus is on maintaining their health.

Diet During and After Lockdown

From the start of lockdown, food seemed to take center stage in households:

• meals set the rhythm of the day;

• more time was spent on meals and their preparation;

• food shopping was the main, if not the only, reason to go out.

In this context, food could be synonymous with pleasure, but also with stress, anxiety, and frustration.

• Pleasure because people cooked more, which satisfied their palates and allowed them to spend time with loved ones; cooking also provided a sense of accomplishment, and thus a certain pride, and the feeling of taking care of oneself by eating healthier than usual.

• Stress and anxiety because:

  • we had to plan and cook every meal of the day (this applied mainly to women);

  • snacking became a habit, which could lead to weight gain;

  • going grocery shopping exposed people to the risk of infection;

  • outings were therefore limited (more home-cooked meals, use of drive-thru services, and local shops).

• Frustration and worry among those with lower incomes, who sometimes went without certain products perceived as more expensive than usual (fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and fish).

• About a month after the lockdown was lifted, a positive and lasting effect of the lockdown on eating habits was observed. The lockdown seems to have prompted people to:

  • rethink their eating habits and reduce the frequency of grocery shopping. This appears to have led them to adopt a more thoughtful approach to their diet and, consequently, encouraged them to maintain the healthy habits adopted during lockdown;

  • discover new recipes and, more broadly, embrace home cooking, a trend that helped improve people’s culinary skills. These skills were particularly evident among those who continued to cook frequently and were consequently less inclined to buy processed foods;

  • seeking out local, fresh, and seasonal products, a practice that has persisted out of a desire to support French producers and/or maintain healthy eating habits.

• Furthermore, the bad habits formed during lockdown—such as “comfort” eating (fatty and sugary foods) and increased snacking among young people—have largely disappeared. Additionally, the anxiety caused by the pressure of having to prepare meals for the entire household and rising prices was rarely mentioned this time around.

• However, the lifting of lockdown restrictions has reintroduced certain habits that may hinder the maintenance of the new, healthy practices acquired during lockdown

Changes in Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Time Spent Sitting (November 2020)