Impact of COVID-19 ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING PRIORITIES IN BANYULE - Jo van Dort - Banyule City Council
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Impact of COVID-19
ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING PRIORITIES IN BANYULE
Jo van Dort
HEALTH PLANNER | COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL PLANNINGContents
Background................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Social Determinants and Health Priority Areas .................................................................................................. 2
Data Integrity ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Employment/Unemployment ................................................................................................................................... 3
Financial Stress ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Mental Wellbeing ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
COVID-19................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Life Satisfaction ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
Job Loss and Job Insecurity .................................................................................................................................. 4
Psychological Distress ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Anxiety and Depression: ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Youth Mental Health: ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Social Isolation: ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
Healthy Eating .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Physical Activity ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
Alcohol .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Tobacco ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Illicit Drugs ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Gambling ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Family Violence............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Gender .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Specific Population Groups ...................................................................................................................................... 8
References .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications Last Amended: 25/06/2020 Page 1 of 10Background
The first case of COVID-19 was recorded in Australia on January 25, 2020. Whilst the number of
cases grew rapidly in Australia, number of infections have remained relatively low when compared
with other countries such as England, Canada, and the US. In Victoria the peak occurred from mid-
March to mid-April and during this time Banyule had the second highest number of recorded cases
of COVID-19 in Victoria. Public health measures that were undertaken in Australia and Victoria
included self-isolation of returned travellers and people who had contact of those diagnosed with
COVID-19, quarantine of people who were diagnosed with COVID-19, enforced social distancing,
closure of schools, people working from home where able to, and closure of national and state
borders. Both COVID-19 and the public health measures undertaken have had an impact on the
social determinants of health and wellbeing, and Health and Wellbeing priority areas identified in the
Banyule Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Whilst limited data is available at this point in
time, this report highlights some of the impacts that are being seen, and determinants that need to
be considered in the development of the 2021-2025 Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. It
also needs to be noted that as social distance rules have begun to relax in Victoria, the number of
new COVID-19 cases per day are increasing.
Social Determinants and Health Priority Areas
The current Health Priority Areas in the Banyule Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan include:
˃ Healthy Eating
˃ Physical Activity
˃ Mental Wellbeing
˃ Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs
˃ SunSmart (not included in this review)
Social determinants that are also examined in this report include employment, financial security, and
gender. Participation in gambling was also explored.
Data Integrity
The data in this report has been taken from available Australian University research, ABS Surveys,
peak health bodies and some commercial sources. Anecdotal information from local service
providers and Council Officers has also been included. It also needs to be acknowledged that
restrictions and the environment has changed rapidly and dramatically from February to June. This
means that data has changed as government restrictions were introduced and eased, therefore the
data was relevant for that specific time but may not have sustained impact throughout the duration
of the COVID-19 lockdown period. Most data was collected at a National level, so therefore
assumptions can only be made for results being comparable/relevant for the Banyule community.
New data is also rapidly being released and may supersede the findings of this report.
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications Last Amended: 25/06/2020 Page 2 of 10Employment/Unemployment
˃ Employment has decreased by 3% from February to May, and unemployment has increased by
3%1,2,3
˃ Sectors greatest affected by COVID-19 job losses include retail, hospitality and recreation
(ABS)4.
˃ In early April 26% of people who had a job were working less hours than usual, and 13% were
working more hours than usual1.
˃ In May 22% of adults with children in their household changed their working hours to care for
children kept at home, whilst 38% were working from home2.
˃ Declines in employment are largest for those aged 18-24 years and there was also a relatively
large fall in employment amongst those aged 65 years and older3.
˃ Across Banyule, 13.9% of people who work are employed in the retail, accommodation and
food services, and a further 2.2% are employed in arts and recreation services5.
˃ Modelling by the Centre of Full Employment and Equity at the University of Newcastle suggests
that Bundoora is at Medium-High risk of job loss vulnerability due to national economy
contracts6. This is due to :
- Older population relative to the Victorian average
- Education levels below state average
- Individual and family incomes are less than the state average
- Monthly mortgage repayments are higher than state median repayments
- Work force more likely to be employed part-time
- More underemployment
- 17% of people are employed in retail, accommodation and food industries.
˃ Suburbs at medium-low risk of job loss include Ivanhoe East, Eaglemont, Montmorency, Briar
Hill, Viewbank, Yallambie, Watsonia, Eltham, Greensborough, and Heidelberg West6.
˃ Women are at greater risk of having their job affected as they are employed in greater numbers
in part-time work (51% vs 22% of men), and part-time jobs are being affected in greater
numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic5.
Financial Stress
˃ One third of Australians reported worsened household finances throughout April due to
COVID-193.
˃ This dropped to 21% at the start of May but rose to 28% by end of May7. Up to 40% of workers
in Accommodation, Food, Recreation and Retail services reported financial stress.
˃ In June, financial stress fell to 18%. Falls were greatest in retail (35% to 19%) and
accommodation, food and recreation services (38% to 19%)8. This reflected the easing of
physical distancing restrictions.
˃ Average uptake of JobSeeker payments was 28% of all unemployed people. 26% of unemployed
due to COVID-19 received JobSeeker payments whilst 38% of unemployed due to other causes
received JobSeeker payments9.
˃ Financial stress has not affected the whole population equally – those in the lowest income
decile experienced a 33% decrease in income, those in the middle deciles experienced little
change in income, and those in the heist income decile experienced a 20% decrease in income3.
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 3 of 10˃ Emergency relief – there was increased demand for food relief centres established as direct
result of COVID-19 (eg. Empower Australia - Planet Shakers increased from 25 – 40 food
parcels per week (early April) and Delivered Meals Banyule had 20% increase over March. This
may not have been an actual increase in demand but a shift in demand as many services stopped
in March/early April due to lack of volunteers/physical distancing rules.
˃ Only 1 referral from the COVID-19 hotline for accommodation assistance.
˃ Banyule Community Health have reported increased referrals in number of people with no
income, such as Asylum seekers, job loss not eligible for job keeper/seeker, international
students. Needs are more than food relief, also require financial support for rent, and transport.
Complicated cases eg. pregnancy, sudden removal from SRSS payments.
˃ Service providers are expecting an increase in demand once job seeker/keeper finish.
Mental Wellbeing
There have been numerous studies commissioned to measure the mental health impacts of COVID-
19 on the community. Hypothesised causes of poorer mental health include financial stress,
employment insecurity, risks and implications of contracting COVID-19, social distancing, stress of
working from home and supporting children to learn from home and family violence.
COVID-19
Two thirds of Australians felt ‘anxious or worried for the safety of self, close family
members or friends’ due to COVID-193.
Nearly 40% thought it was very likely or likely they would be infected3.
Life Satisfaction
Life satisfaction declined since from 6.9 to 6.5 (out of 10) since January 20203.
Proportion of Australian population experiencing psychological distress levels consistent
with having ‘probably serious mental illness’ increased from 8.4% in February 2017 to 10.6%
in April 20203.
Job Loss and Job Insecurity
Job insecurity caused mental distress, with one quarter of people employed believing that
there was a 50% chance they would lose their job over the next 12 months due to the
pandemic, and they were concerned that they would not find a job as good as their current
one10.
35% of people who had lost their job reported severe psychological distress10.
28% of people who were working less reported severe psychological distress10.
Psychological Distress
31% of the population were reporting severe psychological distress. It was higher for people
who had lost their job10.
Those who had significantly greater odds of high psychological distress were young, female,
had lost their job and had lower social interactions10.
Increase in mental health referrals at Banyule Community Health11.
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 4 of 10 Decrease in referrals to psychological support and suicide prevention programs at beginning
of May12– doesn’t necessarily reflect need, but perhaps shifting in services to tele/online
consultations and reluctance of uptake of this method of support.
Anxiety and Depression:
From last week of March to third week of April 20% of Australians felt depressed of anxious
‘most’ to ‘all’ of the time. 50% responded ‘a little’ to ‘none’13-15.
From last week of April through to June 15% reported feeling depressed or anxious16,7.
Youth Mental Health:
Increased request for support from young people, parents and schools around general
wellbeing, support and referrals11,12,17.
Increased levels of stress/anxiety by young people already engaged in seeking help11,12,17.
Reports are showing that young people are increasingly engaged in learning from home11,12,17.
Steep increase in young people presenting with serious mental health issues including suicidal
ideation and attempts11,12,17.
Social Isolation:
Social isolation was a key issue for clients of the YPRL11-12.
U3A reported social isolation causing significant issues amongst members, including 1 suicide
in May11.
Healthy Eating
˃ Youth team experiencing escalation in support for food security11,12,17.
˃ 20% increase in delivered meals service11.
˃ Aboriginal Food Share program delivering approximately 50 food parcels per week11.
˃ 35% increase in binge eating in the general population, 26% increase in food restriction18. Food
restriction has occurred at greater rates for those who have a history of eating disorders and
anorexia nervosa.
˃ 22% are eating more snack foods such as chips, lollies and biscuits22.
˃ 29% reported less frequent consumption of takeaway or delivered meals, whilst 38% spent
more time cooking or baking22.
Physical Activity
˃ 43% decrease in exercise18.
˃ Less physical activity being undertaken by children across international study of 15 countries
during lockdown. Concern as less than 10% of children meeting guidelines prior to COVID-19
lockdowns and physical activity is important for mental wellbeing, sleep, vitamin-D absorption,
reducing respiratory infections19. It is not clear if Australia was included in the study.
˃ Victorians have spent less time in places where they participate in physical activity such as public
transport, parks, and recreation locations, and more time at home, which may indicate a
decrease in physical activity20.
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 5 of 10˃ 58% of people reported spending more time in front of their television, computer, phone or
other device22.
Alcohol
˃ Initial increase in purchasing alcohol when Stage 3 restriction announced – 20% increase in
alcohol sales compared to same week in 2019. Since then, weekly alcohol sales have been lower
than 2019 levels, suggesting the surge was caused by stockpiling21.
˃ There has been an increase in alcohol consumption between 14-20%, but also a 10-27%
decrease. Almost 47% of people reported no change in their consumption21-22. Women were
more likely to increase their alcohol consumption.
˃ Top reason for drinking was because spending more time at home. Second answer for men was
because of boredom, but for women it was because of increased stress21.
˃ Males with bad self-reported health in February were far more likely to report that their
alcohol consumption increased21.
˃ Males who live in relatively disadvantaged areas less likely to report an increase in alcohol
consumption than those in more advantaged areas21.
˃ Having a child-caring role was a strong predictor of an increase in alcohol consumption for
females, loss of job or decline in hours work strong predictor for increase in alcohol
consumption for men. Psychological distress was associated with higher self-reported increases
in alcohol consumption since spread of covid-1921.
˃ FARE study23 found in those who had increased alcohol purchase in late March/early April:
- 70% reported drinking more than usual since outbreak
- 32% are concerned with amount they are drinking or someone in their household is
drinking
- 34% now drinking every day
- 28% drinking to cope with anxiety and stress
- 28% drinking on their own more often
- 24% started drinking alcohol and ended up drinking more than they thought they would
have
- 20% began drinking earlier in the day
Tobacco
˃ One study has shown that smoking hasn’t increased, although 3.8% of ex-smokers started
smoking again and 1% of never smoked started smoking21.
Illicit Drugs
˃ One study has shown a 17.6% increased consumption of illicit drugs and a 25.7% decrease in
consumption. There is some correlation between increased alcohol consumption and illicit drug
consumption21.
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 6 of 10Gambling
˃ There was an initial 67% increase in online gambling expenditure in initial lockdown stages24. It is
not known if this level of activity has been sustained.
˃ As gambling venues have begun to reopen, data has shown:
- New Zealand: Casinos were restricted to VIP members-only, so those who spent the most
money and within 18 days polies losses were 80% of normal trading which confirms that a
small percentage of frequent gamblers account for a high proportion of losses. Restriction
on numbers meant gamblers had wider choice of machines, no-one sitting next to them
which created a more enjoyable experience, and they tended to stay longer and lose more
than previously25.
- NSW: after one week of poker machine venues reopening, losses have increased well above
pre-pandemic levels, even though only 60% of machines are operational26.
Family Violence
˃ 94% increase in calls to men’s referral service on the day Stage 3 restrictions were announced27.
˃ 43% increase in people ‘googling’ domestic abuse support in Australia during the COVID-19
pandemic27.
˃ Monash Uni research with 166 Family Violence practitioners in May 202028 found that:
- 59% practitioners said the frequency of violence against women increased
- 50% said severity of violence increased
- 42% reported new victims coming forward
- Perpetrators are inflicting new violence and control in this pandemic.
˃ Increase in family violence referrals to Banyule Community Health11.
Gender
It is predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a greater impact on women than men due to a
range of issues including:
˃ women at greater risk of job loss because they are more likely to be employed in part-time
work;
˃ have taken on more child care responsibilities – especially during the supervision of home
learning;
˃ women are more likely to work in essential services which increases exposure to the COVID-
19 virus;
˃ women are more likely to be depleting their already lower levels of superannuation;
˃ women are more likely to be experiencing poorer mental health29.
Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 7 of 10Specific Population Groups There is very limited information available about the impact of COVID-19 on specific population groups such as people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people who identify as LGTBIQ+ and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, it can be assumed that the factors that contributed to disparities in health and wellbeing outcomes before the pandemic will be magnified during the pandemic. A series of fact sheets on the hypothesized impacts of COVID-19 on these communities can be found: https://www.csi.edu.au/news/covid-19-fact-sheets/ and there is also an excellent paper written specifically for the LGTBIQ+ community here: https://equalityaustralia.org.au/covid-report/ Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 8 of 10
References 1 https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/4940.0main+features11-6%20Apr%202020 2https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/allprimarymainfeatures/130D9B34CC9E78D8CA2585 8700833508?opendocument 3 https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/docs/2020/5/The_initial_impacts_of_COVID- 19_in_Australia_2020_4.pdf 4 https://www.abs.gov.au/covid19 5https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/mediareleasesbyCatalogue/DB259787916733E4CA2585 5B0003B21C?OpenDocument 6 http://www.fullemployment.net/evi/3.0/evi_3.0.php?SUA_Name_2016=Melbourne&order=1 7 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/3389745/Taking-the-Pulse- of-the-Nation-18-22-May.pdf 8 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/3401838/Taking-the-Pulse- of-the-Nation-1-6-June.pdf 9 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/3396420/Taking-the-Pulse- of-the-Nation-25-28-May.pdf 10 https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.06.20093773v1 11 Banyule Municipal Relief and Recovery Community Reference Committee Meeting Minutes – 7 May 2020. 12 Banyule Municipal Relief and Recovery Community Reference Committee Meeting Minutes – 1 May 2020. 13 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/3347851/Taking-the-pulse- of-the-nation-6-11-April-FV.pdf 14 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/3354137/COVID-19- Report-April13-15.pdf 15 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/3358132/Taking-the-Pulse- of-the-Nation-20-23-Apr.pdf 16 https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/3376825/Taking-the-pulse- of-the-Nation-4-8-May.pdf 17 Banyule Municipal Relief and Recovery Community Reference Committee Meeting Minutes – 11 June 2020. 18 http://www.swinburne.edu.au/news/latest-news/2020/06/investigating-the-effects-of-covid-19-on- eating-and-exercise-behaviours.php 19 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30131-0/fulltext 20 https://www.gstatic.com/covid19/mobility/2020-06-14_AU_Mobility_Report_en-GB.pdf 21https://csrm.cass.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/docs/2020/6/Alcohol_consumption_during_the_CO VID-19_period.pdf Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020 Page 9 of 10
22https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/mediareleasesbyCatalogue/DB259787916733E4CA258
55B0003B21C?OpenDocument
23 https://fare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/COVID-19-POLL.pdf
24 https://www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/cafe-restaurants-transactions-down-combined-
55/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2009042020&utm_content=Newsletter%2009
042020+Version+A+CID_26651ead69285071867435070b437b4e&utm_source=Campaign%20Monit
or&utm_term=READ%20MORE
25 https://agbrief.com/headline/skycity-shares-reopening-experience-as-business-picks-
up/?utm_source=Asia+Gaming+Brief&utm_campaign=c5eb91c149-AGB%23001512-
23APR20_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51950b5d21-c5eb91c149-
%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&ct=t%28EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_AGB%23001512-
23APR20_COPY_01%29&goal=0_51950b5d21-c5eb91c149-
%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=c5eb91c149&mc_eid=%5BUNIQID%5D
26 VLGA correspondence
27 Gender Disaster Pod Meeting, MAV, 17 June 2020.
28 Monash University presentation to Gender Disaster Pod Meeting, MAV, 17 June 2020.
29 https://www.genvic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Website-Banner-1-scaled.jpg
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Community and Social Planning COVID-19: MPHWP Implications 25/06/2020
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