Freiburg: International study on physical and mental stress of the corona pandemic – study with the participation of the University Hospital Freiburg examines health effects of the corona crisis

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The corona pandemic has brought about huge changes for many people worldwide. Around 200 scientists from more than 40 countries are now investigating the acute and long-term effects of the corona pandemic on physical and mental well-being in a unique international study. The Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University Medical Center Freiburg is also involved in the COH-FIT study (“Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times”). The findings should help to specifically support people who are particularly affected by coping strategies. So far, more than 25,000 people have participated in the study. Those interested can find more information and the survey at www.coh-fit.com. The data is collected anonymously.

Support for people in times of crisis:
“This currently unique situation can be used to obtain groundbreaking information from the population and how they deal with the pandemic,” says Professor Dr. Dr. Katharina Domschke, Medical Director of the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University Medical Center Freiburg. “Our goal is to provide better therapeutic support to people in times of crisis,” says Domschke. The data is also intended to help identify people who are at increased risk of physical and mental health problems during a pandemic. Therapy offers can be made to those who are particularly at risk. “This enables us to better predict, reduce and possibly prevent short-term and long-term psychological stress in the future,” says Domschke.

Survey during and after the pandemic:
The COH-FIT project collects information from adults and, with the consent of legal guardians, from adolescents and children from the age of six. In the first of three phases, which have now started, people are interviewed during the corona pandemic. Six and twelve months after the end of the pandemic, phase two and three follow-up surveys take place.

International cooperation:
The study is available in 25 languages ​​and is led by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, the Zucker School of Medicine New York, USA, the University of Padua, Italy and Kings College London, United Kingdom. The project is supported by various national and international specialist organizations.

(Press release: Freiburg University Hospital, May 19, 2020)

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