Coronavirus research: society and wellbeing

Our researchers are helping us understand the impact of the coronavirus crisis on society, the economy and mental health and behaviour.

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Our latest research

A photo of a woman being vaccinated

Ethnicity gap in Covid vaccine uptake: lower trust and worse experiences of healthcare explain part of the problem

Worse healthcare experiences among people from ethnic minorities and lower levels of trust in government and the medical establishment explain some of the ethnicity gap in Covid-19 vaccination rates, a study has found.

An image of the digital origami house exhibition.

Exhibition gives insight into children’s play in pandemic

New research from the University of Sheffield, University College London (UCL) and play specialists from Great Ormond Street Hospital has revealed the impact the Covid-19 pandemic had on children’s play.
A banner image for the UK Games Industry Census 2022

Games Industry Census 2022 reveals working from home shift, increase in mental health struggles

The University of Sheffield has compiled the second ever UK Games Industry Census, giving a deeper insight into the demographic make-up and working habits of the UK video games industry.
A farmer sitting in a field with sheep grazing in the distance.

Covid tip of iceberg for farmers’ mental health

Farmers’ mental health is at a tipping point, despite already being critical prior to Covid-19, which widened existing cracks in support according to new research.
An image of a speaker presenting to a room full of people.

New reports explore mayoral accountability and regional economic resilience

New reports exploring mayoral accountability and regional economic resilience show the UK government’s Levelling Up White Paper is only a start to reducing the stubborn regional inequalities that still plague communities in England today.
A nurse apprentice preparing to administer an injection under supervision from their tutor

University of Sheffield apprentices provide vital support to healthcare and industry

More people have achieved nursing apprenticeships at the University of Sheffield compared to the national average for England, according to figures released ahead of National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February 2022).
A stock image of a person browsing the alcohol aisle in a supermarket.

Lockdown measures linked to an increase in drinking at home

Lockdown measures throughout 2020 have been linked to people in Scotland and England drinking more at home, according to new research.
A map showing the economic impact of Covid-19 restrictions on the retail and hospitality industries in South Yorkshire.

City centres could lose £3 billion due to permanent changes caused by Covid-19, new study reveals

A new study from the University of Sheffield has calculated the long term economic impact of Covid-19 on city centres, and found that as the shift towards working from home moves businesses to suburban areas, centres stand to lose £3 billion in 2022.
A single parent holds the hand of their young child as they walk down the road.

Widening inequalities for children in the North of England cost billions, increase poverty and harm children’s lives

A major new report out today paints a stark picture of inequality for children growing up in the North of England post-pandemic compared to those in the rest of the country.

Rows of empty red seats in a cinema

Covid-19’s impact on arts, culture and heritage sector revealed by landmark report

A major new report revealing the economic impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s arts, culture and heritage sector, has been published by researchers at the University of Sheffield.
A picture of an elderly woman seated alone, out of reach of crutches

New study examines why some care workers oppose mandatory vaccination

A new study from the University of Sheffield has explored why some care workers are opposed to mandatory vaccination and why the policy could make staff shortages worse.

A carer helping an elderly woman stand up

Hospices “overlooked” during key moments of pandemic

New research from the University of Sheffield highlights the challenges faced by hospices in the West Midlands.
A cigarette burns smoke

Surge in smoking among young adults during lockdown 

The number of 18-34 year-olds who smoke increased by 25 per cent in England during the first lockdown, according to a new study conducted by the University of Sheffield and UCL
Map of England showing Yorkshire and Lancashire

The Covid-19 pandemic has widened the gap between the rich and the poor, and it's not finished yet

How quickly your household or business will recover from Covid-19 when restrictions are lifted, may be down to where you live and what you do, according to experts at the University of Sheffield.
Person receiving vaccine

Researchers present first findings on blood clotting with low platelets after COVID-19 vaccination

A national team of researchers have defined criteria for the diagnosis of patients with blood clotting associated with the Oxford Astrazeneca Covid vaccination.
Evie Croxford, SU President 21-22, holds the number 20,000

Sheffield students double volunteering hours during the pandemic

Students from the University of Sheffield have clocked up a total of 20,510 hours of volunteering in the local community this academic year, double the amount of hours typically expected

An ambulance seen from the side

‘Do not resuscitate’ orders were common in patients admitted with suspected COVID-19

Nearly a third of patients admitted to hospital with suspected COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic had a ‘Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation’ (DNACPR) decision recorded before or on their day of admission to hospital.
A patient in a hospital bed being assisted by staff to make a video call.

Prioritise opportunities for chance to say final goodbye during COVID-19 pandemic, new study finds

Phone calls between patients and their relatives should be prioritised during the pandemic to allow loved ones to say goodbye, a new study providing recommendations to healthcare professionals has suggested.
Person receiving vaccine

New study finds strong immune response following Covid-19 vaccination 

First findings from PITCH study, led by the Universities of Sheffield and Oxford and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, shows one dose of the Pfizer vaccine generates robust T cell and antibody responses in 99 per cent of people
Silhouette of a farmer carrying animal feed through a field. A dog follows the farmer and a cow is in the foreground. Photo by Mihail Macri on Unsplash.

Impact of Covid on farmers' mental health explored in new study

Farmers' mental health and resilience, and the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, will be the focus of a major new research project.
A stock image of a person browsing the alcohol aisle in a supermarket.

New study reveals how the first lockdown impacted alcohol consumption

A new report from the University of Sheffield has revealed the impact the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic has had on alcohol consumption in Scotland and England.
A nurse and an academic.

New nursing apprentices providing vital support on NHS frontline during pandemic

​More than 100 Nursing Associate Apprentices are making a major contribution to the fight against Covid-19 on the NHS frontline, after graduating from the University of Sheffield.

Distressed health care worker during Covid-19 pandemic

Nurses and female health care workers most at risk of distress during Covid-19 pandemic

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have conducted the largest global review of the factors linked to psychological distress in health care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
The shift to home working during Covid-19 threatens the survival of local goods and services

Will Covid-19 kill the high street once and for all?

The Covid-19 pandemic has not only drastically changed how we live, but also how we work, and this could have long term consequences for the future of our cities, say academics from the University of Sheffield.
care home residents exercise

Students use digital tech to revive beloved care home exercise programme during pandemic

A popular exercise programme for care home residents that was halted due to Covid-19, is relaunching thanks to its hard-working student volunteers trialling the use of digital technology to safeguard valuable social contact for older people.
A volunteer

Will we still need Covid-19 volunteers in the new year?

During the first national lockdown of the Covid-19 pandemic earlier this year, and subsequent social restrictions, thousands of volunteers provided a vital lifeline for many vulnerable people.
Dr showing patient a chest X-ray

Hidden damage to lungs from Covid-19 revealed in new study from University of Sheffield

Early findings from a study into longer-term effects of Covid-19 suggest the use of cutting-edge scanning techniques may detect previously unseen lung damage.
A carer supporting a person using a wheelchair

Caring for our carers: report calls for investment in digital tech to support unpaid carers in lockdown

A new report launched this week urges local authorities to invest in digital technology to support unpaid carers during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Social Science Fest

Festival of Social Science to highlight our ability to adapt to new challenges and solve complex problems

The UK’s Festival of Social Science is heading back to the University of Sheffield this November to help us explore new perspectives on our future and reorganise our ways of living following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
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How can local arts venues grow and nurture audiences in the wake of the pandemic?

Despite some lockdown restrictions easing many music and arts venues around the country remain closed, and with social distancing restrictions still limiting audiences sizes for those who can reopen, how will the sector survive in the long-term?

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Volunteering: food and grocery shopping delivered to doorstep

New research shows volunteer value in supporting people in need during COVID-19

Volunteers around the country who helped serve their local communities during the recent lockdown formed a crucial part of the national response to the coronavirus pandemic, new research has found.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
lonely person at window

Depression and anxiety tripled during the height of lockdown, new study shows

Data from new research has found that there was a three-fold increase in the number of people reporting clinically significant levels of anxiety and depression during lockdown.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
A carer with an elderly person holding a walking stick

Research to shed light on COVID-19 deaths in UK care homes

New study will offer insights into how different homes dealt with the crisis and provide valuable information to help guide the government, care home managers and staff in future crises.
A silhouette of a man looking at a set of four graphic prints in an art gallery.

Cultural industries to receive boost from researchers to help recover from Covid-19

A new research project that will play a key role in helping the cultural sector recover from the impact of Covid-19 is being launched by researchers at the University of Sheffield.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Better Care North

Carers and the cared-for invited to tell their pandemic stories through digital exhibition

Unpaid carers, care workers and those who need care invited to submit creative works about their Covid-19 experiences for digital exhibition

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Senior woman holding rainbow drawing in window in support of national health service during Covid-19

Psychologists launch 18-month study of pandemic’s mental health impacts

Researchers will interview vulnerable groups identified in their sample to help paint a picture of the nation’s mental health throughout the crisis

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Close up of face mask

Sheffield to play key role in groundbreaking new study into long-term health impacts of coronavirus

New study involving Sheffield researchers seeks to investigate the long term impacts of Covid-19 for patients who were hospitalised during the pandemic

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Man coughing

Study confirms ‘classic’ symptoms of COVID-19

University of Sheffield medical student helped conduct the study, which is one of the biggest reviews into COVID-19 symptoms

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Small mixed race group of people working in charitable foundation food bank

Unpaid carers twice as likely to have used a food bank during pandemic

Almost 229,000 unpaid carers have had someone in their household go hungry during lockdown

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Girl playing with small wooden letter blocks on a wood surface.

Nurseries forced to support families in poverty through coronavirus crisis, research shows

Nursery workers are providing families with food and support with basic needs as coronavirus lockdown impacts finances and wellbeing

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Picture of the Job Centre Plus sign attached to a building. The sign is green with white and yellow text.

Coronavirus recession threatens to worsen racial inequalities in youth unemployment, researchers warn

Research aims to inform efforts to tackle racial inequalities, as Black Lives Matter movement demands change

| Published by the University of Sheffield
A eppendorf containing a sample used in analytical chemistry and DNA extraction awaiting testing in a laboratory - stock photo

Sheffield researchers join national challenge to find a vaccine to prevent COVID-19

Sheffield will host a trial to assess the effectiveness of a new COVID-19 vaccine as part of a national study led by the University of Oxford

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Genome sequencing

Sheffield’s COVID-19 experts to host online Q&A event

Public can submit questions about COVID-19 research to a panel of experts - these questions will be answered at the live event on Wednesday 24 June 2020.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Members of the public enjoy the sunshine in Central Park on May 16, 2020 in Plymouth, England

Young men most likely to break lockdown rules, mental health study shows

Over 50 per cent of men aged 19-24 have met with a group of friends during lockdown, and 20 per cent have been reprimanded by police.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
A newspaper zoomed in with the word 'truth' in large letters

Hastily introduced fake news laws could damage efforts to counter disinformation, UNESCO reports warn

Researchers urge social media companies to act as swiftly against political disinformation as they have responded to Covid-19 disinformation.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
stanage greenery and surroundings

Coronavirus lockdown: Can nature help improve our mood?

"Our current crisis has switched us out of normal existence and into survival mode," says Dr Anna Jorgensen, who researches the connection between environment and wellbeing at the University of Sheffield.

| Published by BBC News
Picture of a man in a checked shirt sat on the edge of a sofa. The man is wearing a paper mask.

Sheffield joins national PRINCIPLE trial to prevent older coronavirus patients becoming seriously ill

A new national trial, PRINCIPLE, will evaluate if potential treatments for coronavirus are particularly effective for people over 50 years old when prescribed during the early stages of the illness.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Accident and Emergency sign

Research could help A&E departments predict serious coronavirus cases

Our new study, launched in collaboration with hospitals across the UK, could improve how UK accident and emergency departments identify which coronavirus patients need to be admitted to hospital.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Young people waling 2m apart

Studying the impact of lockdown on young people

Experts will study why some young people are not adhering to physical distancing rules, as well as measuring rates of anxiety and depression.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Woman talking on phone and looking at laptop in motorcycle workshop, motorcycle in foreground.

Turnover expected to halve for 70 per cent of micro businesses due to coronavirus

Academics from our Management School have surveyed over 1,500 micro business owners to assess the resilience of the UK’s most vulnerable firms.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Covid-19 coronavirus sign: essential travel only

Depression and anxiety spiked after lockdown announcement

Our collaborative study observes a spike in anxiety but indicates that many people are nonetheless remaining resilient and faring well.

| Published by the University of Sheffield
Woman in isolation

Measuring the social impacts of Covid-19

Sheffield psychologists are exploring the impacts of Covid-19 in a new study. This study will give us an understanding of mental health and behaviour across the UK as the epidemic progresses through the population.

Podcast series: Coronavirus, Examined

We live in a world that is facing one of its biggest challenges in living memory. The coronavirus pandemic has devastating potential as it sweeps across the globe. To fight this virus and slow its spread, we've had to change almost everything about how we live our lives.

In Coronavirus, Examined we talked to experts from the University of Sheffield to explore the different ways in which coronavirus is changing our world and the way we live.

Our Coronavirus, Examined podcast

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