In a recent survey, Canadians were asked about the management of their health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including their self-care activities and viewpoints. Self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider. Approximately half of survey respondents have missed an in-person appointment with a doctor due to the COVID-19 pandemic response measures. Of those, more than 2/3 practiced a range of self-care activities– 12% of respondents took care of the problem themselves, another 53% used virtual care services, and 7% sought a pharmacist’s advice.

This research found that 96% of respondents find life different since mid-March. These differences include both positive and negative lifestyle impacts. Following public health advice, 90% of Canadians now wash their hands more. At the same time, while spending more time at home, 34% of Canadians say that their mental health is worse than before the pandemic began, 37% have been exercising less, 34% are eating more, and, of those who smoke or drink alcohol, more than 25% said they were doing so more since COVID-19 measures began.