A Description of COVID-19 Lifestyle Restrictions Among a Sample of Rural Appalachian Women

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has led to swift federal and state response to control virus transmission, which has resulted in unprecedented lifestyle changes for U.S. citizens including social distancing and isolation. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 lifestyle restrictions and related behavioral risks is important, particularly among individuals who may be more vulnerable (such as rural women with a history of substance use living in Appalachia). PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to better understand the perceptions of lifestyle changes due to COVID-19 restrictions among this vulnerable group. METHODS: The study included a mixed methods survey with a convenience sample of rural women (n=33) recruited through a closed, private Facebook group. RESULTS: Study findings indicated that COVID-19 restrictions related to limited social activities and interactions with family and friends had a significant impact on women. IMPLICATIONS: Findings suggest that social isolation may have a number of unintended consequences for rural women, and implications for rural health practitioners are discussed.