OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disruptive impact on the whole society. The objectives of this study were to describe: i) the stress and concerns and quality of life of the general population of Belgium and the Netherlands; ii) access to health care and cancelled/delayed health care; and (3) productivity during the first 8 weeks of the coronavirus lockdown in Belgium and the Netherlands

METHODS: An online survey was conducted among a representative sample of the Belgian and Dutch general population after 8 weeks of the coronavirus lockdown. The survey included questions about stress, concerns, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), delayed/cancelled medical care (iPCQ) and productivity loss (iMCQ).

RESULTS: 2099 Belgian and 2058 Dutch respondents completed the survey. 1.4% and 4.7% of the respondents was tested positive for COVID-19 in Belgium and the Netherlands. Of those not tested, 27.2% and 21.9% expected to have been infected. 63% of the respondents with a medical condition in the Netherlands and 53% in Belgium were worried about their condition due to the pandemic. In both Belgium and the Netherlands, 32% of respondents were concerned about the availability of medication. 26% of all respondents experienced postponed/cancelled care in the Netherlands and Belgium. Average quality of life was 0.84 and 0.79 in the Netherlands and Belgium. 36% and 19% experienced COVID-19 related absenteeism and 30% and 35% presenteeism in Belgium and the Netherlands, respectively. 5% in Belgium and 4% in the Netherlands lost their job due to COVID-19. Respondents with children below the age of 12, respondents aged 18-35 and the group that reported (expected) COVID-19 infection experienced the most concerns and productivity losses.

CONCLUSIONS: This study described stress, quality of life, cancelled/delayed health care and productivity losses in in Belgium and the Netherlands after 8 weeks of coronavirus lockdown. The results underline the burden on society.