Broadband vital to lockdown wellbeing

The survey was conducted independently by Amárach Research, surveying 2,000 people aged 18 and upwards in mid-July across all regions of the country. The research focused on broadband and its connection with health and wellbeing.

The statistics show people have relied heavily on broadband to support their physical and mental health while staying at home during the ongoing public health crisis - with the majority saying they have been using the internet more regularly for health-related information and support.

While 80 per cent said their physical health remained good during this time, approximately four in ten people felt that their mental health ranged from poor to middling during the pandemic.

Using the internet as a resource, 22 per cent of respondents also said they had accessed content on blogs and websites about mental health and wellbeing while 14 per cent watched videos providing mental health advice, support and coping skills. Some 14 per cent of people said they had consulted either their doctor, another health professional and/or received counselling, coaching or support services, in relation to their mental health, using online video meeting technology.

Indicating the continuing potential for this use of technology, 37 per cent said they are likely or highly likely to seek consultation or support in this way in the future.