*2.1. Procedure*

An online cross-sectional survey was performed with Qualtrics® (Qualtrics, Provo, UT, USA) Survey Platform. Such a data collection strategy was chosen as it allowed us to reach as many voluntary participants as possible in a phase of forced social distancing. The survey started after 7 weeks of quarantine in Italy (25 April 2020) and was performed for about 6 weeks, until the end of lockdown measures (2 June 2020). This measurement point was selected because significant changes in individuals' QoL need some time to be perceived by the person. Moreover, this timeframe potentially allowed the population to adjust to the new situation. The sample was recruited via a snowball sampling strategy. A link to Qualtrics questionnaires were sent via e-mail, social networks (Facebook and WhatsApp), and official working platforms (website of the University of Palermo, Italy). The link was shared with personal contacts of the research group members, who in turn

passed the survey to their friends and acquaintances. A brief presentation informed the participants about the aims of the study and electronic informed consent, assuring maximum confidentiality in the handling and analysis of the responses, was requested from each participant before starting the investigation. The survey took approximately 30 min to complete. Participation was voluntary and free of charge. To guarantee anonymity, no personal data, which could allow the identification of participants, were collected. Participants could withdraw from the study at any time without providing any justification, and the data were not saved. Only the questionnaire data with a complete set of answers by respondents were considered. The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Palermo (n. 4/2020).
