A global meta-analysis of depression, anxiety, and stress before and during COVID-19.

Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis compared negative emotions (NEs) as depression, anxiety, and stress, from before the pandemic to during the pandemic. Method: A total of 59 studies (19 before, 37 during-pandemic, and 3 that included both) using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were included. A random effects model estimated the means of NEs before and during the pandemic. Results: Studies from 47 countries involving 193,337 participants were included. Globally, NEs increased during the pandemic, and depression had the largest elevation. In Asia, depression and stress were elevated, whereas in Europe, only depression increased, and in America, no differences in NEs between before and during the pandemic were observed. The later time phase of the pandemic was associated with lower stress globally, and lower stress and anxiety in Europe. Being younger was associated with more stress globally, and being older was associated with higher anxiety in Asia. Students had higher anxiety globally, and higher NEs in all three aspects in Europe compared to the general population. The COVID-19 infection rate was associated with more stress globally, and stress and anxiety in Europe. During the pandemic, females reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to males, most pronounced in Europe. Conclusion: NEs increased during the pandemic, with younger and student populations, females and Asians having the highest elevations.

Modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with anxiety, depression, and stress after one year of the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Hence, poor mental health for this group is understandable. Similar to our results, females across the world also reported a higher level of depression, anxiety, and stress than males during the pandemic, and this was more pronounced in the European region [44]. Initially, Dhaka, the central region, was the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Globally, the prevalence of affective disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ample studies compared the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress between the pre-and during-lockdown period in 47 countries across Asia, Europe, and America (see Daniali, Martinussen, & Flaten, 2023 for a systematic review and meta-analysis [ 44 ]). Daniali and colleagues found that feelings of negative emotions increased globally during the pandemic, and depression had the highest elevation.…”

“…Globally, students were the most affected group. Like many other countries [ 44 ], Bangladesh had to shut down academic institutions for an extended period. More specifically, the college students faced severe study disruption—their final exams did not take place and were subject to auto-promotion.…”

“…Globally, students were the most affected group. Like many other countries [44], Bangladesh had to shut down academic institutions for an extended…”

How Psychological Symptoms Mediate Perceived COVID-19 Stress and Identity Distress in Emerging Adults

“…Numerous studies have documented the impact of COVID-19 in terms of an increased incidence of mental health problems, notably, anxiety, depression, and stress (Barone et al, 2023; Barendse et al, 2023; Cavicchioli et al, 2021; Hoyt et al, 2021; Pan et al, 2021). This has been indicated globally and with young people the most vulnerable demographic (Aknin et al, 2022; Daniali et al, 2023; Muller et al, 2023; Robinson et al, 2022; Varma et al, 2021). This is alarming since psychological difficulties tend to become evident initially during this age span (Persike et al, 2020; Tanner, 2015).…”