Anxiety, depression and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background Multiple survey studies have demonstrated a mental health (MH) burden of COVID-19 globally. However, few studies have examined relevant risk factors for pandemic-related MH issues. Methods A link to an online survey was posted from April 8th - June 11th, 2020 which included questions regarding COVID-19 experience, perceived impact of the pandemic on life domains (e.g., social communication, finances), behavioural alterations (e.g., online activities, substance use), and MH treatment history. Current psychiatric symptom severity and impairment were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Results Overall, 632 individuals (82% female, mean age:42.04 ± 16.56) in Canada and the United States completed the survey. While few reported contracting COVID-19 (0.5%), the impact of the pandemic was evident, with a vast majority reporting anxiety around COVID-19 infecting loved ones (88%). Almost half (43%) reported previous MH treatment and 31% met criteria for GAD, 29% for MDD and 63% reported significantly high levels of stress. Female sex, younger age and past MH treatment emerged as significant predictors of these issues( p < .01). Age-related differences in the impact of COVID-19 on life domains, substance use, and online activity were also noted. Conclusion The findings from the current sample add to the growing literature suggesting negative effects of COVID-19 on MH, while highlighting specific risk factors. Age may be an important factor in predicting MH during this pandemic.

Suicidal Ideation and Predictors of Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Eswatini: A Population-Based Household Telephone Survey

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Lifestyle Habits among Pregnant Women in Denmark during the First COVID-19 Lockdown Compared with a Historical Period—A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

“…Specific reasons given for smoking cessation were to live a healthier life, to have healthier lungs, to be healthier, and to help in recovery from a potential coronavirus infection [ 10 , 17 ]. Conversely, a lower cessation rate could also have been anticipated in the COVID-19 group as women experienced the COVID-19 pandemic as stressful [ 4 ]. Previous studies have shown that female smokers more often use smoking to cope with stress compared with male smokers [ 59 ].…”

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What we have learnt about trauma, loss and grief for children in response to COVID-19

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