Cross-Sectional Online Survey on Depression and Anxiety Among the Population Infected or Non-Infected with COVID-19 — China, December 2022

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? The psychological impact of the large-scale infection of the population resulting from the end of lockdown measures in China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is unknown. What is added by this report? Among all participants, 55.7% had depression symptoms, with a significant difference between the infected and non-infected groups, and 30.1% had anxiety. Those who were young, unvaccinated, had lower incomes, and experienced chronic diseases were more likely to experience negative emotions. What are the implications for public health practice? Government officials should take into account the effect of policies on public sentiment during similar public health events and implement tailored community interventions to address any negative sentiment.

Characteristics of Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With COVID-19

“…The incidence of COVID-19 in EORA patients in this study appeared to be lower than that in the general population or in the same age group in Qin' study ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively, χ 2 test), despite previous studies reporting a higher infection risk for RA patients 9,10 . Moreover, the study by Qin et al 2 indicated that elderly individuals exhibited better psychological quality, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, better stress-coping abilities and reduced outings during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with young people.…”

“…In this study, more than half (58.8%, 60/102) of the EORA patients had COVID-19 from December 2022 through February 2023, and the majority of these patients (93.3%) exhibited Moreover, the study by Qin et al 2 indicated that elderly individuals exhibited better psychological quality, fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, better stress-coping abilities and reduced outings during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with young people. Fever, cough, expectoration, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle soreness, fatigue and other symptoms were common in COVID-19 patients with EORA, which was consistent with a study conducted in Zhejiang province from January 17 to February 12, 2020.…”

“…In this study, more than half (58.8%, 60/102) of the EORA patients had COVID-19 from December 2022 through February 2023, and the majority of these patients (93.3%) exhibited symptoms. Comparatively, a study by Qin et al 2 on the COVID-19 pandemic found an infection rate of 77.7% (4007/5160) in the general population and 71.3% (356/499) in individuals older than 60 years. The incidence of COVID-19 in EORA patients in this study appeared to be lower than that in the general population or in the same age group in Qin' study ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively, χ 2 test), despite previous studies reporting a higher infection risk for RA patients 9,10 .…”

“…1 On December 7, 2022, the Chinese government announced the end of the "zero-COVID" policy. 2 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common immune-mediated disease in patients with COVID-19. 3 Since the onset of the pandemic, RA patients have expressed concerns regarding potentially higher risks of poor COVID-19 outcomes due to the chronic inflammatory state, immunosuppressive treatments and associated comorbidities, such as interstitial lung disease (ILD).…”

“…COVID-19 is a global infectious disease pandemic, which has caused 759,064,351 infections and 6,883,095 deaths worldwide by February 27, 2023 1 . On December 7, 2022, the Chinese government announced the end of the “zero-COVID” policy 2 . Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common immune-mediated disease in patients with COVID-19 3 .…”