Factors related to perceived stress during the COVID-19 epidemic context among the general population in China: A cross-sectional nationwide study

Abstract

Background This study aimed to investigate factors related to high stress levels among the general population in China during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic when its containment measures were in place and to identify the most stressed populations. Methods A nationwide study was conducted online among 5,039 adults in all 31 provinces in mainland China between March 1 and March 16, 2020. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to explore the related factors of high perceived stress. Results Among all respondents, 36.0% reported a high level of stress. Respondents in Hubei province (the epicenter) were more likely to report high stress levels than those in low epidemic areas. Respondents who went outside every day or every other day reported greater odds of experiencing a high level of stress than those who went outside every 8–14 days. People with higher risk perceptions were more prone to report high stress levels. Respondents aged 16–35 were more likely to report high stress than respondents aged 46 or older. Lower household income and lower health literacy were related to increased odds of reporting high stress levels. Limitations We used a convenience sample and self-reported survey data. Conclusions We identified risk factors for high stress levels related to the epidemic (epidemic intensity in residential areas, risk perception, and frequency of going outside) and other vulnerabilities (younger age, low household income, low health literacy). Our findings can directly inform interventions and policies for mitigating stress among the general population for this or future epidemics.

Perceived COVID-19-related stress drives home gardening intentions and improves human health in Taiwan

“…Perceived stress significantly increased from the onset to peak and decreased from the peak to stabilization stages. These results were consistent with previous studies that showed the COVID-19 epidemic caused serious perceived stress (e.g., Xu et al, 2021 ). The contribution of this study was to provide further evidence of stress reduction from the pandemic peak to decline stages.…”

More Positive Emotion, Less Stress Perception?

“…Risk factors related to the pandemic itself (eg, contact history of COVID-19, risk perception, exposure to COVID-19 at work) had been identified as related to public mental health in China. [18][19][20] Several characteristics of participants associated with negative psychological impacts were reported, such as younger age (16-24 years), female, lower levels of formal educational qualifications, lower household income, and having one child as opposed to no children. 18,21 Analysis on effect of lockdown in Australia found that the lockdown was associated with a modest negative change in overall population mental health, and women were more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes, especially those aged 20-29 years old.…”

“…[18][19][20] Several characteristics of participants associated with negative psychological impacts were reported, such as younger age (16-24 years), female, lower levels of formal educational qualifications, lower household income, and having one child as opposed to no children. 18,21 Analysis on effect of lockdown in Australia found that the lockdown was associated with a modest negative change in overall population mental health, and women were more likely to have adverse mental health outcomes, especially those aged 20-29 years old. 22 Government and staff should pay special attention to the mental health of those susceptible populations during the outbreak of COVID-19.…”

“…However, the results were different from some previous studies, in which younger age (16-24 years) and lower household income were reported as the characteristics of participants associated with negative psychological impacts. 18,21 Future studies should further explore inconsistent results with respect to age.…”

Online Emotional Support Accompany Group Intervention and Emotional Change of the Public During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Period Data Analysis From China

“…Many people have thus reported feelings of rejection, isolation, panic, and depression (Naqvi, 2020 ; Taylor et al, 2020b ), and some have even committed suicide (Elbogen et al, 2020 ). These are all causes of mental health problems (Li et al, 2021 ; Xu et al, 2021 ), psychological crisis (Abir et al, 2021 ; Pérès et al, 2021 ), and even PTSD (Budden, 2009 ; Fenster et al, 2018 ), which may, in turn, bring an unstable society and potential decrease in productivity. Psychotherapy is very important under this pandemic, but it is also difficult to perform traditional in-person psychological interventions.…”