Psychological distress and sleep problems when people are under interpersonal isolation during an epidemic: A nationwide multicenter cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background. During the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), people are under the dual pressure of interpersonal isolation and concerns about infection. An evaluation of people’s psychological status and risk factors is needed to conduct target interventions. Methods. This was a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study using quota and snowball sampling methods during the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Participants’ characteristics and experiences were obtained by an online questionnaire and telephone review. Psychological distress and sleep problems were measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Results. A total of 23,500 participants were recruited, and 19,372 valid questionnaires were received from 11 centers. Overall, 11.0–13.3% of the participants had anxiety, depression, or insomnia symptoms, and 1.9–2.7% had severe symptoms. The prevalence of psychological and sleep problems has increased. Working as frontline medical staff (Odds Ratio OR = 3.406), living in Hubei Province (OR = 2.237), close contacts with COVID-19 (OR = 1.808), and age 35–49 years (OR = 1.310) were risk factors for anxiety symptoms; no outside activity for 2 weeks (OR = 2.167) and age 35–49 years (OR = 1.198) were risk factors for depression symptoms; and living in Hubei Province (OR = 2.376), no outside activity for 2 weeks (OR = 1.927), and age 35–49 years (OR = 1.262) were risk factors for insomnia symptoms. Only 1.9% of participants received counseling during the epidemic. Conclusions. Psychological and sleep problems increased during interpersonal isolation due to COVID-19. Current psychological interventions are far from sufficient.

A nationwide evaluation of the prevalence of and risk factors associated with anxiety, depression and insomnia symptoms during the return-to-work period of coronavirus disease 2019 in China

“…These novel samples were designed to recruit a representative sample when random sampling could not be achieved. A previous study has been published using a similar sampling strategy [ 6 ].…”

“…The Chinese government adopted a national restriction of outside activities since the time of the Spring Festival (i.e., 25 January 2020) [ 5 ]. During the outbreak of COVID-19, several studies alerted that the prevalence of psychological and sleep problems increased and was common among the general population [ 6 – 9 ]. However, due to a focus on epidemic control and a lack of professional practitioners in mental health, inadequate attention was paid to mental health, and psychological interventions are far from sufficient, a problem that has emerged as a serious challenge to the mental health of the general public [ 6 , 10 ].…”

Bibliotherapy: Reading OVID During COVID

“…Mental health professionals may treat patients with increased emotional distress caused by the effects of the pandemics on them, on their families, or on their community. Several recent studies highlight the psychological impact of COVID-19 and the need for guidelines and increased psychological interventions (43)(44)(45). Depression, anxiety, and insomnia are some examples of psychological distress found among the general population as a result of self-isolation, social distancing, and safety concerns (43)(44)(45).…”

“…Several recent studies highlight the psychological impact of COVID-19 and the need for guidelines and increased psychological interventions (43)(44)(45). Depression, anxiety, and insomnia are some examples of psychological distress found among the general population as a result of self-isolation, social distancing, and safety concerns (43)(44)(45). The period following the acute phase of the coronavirus epidemic is the hardest for medical professionals in terms of psychological impact (46,47).…”

Perceived Stress, Depression and Alcohol Use Disorders in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Socio-Economic Dimension

“…The first policy effort should therefore focus on implementing mental health into general health policy, improving public awareness of mental health and reallocating resources towards high-priority mental health needs and vulnerable groups [126]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological interventions and psychosocial substance use disorder interventions are even more necessary, as psychological difficulties have increased during interpersonal isolation [127,128].…”