Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Thus, during the last year, drastic changes occurred in everyday life of every human being. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns (loneliness, anxiety, depression, or insomnia) have developed. The objective of this study was to explore the anxiety, perceived stress, and resilience in a population presenting at the general practitioner, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between February and April 2021 and 440 individuals who presented to the general practitioner were evaluated. Concerning anxiety level, almost half of the respondents (49,3%, N = 217) scored above the threshold value on the anxiety scale (mild intensity 38.6%, moderate intensity 9.9%, severe intensity 0.8%). Having a low level of resilience, as well as experiencing a high level of stress, are both predictive of the occurrence of high anxiety (p < 0.001, r = −0.551 and p < 0.001, r = 0.622, respectively). Furthermore, resilience is negatively related to perceived stress (p < 0.001, r = −0.676). It is critical in the current crisis to recognize those at risk of developing mental illnesses, taking into consideration the various socioeconomic classes, as well as to maintain and improve the general public’s mental health using appropriate psychological interventions.

COVID-19 vaccination has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to overcome the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the success of this effort relies on national vaccination programmes. In May 2021, we surveyed 1552 people from Romania to determine acceptance rates and factors influencing acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of these, 39.2% of participants reported that they were vaccinated and 25.6% desired vaccination; nonetheless, 29.5% expressed opposition to vaccination. Concerning vaccination refusal, the top justification given by respondents is that the vaccine is insufficiently safe and there is a risk of serious side effects (84.4%). A higher rate of vaccination refusal was observed among female gender, younger age, and lower educational level. Refusal was also associated with unemployment, being in a relationship, and having a decrease in income during the pandemic. People who are constantly informed by specialized medical staff have a statistically significant higher vaccination rate, while people who choose to get information from friends, family, and co-workers have the strongest intention of avoiding the vaccine. Current levels of vaccine are insufficient to achieve herd immunity of 67%. It is mandatory to understand the aspects that define and establish confidence and to craft nationwide interventions appropriately.

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Introduction Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are experiencing severe mental distress. Following social distancing and economic insecurity, significant increases in mental health concerns have developed. Objectives The aims of this study was to report the levels of depressive and anxiety within active population in Romania, and to identify possible risk and protective factors for mental health. Methods Data collection occurred between February-March 2021. The online survey included questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). 620 responses were validated (331 students and 289 workers). Results Among active population, risk of anxiety symptoms is lower in those who already were infected with SARS-Cov2 (p=0.026, df=2, Phi=0.109), while positive screening for anxiety or depression in this study was statistically significant associated with younger age (p=0.026, df=4, Phi=0.134) and female gender (p=<0.001, df=2, Phi=0.166). Even though anxiety and depression scores are similar among students and employees, there are different aspects regarding symptomatology between these two groups. Students have experienced more frequently tendency to worry and sudden feelings of panic (p=0.004, df=3, Phi=0.146). Also, their ability to laugh and see the funny side of things is affected (p=0.019, df=3, Phi=0.127) and they feel less enthusiasm about future (p=0.001, df=3, Phi=0.159). Participants living with someone else scored lower on anxiety and depression subscales and those are not influenced by the person with whom they are cohabitating or residing (p=0.020, df=3, Phi=0.138). Conclusions Findings from the current study offer initial insights into the rates of anxiety and depression within active population in Romania, one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosure No significant relationships.