A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Anxiety and Depression Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has created mental health challenges among the public. The study objectives were to determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and associated factors among the general public in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2020 and June 2020 using an online questionnaire that captured sociodemographic data, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), lifestyle practices, self-rated health, and exposure to COVID-19 information through social media. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science with associations tested at 95% confidence interval. Appropriate institutional ethical board approval was obtained, and informed consent obtained from all participants. 543 adults participated, 101 (18.6%) and 131 (24.1%) respondents were classified as having depressive and anxiety disorders respectively. Females (χ 2 =11.06, p < 0.01), alcohol use (OR 5.50, p < 0.01, 95% CI 2.18-13.87) and poor self-rated health (OR 2.97, p=0.04, 95% CI 1.08-8.22) were significantly associated with GAD. Alcohol consumption (OR 4.27, p < 0.01, 95% CI 1.56-12.04), currently being on medication (OR 2.96, p < 0.01, 95% CI 1.31-6.70) and poor self-rated health (OR 4.21 p < 0.01, 95% CI 1.73-10.23) were significantly associated with depression. Increasing frequency of information on Covid-19 through social media was significantly associated with decreased anxiety and depression (χ 2 =7.95, p=0.02). A considerable proportion of respondents experienced anxiety and depression, especially persons with unhealthy lifestyles and poor health. Interventions to improve mental health should target these at-risk groups.

Psychiatric Manifestations and Associated Risk Factors among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Edo State, Nigeria

“…Other studies have reported similar findings. [5,6] This is not unexpected considering the potential of the disease to cause a severe illness and have a fatal outcome. Worrying about Stigma also increased the risk of having depression and anxiety.…”

“…This is made worse by the inappropriate risk communication and misinformation on social media. [5] Although in this study, apparent lower prevalence rates were recorded for patients classified as cases of depression (16.2%), anxiety (12.7%) and a combination of both (9.0%) when compared to the proportion having symptoms, these rates are higher than the prevalence rates of depression (5.5%), anxiety (3.5%) and anxiety comorbid with depression (1.2%) reported in the general population in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era in Lagos, Nigeria. [22] A similar study in patients with COVID-19 in treatment centres in Lagos, Nigeria, reported higher rates for probable cases of depression (28.10%), anxiety (27.50%) and a combination of both (15.60%).…”

“…[4] The existing literature on the mental health consequences of the pandemics both on the general population and persons with confirmed COVID-19 shows that depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems are common. [5][6][7] These mental health consequences are predictable in both the short and long term. [8] The SARS outbreak, for instance, was accompanied by significant mental health morbidity in both patients and healthcare providers.…”

COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Associated Factors among Selected Security Personnel in Edo State, Nigeria

“…Despite the devastating scourge of the disease, there has not been any proven treatment against the SARS-CoV-2 [8]. Hence, implementation of effective preventive measures such as vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions are cost effective strategies in containing COVID-19 and breaking the chain of transmission [11][12].…”

“…Vaccination is considered as one of the most successful public health intervention of the twentieth century in combating infectious diseases as up to 2 to 3 millions of lives are saved each year through vaccination [10][11]. The following vaccines are available and received emergency use authorization against COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and they include: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson/Janssen and AstraZeneca, however as at February 2021, clinical trials started on Novavax vaccine [12][13]. The vaccine available for distribution in Nigeria as at March 2021 is the AstraZeneca vaccine [14].…”