Black Americans demonstrate comparatively low levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction During public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, populations can experience worsening mental health. Prior reports have suggested that Black Americans experienced lower rates of anxiety and depression than White Americans before the pandemic; however, during the pandemic, outcomes may be different as Black Americans have been disproportionately affected in terms of mortality, hospitalization, COVID-19 infection, and job loss. We documented the differential mental health impact of COVID-19 on Black and Non-Black Americans. Methods We analyzed nationally representative longitudinal data from the Understanding America Study COVID-19 Tracking Survey spanning March through November of 2020 to assess differences over time in prevalence of anxiety and depression between Black and non-Black Americans. Results We found that Black Americans were significantly less likely to report symptoms for anxiety, depression, or both during the pandemic. In a given month between March through November of 2020, the odds of Black Americans reporting such symptoms was on average about half that of Non-Black Americans. We also found that in September 2020, the gap in reporting symptoms for depression began to widen gradually. Specifically, since that time, prevalence of depression remained stable among non-Black Americans while it declined gradually among Black Americans. Our main results were robust to adjusting for demographics, risk perceptions, and baseline pre-pandemic mental health status. Conclusions Black Americans maintained significantly better mental health than Non-Black Americans despite their struggle against economic, health, and racial inequalities during the pandemic. We discuss the significance and implications of our results and identify opportunities for future research.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic associated with anxiety and depression among Non-Hispanic whites with chronic conditions in the US

“…( Goldmann et al , 2021 ) Another US study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from Understanding American Study also reached similar findings. ( Owens and Saw, 2021 ) A similar pattern has been reported that after 9/11, African American persons living in New York City during the disaster were less likely than NHW to suffer from depressions. ( Adams et al, 2006 )…”

“…Studies conducted during the pandemic period also support such findings. ( Goldmann et al , 2021 ; Owens and Saw, 2021 ) A US study using the same tool used in our study to measure anxiety and depression reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety/depression was lower among NHB compared to NHW individuals. ( Goldmann et al , 2021 ) Another US study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic using data from Understanding American Study also reached similar findings.…”

“…As stated in the introduction, studies have reported mixed results on the association of race/ethnicity to depression and anxiety. ( Goldmann et al , 2021 ; Owens and Saw, 2021 ) McGuire et al reported that, in general, people of color had similar or better mental health compared to NHWs. ( McGuire and Miranda, 2008 ) However, this study was conducted before COVID-19.…”

“…Furthermore, the differential effects of COVID-19 among individuals of different races/ethnicities may also contribute to varying rates of anxiety and depression among these groups. ( Goldmann et al , 2021 ; McKnight-Eily et al , 2021 ; Goldmann et al , 2021 ; Owens and Saw, 2021 ) Some studies reported higher anxiety/depression among Non-Hispanic White (NHW) than people of color. ( Goldmann et al , 2021 ; Owens and Saw, 2021 ) Whereas other studies showed higher stress levels among Hispanic populations during the pandemic than their NHW counterparts.…”

“…( Goldmann et al , 2021 ; McKnight-Eily et al , 2021 ; Goldmann et al , 2021 ; Owens and Saw, 2021 ) Some studies reported higher anxiety/depression among Non-Hispanic White (NHW) than people of color. ( Goldmann et al , 2021 ; Owens and Saw, 2021 ) Whereas other studies showed higher stress levels among Hispanic populations during the pandemic than their NHW counterparts. ( McKnight-Eily et al , 2021 ; Bui et al , 2021 ) While those with chronic conditions have higher rates of anxiety and depression, it is not known how different race/ethnic groups are affected by anxiety and depression in the presence of chronic conditions.…”