COVID-19 pandemic related long-term chronic stress on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the general population

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than 1 year, causing far-reaching and unprecedented changes in almost all aspects of society. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety, and explore the factors associated with it. Methods A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to assess mental health problems from February 2 to February 9, 2021 by using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The insomnia severity index (ISI), demographic data and COVID-19 related variables were measured by a self-designed questionnaire. The factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified by Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results In the study that 1171 participants enrolled, the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among general people was 22.6 and 21.4% respectively in the present study. Living alone was a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms, while regular exercises was a potential protective factor. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with the severity of insomnia symptoms and the negative feelings about pandemic. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic- related chronic stress has brought about profound impacts on long-term mental health in the general population. The level of insomnia and a negative attitude towards the pandemic are significantly correlated with unfavorable mental health. However, we failed to found a significant association of age and gender with the mental health symptoms, although they were recognized as well-established risk factors during the outbreak by some other studies. This discrepancy may be because the acute and chronic effects of the pandemic are influenced by different factors, which reminds that more attention should be paid to the intrinsic psychological factors and physical reactions towards COVID-19.

Neurological manifestations of long-COVID syndrome: a narrative review

“…A meaningful interpretation of these data is, however, currently not possible due the high heterogeneity of the so-far available observational studies and due to considerable methodological constraints, including mixed patient populations, variable follow-up periods, and unstandardized documentation of risk factors, comorbidities, and clinical symptoms. 29 , 108 , 109 , 115 …”

Prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Herat, Afghanistan

“…These studies reported the prevalence of depression to be about (22.6%‒64.7%), anxiety (16.4%‒51.6 %) and stress (17.8%‒41.2%). 9 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 Additionally, these studies have also examined factors associated with mental illnesses in COVID-19 patients. Limited access to health care, having pre-existing comorbidities, general health, 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 employment and economic status, 19 , 20 , 21 marital status, 15 , 16 , 22 being female, 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 and education 20 , 28 , 29 have been identified as associated factors of depression, anxiety and stress in COVID-19 patients in general population.…”

Analysis of Anxiety and Depression Status in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy During the COVID-19 Epidemic

“…Elderly cancer patients often have chronic underlying diseases for a long time and are prone to anxiety and depression (25). Many elderly cancer patients live apart from their children and have limited medical knowledge and information, due to a lack of understanding regarding the new coronavirus disease, the elderly are prone to anxiety, panic attacks, or helpless despair (26). In addition, due to the impact of the epidemic, many hospitals have adopted online appointments, diagnosis, and treatment.…”