Investigating the effect of national government physical distancing measures on depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic through meta-analysis and meta-regression

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 physical distancing measures can potentially increase the likelihood of mental disorders. It is unknown whether these measures are associated with depression and anxiety. Objectives: To investigate meta-analytic global levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and how implementation of mitigation strategies (i.e. public transportation closures, stay-at-home orders, etc.) impacted such disorders. Data sources: Pubmed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, BIOSIS Citation Index, Current Content Connect, PsycINFO, CINAHL, medRxiv, and PsyArXiv databases for depression and anxiety prevalences; Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker for the containment and closure policies indexes; Global Burden of Disease Study for previous levels of depression and anxiety. Study eligibility criteria: Original studies conducted during COVID-19 pandemic, which assessed categorical depression and anxiety, using PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales (cutoff ≥ 10). Participants and interventions: General population, healthcare providers, students, and patients. National physical distancing measures. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Meta-analysis and meta-regresssion. Results: In total, 226,638 individuals were assessed within the 60 included studies. Global prevalence of both depression and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic were 24.0% and 21.3%, respectively. There was a wide variance in the prevalence of both anxiety and depression reported in different regions of the world and countries. Asia, and China particularly, had the lowest prevalence of both disorders. Regarding the impact of mitigation strategies on mental health, only public transportation closures increased anxiety prevalence. Limitations: Country-level data on physical distancing measures and previous anxiety/depression may not necessarily reflect local (i.e., city-specific) contexts. Conclusions and implications of key findings: Mental health concerns should not be viewed only as a delayed consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also as a concurrent epidemic. Our data provides support for policy-makers to consider real-time enhanced mental health services, and increase initiatives to foster positive mental health outcomes.

Post-infection depressive, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms: A prospective cohort study in patients with mild COVID-19

“…Despite the efforts to limit viral spread, cases are increasing worldwide and deaths are continually occurring ( Aljabali et al, 2020 ). This pandemic is generating further mental issues such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and fear ( Castaldelli-Maia et al, 2021 ; Torales et al, 2020 ). Those directly or indirectly affected by the virus could be more disturbed by these symptoms ( Torales et al, 2020 ; Vindegaard and Benros, 2020 ; Castaldelli-Maia et al, 2021 ).…”

“…This pandemic is generating further mental issues such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and fear ( Castaldelli-Maia et al, 2021 ; Torales et al, 2020 ). Those directly or indirectly affected by the virus could be more disturbed by these symptoms ( Torales et al, 2020 ; Vindegaard and Benros, 2020 ; Castaldelli-Maia et al, 2021 ). Word cloud studies indicate that uncertainties about lack of COVID-19 tests and medical supplies are common ( Lwin et al, 2020 ).…”

Relationship between teaching modality and COVID-19, well-being, and teaching satisfaction (Campus & Corona): a cohort study among students in higher education

“…A few cross sectional surveys of students in higher education have reported on the prevalence of psychological outcomes or quality of life measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, but to our knowledge none have compared different teaching modalities. [13][14][15][16] In Norway, higher education institutions opted for a hybrid model when they reopened for the autumn semester in August 2020, by offering more in-person teaching to some students and more online teaching to others. For instance, many institutions prioritised first year students for in-person teaching.…”

“…A few cross sectional surveys of students in higher education have reported on the prevalence of psychological outcomes or quality of life measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, but to our knowledge none have compared different teaching modalities. 13-16…”

Concerns Related to the COVID-19 in Adult Norwegians during the First Outbreak in 2020: A Qualitative Approach

“…A meta-analysis on anxiety and depression during the pandemic included 60 studies [ 16 ]. Most were general population samples (40.2%).…”