Prevalence of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide epidemic declared by the world health organization as a public health emergency of concern and consequently inducing huge mental health and psychological reactions. Aims: This study is aimed to summarize the existing data regarding anxiety, depression, and psychological distress during the covid-19 pandemic among the wider population so that effective intervention strategies will be initiated. Methods: Pieces of literature that assessed anxiety, depression, and psychological distress among the general population during the COVID pandemic period were systematically gathered. Data extraction in Microsoft excel was done by two independent reviewers using predefined criteria. The analysis was done using a stata-11 and random effect model. A sub-group and sensitivity analysis was done. Besides, the funnel plot and eggers publication bias test was tested. Results: Sixteen studies that assessed 78,225 participants were included. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis for anxiety prevalence. The average prevalence of anxiety was found to be 38.12%. A sub-group analysis showed that anxiety was 33.33% in China and 47.70% in other countries (Italy, Turkey, and India). Anxiety prevalence in studies measured with the DASS-21 scale, GAD-7 scale, and other tools (SAS, HADS, and 5-point Likert scale) was 23.4%, 40.73%, and 44.47% respectively. The prevalence of anxiety in studies that assessed a sample size above 2,000 participants was 40.33%. The average prevalence of depression among included studies was 34.31% and a sub-group analysis showed that depression was higher in China (36.32%) than in other countries (28.3%). Moreover, six studies reported psychological distress and the average prevalence was 37.54%. Conclusion: This study revealed that anxiety, depression, and psychological distress are potential public mental health problems of the global community that suggests the need for early recognition and initiation of interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

A Virtual Reality-Based Self-Help Intervention for Dealing with the Psychological Distress Associated with the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Effectiveness Study with a Two-Week Follow-Up

“…Regarding the lack of changes in perceived anxiety levels (as measured with the DASS_21), although we observed a decrease from the baseline to post-intervention, we also measured a slight increase in scores from the waiting period to the start of the protocol. This slight increase in the perceived anxiety from the control period to the start of the treatment could be explained by data reviewed by recent meta-analyses indicating a high prevalence (23.4%) of anxiety symptoms among the general population measured with the DASS-21 scale during the COVID-19 pandemic [84]. Additionally, we did not observe any effect of the intervention on the subjective perception of hopelessness.…”

Anxiety Level During the Second Localized COVID-19 Pandemic Among Quarantined Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China

“…Its side effects have gradually started attracting people's attention. Psychological distress such as anxiety and depression have shown widespread occurrence in the global pandemic of COVID-19 ( 1 , 4 ). Our previous research has proved that in the second wave of the epidemic, quarantine can increase the anxiety levels of the population ( 3 ).…”

Self-Rated Health and Psychological Distress among Emerging Adults in Italy: A Comparison between Data on University Students, Young Workers and Working Students Collected through the 2005 and 2013 National Health Surveys

“…Indeed, the outbreak and the measures to contain it are having a great impact on general population worldwide. Uncertainty, loss of control, isolation, and worries about one’s own health and that of beloved ones often lead to mental health issues and psychological distress [ 79 , 80 , 81 ]. Previous research showed that emerging adults are very prone to experience psychological distress during the current pandemic, and they could be considered as a vulnerable group [ 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 ].…”