Psychosocial Correlates of Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19: The Spanish Case

Abstract

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has hit almost all countries around the globe, seriously affecting the welfare of populations. Spain is especially hard-hit. In this context, the purpose of the present study is to analyze social, demographic, and economic correlates of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in the population residing in Spain.MethodThe sample of this cross-sectional study was comprised of 801 participants aged 18 or older and residing in Spain. Data collection was carried out during March and April 2020. Data of mental health (GHQ12) and well-being (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) indicators, and those of a wide number of social, demographic, and economic variables were recorded. Linear regression models were built to value associations between mental health and social, demographic, and economic indicators.ResultsMental health morbidity was higher in women, younger people, individuals with medium studies, people with fewer children, singles, students, and unemployed individuals. Positive affect was higher among women, people with a high level of studies, those not co-living with dependent seniors, the self-employed, the employed, and those working outside home. Negative affect was negatively associated with age and number of children and was higher among women, people with basic studies, singles, individuals co-living with dependent seniors, homemakers, and students.ConclusionThe most vulnerable populations were found to be women, younger people, people with basic or medium studies, students and individuals with no remunerated activities, single populations, and those co-living with dependent seniors as well as those with a reduced number of children.

Anxiety and Worries among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multilevel Analysis

“…These results are congruent with other studies carried out previously, in which the vulnerability of this group of women has been evidenced [ 32 , 54 ]. While economic and employment uncertainty has proven to be a risk factor for mental health in the general population [ 13 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 ], it may be even more so in this group. Specifically, it could be hypothesized that, while the stress and pressure associated with new economic responsibilities is often a risk factor for the mental health of pregnant women under normal circumstances [ 59 , 60 , 61 ], one could expect it to be to be even more so in conditions of economic uncertainty and instability such as those caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.…”

“…Social and mobility restrictions, quarantine periods and lockdowns have forced the population into strict isolation conditions [ 9 , 10 ]. In addition to fear of the virus itself, the uncertainty generated by the closure of educational centers, services, stores, and many other businesses has caused a social and economic crisis, seriously affecting people’s mental health and significantly increasing the risk of reporting mental pathologies [ 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…For instance, some have emphasized the importance of certain sociodemographic variables and identified groups of greater vulnerability. According to previous studies, more vulnerable populations in terms of mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak were found to be women, younger people, people with basic or medium studies, students and individuals with no remunerated activities, single populations and those co-living with dependent seniors as well as those with a reduced number of children [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Other factors, such as pre-existing physical and mental health conditions and low social support, have been linked to depressive symptoms [ 16 ].…”

“…Several studies have identified women as a vulnerable group during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 13 , 18 , 19 ]. Numerous studies have found higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder among women, when compared to men [ 18 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Rethinking Strategies and Programs to Improve Physical and Emotional Well-being Among Healthcare Professionals: Facing the New Normalcy

“…There is significant interest in developing programs that strengthen the capacity of these individuals to meet the demands and challenges associated with their profession [ 10 ]. Well-being and wellness are used interchangeably to describe the desired state that humans must achieve to have a good life [ 11 – 13 ]. Well-being involves both an objective approach (e.g., income, housing, and access to services) and a subjective approach (e.g., psychological, social, and spiritual).…”