Social inequities in the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the mental health of a large sample of the Colombian population (PSY-COVID study)

Abstract

Background. The identification of general population groups particularly vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mental health and the development of healthcare policies are priority challenges in the current and future pandemics. Objective. To identify the personal and social determinants of the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mental health in a large sample of the Colombian population. Design. In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous online survey was answered by 18,061 participants from the general population residing in Colombia during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak (from May 20th to June 20th, 2020). Main outcome measures. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatisation were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2), and Somatic Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-5), respectively. Results. Overall, 35% of participants showed symptoms of depression, 29% of anxiety, and 31% of somatization. According to the analysis of social determinants of health, the most affected groups were people with low incomes, students, and young adults. Specifically, low-income young females were the most at-risk population group. Conclusion. These findings show how the lockdown measures impacted on the general population's mental health in Colombia and highlights some social risk factors in health.

Psychosocial aspects of COVID-19 among women in Hilla general population

“…Because they are unable to defend themselves from the epidemic, low-income populations are more likely to experience psychological effects, such as worry and anxiety. This research supports the findings of Sanabria-Mazo et al (28), who found that participants with lower incomes had a higher significant risk of depression, anxiety, and somatisation.…”

“…The findings revealed that the uneducated exhibited greater psychological characteristics. Sanabria-Mazo et al (28), who found that participants with no formal education had the largest significant prevalence of risk for somatisation, followed by those with a university education.…”

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Colombia: What Happened During Covid-19 Pandemic?

“…Other researchers have also identified that women, young and poor people are more vulnerable to mental health disorders (20,21). In addition, PSY-COVID-19, a study conducted in 30 countries using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 instruments, found that 35% of respondents have a higher risk of depression, and 29% have a higher risk of anxiety (22); this percentage is lower compared to the one found by Colombia´s National Planning Department, where 52% of households reported a deterioration in mental health in adult members (23).…”

Safe space type interventions to generate well-being in university contexts and their effectiveness: a quick review of the literature

“…Estudios han demostrado que las medidas de aislamiento impuestas, además de la preocupación y el miedo a contagiarse o que familiares cercanos se vieran afectados, aumentaron exponencialmente los sentimientos de tristeza, soledad y ansiedad (1). En Colombia, datos sobre el impacto de la pandemia sobre la población (2) indican afectaciones en el estilo de vida de las personas debido a disminución en los niveles de actividad física, problemas con el hábito de sueño y alimentación, y afectación de la realización de pasatiempos (2). En cuanto a salud mental, se vieron altos niveles de riesgo de depresión (35%), somatización (31%), ansiedad (29%), soledad (21.3%), y baja resiliencia (3.1%) (2).…”

“…En Colombia, datos sobre el impacto de la pandemia sobre la población (2) indican afectaciones en el estilo de vida de las personas debido a disminución en los niveles de actividad física, problemas con el hábito de sueño y alimentación, y afectación de la realización de pasatiempos (2). En cuanto a salud mental, se vieron altos niveles de riesgo de depresión (35%), somatización (31%), ansiedad (29%), soledad (21.3%), y baja resiliencia (3.1%) (2).…”