Trajectories of depression, anxiety and stress among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Switzerland: the Corona Immunitas Ticino cohort study

Abstract

Objectives. Using longitudinal data from Southern Switzerland we assessed ten-month temporal trajectories of moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety and stress among adults after the first pandemic wave and explored differences between socio-demographic and health status groups. Study design. Population-based prospective cohort study. Methods. Participants were 732 (60% women) adults aged 20–64 who completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale on a monthly base since August 2020 until May 2021, as part of the Corona Immunitas Ticino study based on a probability sample of non-institutionalized residents in Ticino, Southern Switzerland. Results. Prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression increased from 7.5% in August 2020, to 12.5% in May 2021; anxiety increased from 4.8% to 8.1%; and stress increased from 5.5% to 8.8%. A steeper increase in poor mental health was observed between October 2020 and February 2021. Men had a lower risk for anxiety (OR = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.36–0.95) and stress (OR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.44–0.95,) compared to women. Suffering from a chronic disease increased the risk for depression (OR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.12–2.96), anxiety (OR = 2.38, 95%CI = 1.44–3.92) and stress (OR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.14–3.08). The differences between these groups did not vary over time. Conclusions. In a representative Swiss adult sample, prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression, anxiety and stress almost doubled in the course of ten months following the end of the first pandemic wave in spring 2020. Women and participants with pre-existing chronic conditions were at higher risk of poor mental health.

Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic Period in the European Population: An Institutional Challenge

“…In the European studies analyzed, the female gender was found to be significantly more at risk than the male for the development of stress and anxiety, depression [ 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 ], and post-traumatic symptoms [ 79 , 80 , 81 ]. The evolution of symptoms over time was also worse for women [ 82 ].…”

The trajectory of psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with health-promoting coping behavior among Japanese community-dwelling older adults: The Otassha Study

“…Few studies have reported the trajectory of mental health among adults during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic ( Fluharty et al, 2021 ; Piumatti et al, 2022 ). However, our study assessed psychological well-being on a long-term basis among older adults and classified its trajectory patterns for the first time.…”

“…Therefore, several studies have administered multiple surveys to evaluate the trajectories of mental health. Piumatti et al (2022) administered a monthly survey following the first wave of the pandemic, from August 2020 to May 2021, which showed that depression, anxiety, and stress increased among adults in Southern Switzerland ( Piumatti et al, 2022 ). By contrast, Fluharty et al (2021) reported that both depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased over time among adults during the first 21 weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom ( Fluharty et al, 2021 ).…”

Compliance with COVID-19 Prevention Measures in the Spanish Population during the New Normal: Will the Need for Greater Community Involvement Be One of the Lessons Learned?

“…Elderly and chronically ill patients were more likely to experience emotional disturbances related to protective measures, such as confinement and social isolation [ 36 , 37 ]. However, it is in this social profile where we find a greater monitoring of protection measures.…”

“…Older patients and those with chronic diseases have the highest adherence to health recommendations to prevent infection [ 38 ]. Some authors point out that these measures generate stress and anxiety in this profile of people [ 36 , 37 ]. Although patients who overcome SARS-CoV-2 infection may maintain impairments, such as respiratory or cognitive problems [ 39 ], people who have already passed COVID-19 show a lower likelihood of meeting compliance measures.…”