scholarly journals Cross-national study of worrying, loneliness, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison between individuals with and without infection in the family

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Family ◽  
Public Behavior

Abstract Background: As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, strict national policies regarding public behavior were implemented in countries throughout the world, including Europe, America and Australia. Social distancing became the main policy for public behavior, in effect imposing radical changes in people’s everyday life. Thus, mental health may be affected at the general population level and not only among those who have been infected by the disease or have witnessed family members or close ones fall ill. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness and mental health) in both groups. Results: Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001), and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of edcuation, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions: In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had infection within the family, but extend to the general population.

scholarly journals Cross-national study of worrying, loneliness, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison between individuals with and without infection in the family

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Family ◽  
Public Behavior

Abstract Background As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, strict national policies regarding public behavior were implemented in countries throughout the world, including Europe, America and Australia. Social distancing became the main policy for public behavior, in effect imposing radical changes in people’s everyday life. Thus, mental health may be affected at the general population level and not only among those who have been infected by the disease or have witnessed family members or close ones fall ill. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness and mental health) in both groups. Results Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001), and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of edcuation, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had infection within the family, but extend to the general population.

scholarly journals Cross-National Study of Worrying, Loneliness, and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Individuals with and without Infection in the Family

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 903
Author(s):  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
Daicia Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Outcomes ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
National Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Family ◽  
Mental Health Effects ◽  
Cross National Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine differences in worry, loneliness, and mental health between those individuals infected by COVID-19 or having someone their family infected, and the rest of the population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Norway, UK, USA, and Australia during April/May 2020. Participants (n = 3810) were recruited via social media postings by the researchers and the involved universities. Differences between those with and without infection in the family were investigated with chi-square tests and independent t-tests. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess associations between sociodemographic variables and psychological outcomes (worry, loneliness, and mental health) in both groups. Results: Compared to their counterparts, participants with infection in the family reported higher levels of worries about themselves (p < 0.05) and their family members (p < 0.001) and had poorer mental health (p < 0.05). However, the effect sizes related to the differences were small. The largest effect (d = 0.24) concerned worries about their immediate family. Poorer psychological outcomes were observed in those who were younger, female, unemployed, living alone and had lower levels of education, yet with small effect sizes. Conclusions: In view of the small differences between those with and without infection, we generally conclude that the mental health effects of the COVID-19 situation are not limited to those who have been infected or have had an infection within the family but extend to the wider population.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Qualitative Experiences of Social Media Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Sample

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Schoultz Mariyana ◽  
Leung Janni ◽  
Bonsaksen Tore ◽  
Ruffolo Mary ◽  
Thygesen Hilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
National Study ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
The Uk

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and as a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the qualitative experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter-in-place during the current pandemic. Methods: This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, the UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The manuscript reports on the qualitative free-text component of the study asking about the challenges of social media users during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, USA and Australia. A total of 1991 responses were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results: Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions which were difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning, which was positive and stressful at the same time. Conclusion: Using social media while in a shelter-in-place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of some of the population. To support policy and practice in strengthening mental health care in the community, social media could be used to deliver practical advice on coping and stress management. Communication with the public should be strengthened by unambiguous and clear messages and clear communication pathways. We should be looking at alternative ways of staying connected.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in General Population of Iran during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saman Maroufizadeh ◽  
Majid Pourshaikhian ◽  
Ali Pourramzani ◽  
Farzaneh Sheikholeslami ◽  
Mohammad Taghi Moghadamnia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health emergency and may result in psychological problems such as anxiety and depression in general population. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and their associated factors in general population of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: We conducted this web-based cross-sectional study on 5328 individuals in Iran, between 17 and 29 April 2020. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire via social media like WhatsApp and Telegram. The online survey collected information on demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related variables, and anxiety and depression. Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of anxiety and depression.Results: The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 total scores were 7.17 (SD=5.42) and 7.80 (SD=6.68), respectively. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and comorbid anxiety-depression were 30.1%, 33.4%, and 22.1%, respectively. According to the adjusted analysis, anxiety was significantly associated with being female, being young and middle-aged, being unemployed or housewife, having chronic diseases, long time thinking about COVID-19, having family members, friends, and/or relatives infected with COVI-19, and death of family members, relatives or friends due to COVID-19. Same results were also found for depression. Furthermore, depression was associated with being single, being resident in urban area, and having high risk individual in family. Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety and depression were considerably high in general population of Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the findings suggest that more attention needs to be paid to vulnerable groups such as women, young/middle-aged adults, unemployed people, people with chronic disease. Thus, a holistic approach, including management policies, psychosocial interventions, training, support, and tele-mental health, is absolutely crucial to reduce mental health problems of the COVID-19 and any outbreaks of other infectious diseases.

scholarly journals Mental health consequences during alerting situations and recovering to a new normal of coronavirus epidemic in 2019: a cross-sectional study based on the affected population

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Rujun Zheng ◽  
Yan Fu ◽  
Qianqian Mu ◽  
Junying Li
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Death Anxiety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Targeted Interventions

Abstract Background As a major virus outbreak in the twenty-first century, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused unprecedented hazards to mental health globally. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study based on the results of an online survey. The survey was conducted 1 month after the outbreak (February 18–29, 2020) and repeated at the time of resuming activity (April 8–14, 2020). The 15-item Death Anxiety Scale (T-DAS) was used to assess the degree of death anxiety, and the Chinese version of PTSD checklist-civilian version (PCL-C), for PTSD symptom clusters. Through convenient sampling, a total of 7678 cases were collected. Results Our findings showed that even after the lockdown was lifted, the prevalence of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and death anxiety remained significantly high in the general population affected by the outbreak. Regression model analysis showed that PTSD was significantly associated with age > 50 years, contact history/living community, poor health status of participants, past traumatic experience (PTE), and medical occupation. Moreover, death anxiety mediated the relationship between life-threatening PTE and PTSD, indicating that reducing death anxiety could buffer the negative effects of PTE on PTSD. Conclusions Despite the lifting of the lockdown, long-term adverse psychological effects remain in the affected general population. The management of mental health after major public health events is important, and high-risk groups such as the elderly and healthcare workers should receive targeted interventions. In addition, the study suggests that methods for alleviating death anxiety must be included in plans to manage the psychological impact of public health emergencies.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social determinants among the Portuguese population: study protocol (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Aguiar ◽  
Marta Pinto ◽  
Raquel Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Distance Measures ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and all physical distance measures implemented across the world have caused significant stress, anxiety and mental health implications in the general population. Unemployment, working from home and day-to-day changes may lead to a greater risk of poor mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE To describe the protocol for a cross-sectional online study that aims to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. METHODS Individuals from the general population with 18 or more years of age living in Portugal were included. Data was collected between 10 November 2020 and 10 February 2021. An exponential non-discriminative snowball sampling method was applied to recruit participants. An online survey was prepared and shared on social network applications (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and WhatsApp groups) and through e-mail mailing lists for the recruitment of the “seeds”. RESULTS Analysis will be performed in accordance to the different variables and outcomes of interest based on quantitative methods, qualitative methods or mixed-methods, accordingly. As of 10 February 2021, 929 individuals had completed the survey. Results of the survey will be disseminated in national and international scientific journals during 2021-2022. CONCLUSIONS Our findings will have broad implications for understanding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Portuguese residents as well as aspects related to informal economy. We also hope to be able to provide insights and guidelines for action to the Portuguese Government. In the end, we expect this protocol to provide a roadmap for other countries and researchers that would like to implement a similar questionnaire considering the related conclusions.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Information and Being Connected: Experiences of Social Media use during the Covid-19 Pandemic from a Trans-National Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariyana Schoultz ◽  
Janni Leung ◽  
Tore Bonsaksen ◽  
Mary Ruffolo ◽  
Hilde Thygesen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Research Question ◽  
National Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information

Background Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict national policies regarding social distancing behavior in Europe, America and Australia, people became reliant on social media as a means for gathering information and a tool for staying connected to family, friends and work. This is the first trans-national study exploring the experiences and challenges of using social media while in lockdown or shelter in place during the current pandemic. Methods This study was part of a wider cross-sectional online survey conducted in Norway, UK, USA and Australia during April/May 2020. The research question was to explore the experiences and challenges of social media users during the Covid-19 pandemic. 3810 people took part in the survey and 1991 responses were included in the analysis . Thematic analysis was conducted independently by two researchers. Results Three overarching themes identified were: Emotional/Mental Health, Information and Being Connected. Participants experienced that using social media during the pandemic amplified anxiety, depression, fear, panic, anger, frustration and loneliness. They felt that there was information overload and social media was full of misleading or polarized opinions from which was difficult to switch off. Nonetheless, participants also thought that there was an urge for connection and learning which was positive and stressful and the same time. Conclusion Using social media while in shelter in place or lockdown could have a negative impact on the emotional and mental health of the population. These findings give a clear insight into practical recommendations for policy and practice on the importance of strengthening mental health care in the community and investing in health workers to support the mental health needs of the public.

scholarly journals 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)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5297
Author(s):  
Juan P. Sanabria-Mazo ◽  
Bernardo Useche-Aldana ◽  
Pedro P. Ochoa ◽  
Diego F. Rojas-Gualdrón ◽  
Corel Mateo-Canedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Social Risk Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
The Impact

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. This study aimed 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. 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 20 May to 20 June 2020). The risk of depression, anxiety, and somatization disorders were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2), and Somatic Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-5), respectively. Overall, 35% of participants showed risk 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 (18–29 years). Specifically, low-income young females were the most at-risk population group. These findings show how the lockdown measures affected the general population’s mental health in Colombia and highlight some social risk factors in health.

scholarly journals 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)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan P. Sanabria-Mazo ◽  
Bernardo Useche-Aldana ◽  
Pedro P. Ochoa ◽  
Diego F. Rojas-Gualdrón ◽  
Corel Mateo Canedo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
The Impact

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.

scholarly journals Depression, Anxiety and Depression-anxiety comorbidity amid COVID-19 Pandemic: An online survey conducted during lockdown in Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Sigdel ◽  
Anu Bista ◽  
Navaraj Bhattarai ◽  
Bimal Chandra Pun ◽  
Govind Giri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
General Population ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Co Morbidity

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health status during the lockdown period. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess prevalence of depression, anxiety and depression-anxiety comorbidity, and associated factors during the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Nepal. Data was collected from April 9 to April 16, 2020 using an e-questionnaire which was shared through different popular social media. A total of 349 participants were included. Self-reported depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Generalized Anxiety tools respectively. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with depression, anxiety and depression and anxiety co-morbidity.ResultsThe prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and depression-anxiety co-morbidity were found to be 34.0%, 31.0% and 23.2% respectively. The multi-variate analysis showed that females, those living alone, health professionals and those who spent more time in accessing information about COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have depression, anxiety and depression-anxiety co-morbidity.ConclusionsHigh rates of depression and anxiety and co-morbidity were found to be prevailing among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Nepal. The results suggest that only the scientific, but contextually appropriate messages about the disease should be disseminated to reduce unnecessary fears and anxiety. Awareness interventions to promote mental wellbeing need to be integrated into the response interventions. Community mental health care should be made accessible to at-risk groups.

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