The Magnitude of Depression and Anxiety During COVID 19: An Online Survey Among Adults in Bangladesh (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zunayed Al Azdi ◽  
Khaleda Islam ◽  
Asiful Haidar Chowdhury ◽  
Helal Uddin Ahmed ◽  
Razzaqul Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Depression And Anxiety

BACKGROUND Bangladesh, in combat with the global pandemic, has taken multiple initiatives to minimize the spread of the new Coronavirus. Actions such as lockdown, social distancing, and restricted lifestyles are known to affect mental health among mass people. OBJECTIVE We carried out the study to understand the mental health condition of the adults during the pandemic of COVID 19, with a particular focus on depression and anxiety. METHODS An online survey was conducted in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 epidemic from 10-30 April 2020 to assess the distribution and magnitude of depression and anxiety among the adult population. RESULTS Among 509 participants, 32.2% had depressive disorders, 47.3% had generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), and 28.1% of them were found to have both disorders. Depression and anxiety are preponderant in females compared to males. The likelihood of having depressive disorder was found higher in females (P=.014, OR=1.6), 18 to 24 years old (P<.001, OR=4.2), 25 to 34 years old (P=.047, OR=1.9) students (P=.001, OR=4.8) and jobless people (P=.027, OR=4.5). In case of GAD, positive associations were found with 18 to 24 years old (P<.001, OR=3.4), 25 to 34 years old (P=.002, OR=2.5), females (P=.001, OR=1.8), students (P=.004, OR=3.3), job holders (P=.044, OR=2.2), businessmen (P=.007, OR=4.5) and home-makers (P=.037, OR=2.7). A higher proportion of females were experiencing functional difficulties due to depression. The severity of depression and anxiety were also higher in females. We found higher percentages of severe depression and anxiety among participants aged between 18 and 24 years. Among different stressful, stimulating thoughts, adjusting all other factors, thoughts about ‘staying away from the family or someone like a family’ was found to have significant positive associations with both depressive disorder (P=.036, OR=1.7) and anxiety disorder (P=.008, OR=1.9). CONCLUSIONS The vulnerability of a population during the crisis is common in other contexts, and women seem to have a more significant impact and suffer more from a mental health disorder. A steep rise of both depression and anxiety in a short time demands specific and inclusive interventions in the country. The study findings suggest that during this pandemic, the adult population, especially the women, suffered from anxiety and depression. Therefore, the mental health of people should receive equal attention as their physical health. The policymakers need to pay attention to this to prevent further vulnerability, protect the overall well-being and productivity of the population.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Greenness, and Nature Related Behaviors in the Adult Population of Stockholm County during COVID-19-Related Restrictions

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3303
Author(s):  
Mare Lõhmus ◽  
Cecilia U. D. Stenfors ◽  
Tomas Lind ◽  
André Lauber ◽  
Antonios Georgelis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stockholm County ◽  
Cognitive Stress ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
International Data

International data suggest that exposure to nature is beneficial for mental health and well-being. The restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic have created a setting that allows us to investigate the importance of greenness exposure on mental health during a period of increased isolation and worry. Based on 2060 responses from an online survey in Stockholm County, Sweden, we investigated: (1) whether the COVID-19 pandemic changed peoples’ lifestyle and nature-related habits, and (2) if peoples’ mental health differed depending on their exposure to greenness. Neighborhood greenness levels were quantified by using the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) within 50 m, 100 m, 300 m, and 500 m buffers surrounding the participant’s place of residence. We found that the number of individuals that reported that they visited natural areas “often” was significantly higher during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Higher levels of greenness surrounding one’s location of residence were in general associated with higher mental health/well-being and vitality scores, and less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived and cognitive stress, after adjustments for demographic variables and walkability. In conclusion, the results from the present study provided support to the suggestion that contact with nature may be important for mental health in extreme circumstances.

scholarly journals Subjective Well-being, Mental Health and Concerns During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From the Global South

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Lina Martínez ◽  
Valeria Trofimoff ◽  
Isabella Valencia
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Global South ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Study Results

COVID-19 pandemic is harming many social and economic spheres beyond physical health. The subjective well-being of the population (positive emotions and life satisfaction) and the prevalence of stressors affecting good mental health like worry, depression, and anxiety are increasing worldwide. This analysis presents evidence of subjective well-being and mental health in Colombia, South America, during the current crisis. The data for this analysis comes from an online survey released after one month of quarantine. In total, 941 adults participated in the study. Results show that women are more affected by their well-being and experience more often worry, depression, and anxiety than males. In particular, younger women and from the lower socioeconomic strata. Respondents identify three primary concerns because of the pandemic: i) financial consequences, ii) health (personal and loved one&#39;s health), and iii) productivity. Respondents are, on average, more concerned for the health of loved ones than their health. 49% of study participants report having an income reduction as a consequence of the pandemic, but women in all subgroups analyzed are more affected than males. In terms of productivity &ndash;working remotely-, educated people, and from 50+ age range, feels more productive working from home. Evidence from this analysis contributes to the broader research of the consequences of COVID-19 on the well-being of the population. Evidence comes from a country in the global South with high population ratings of subjective well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction before the pandemic.&nbsp;

scholarly journals Prevalence of depression among three cohorts of medical students

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Georgieva ◽  
M Vatansever ◽  
A Velkova ◽  
N Hristov ◽  
P Pesheva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Depression Prevalence ◽  
Health Studies ◽  
Medical University

Abstract Background Medical education is often related to serious distress for students, that affects negatively their mental well-being. Depression, poor academic performance, increased alcohol consumption, suicidal thoughts, are some of the detrimental effects of diminished mental health. Studies on depression in medical students reveal a higher prevalence (1.4-73.5%) than in the general population. This study aimed to assess and compare depression prevalence and severity in three cohorts of medical students in Bulgaria and Turkey. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 257 Bulgarian and 288 foreign medical students from Medical University-Sofia, Bulgaria, and with 270 Turkish medical students from Ankara in the winter semester of 2019-2020 academic year. We used the Beck depression inventory (BDI) as valid and reliable instrument to assess depression. The students were categorised according to BDI scores in three groups: with mild depression (10- 18 points); moderate depression (19-29); severe depression (30- 63). Data were analysed with program product Python 3 (v3.6.9) with Pandas v0.25.3 and Scipy v1.4.1. Results Depressive symptoms reported 71.5% of Turkish students, 47.1% of Bulgarian and 48.7% of foreign medical students. The depression frequency among Turkish and Bulgarian medical students was significantly different (chi2 = 35.31; p = 0,001). Mean BDI scores were similar for Bulgarian medical students (11.0) and foreign medical students, studying in Bulgaria (11.6). Turkish medical students scored highest on BDI (15.3). Severe depression was detected in 5.6% of foreign, 4.3% of Bulgarian and 6.3% of Turkish students. Conclusions Depression prevalence was high in all studied medical students cohorts, with Turkish cohort affected most, probably because of cultural and curriculum differences. Key messages Support of student’s mental health should be an integral part of the educational policies of all Medical Universities worldwide. Depression among medical students has to be prevented by comprehensive approach.

scholarly journals Assessing depression, anxiety, stress and associated factors during COVID-19 lockdown among adult population in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Kawthar Al Saleh ◽  
Hajer Al Nasser ◽  
Kawthar Al Harabah ◽  
Zainab Al Orefan ◽  
Ola Mousa
Keyword(s):  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Mild Depression ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
The Impact

Background: Depression, anxiety, and stress are challenging constraints that can greatly affect mental well-being leading to social, occupational, and physical impairments. Lockdown and social distancing have come to be the norms for preventing and controlling COVID-19, however maintaining these preventive measures for months could add to the burden of mental health. This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress during COVID-19 lockdown and to identify associated factors among adult individuals in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.Methods: The study utilized a quantitative descriptive design and data were gathered by means of online survey during the 10th week of lockdown. The survey contained demographic queries and other questions helping in identifying possible factors that may led to the three stressors along with DASS-21. A total of 1874 respondents participated in the study. Results: Results revealed the prevalence of depression was (55.2%), anxiety was (64.5%) and stress was (45%), with degrees ranging from mild to extremely severe. Age was noted to negatively correlate with depression, anxiety and stress. The prevalence of DAS is found to be positively correlated with having a family history of depression or anxiety. Additionally, having chronic illnesses has been noted to have a positive relationship with both anxiety and stress. Taking care of an elderly or sick family member have a positive correlation with anxiety.Conclusions: This study highlights the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on depression, anxiety and stress levels among adult population. The findings of this study revealed mild depression, moderate anxiety and mild stress. In more details, near to third of respondents were having moderate to extremely severe depression level. Participants with moderate to extremely severe anxiety comprised nearly half of the sample and one third of respondents were having moderate to extremely severe stress. 

scholarly journals Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional analysis of risk perceptions and mental health in a student cohort

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ru Jia ◽  
Holly Knight ◽  
Holly Blake ◽  
Dame Jessica Corner ◽  
Chris Denning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sectional Analysis

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the COVID-19 risk perceptions and mental health of university students on returning to campus in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was completed during the first four weeks of the academic year (October 2020) by 897 university students. The survey included demographics and measures of experiences of COVID-19 testing, self-isolation, shielding, perceived risk, mental health and indices capturing related psychological responses to the pandemic.ResultsWe observed higher levels of depression and anxiety, but not stress, in students compared with pre- pandemic normative data, but lower than levels reported earlier in the pandemic in other similar cohorts. Depression, anxiety and stress were independently associated with greater loneliness and reduced positive mood. Greater worry about COVID-19 was also independently associated with anxiety and stress. Female students and those with pre-existing mental health disorders were at greatest risk of poor mental health outcomes.ConclusionAlthough students perceived themselves at only moderate risk of COVID-19, the prevalence of depression and anxiety among university students should remain a concern. Universities should provide adequate support for students’ mental health during term-time. Interventions to reduced loneliness and worry, and improve mood, may benefit students’ overall mental well-being.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID -19 on Depression and Anxiety among Healthcare Professionals in Abu Dhabi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Abdul Rahim Al Zarooni ◽  
Aljazia Khalfan Alghfeli ◽  
Hamda Musabbah Alremeithi ◽  
Roqayah Abdulla Almadhaani ◽  
Latifa Baynouna Alketbi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional

COVID-19 have affected Healthcare workers is many ways. One of the important areas is the psychological impact. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of healthcare Professionals (HCP). A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 11th, and July 23rd, 2020, to assess depression and anxiety of healthcare workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire evaluated 1,268 HCP. More than half of the participants reported symptoms of anxiety (51.5%). Mild anxiety was reported in 28.8% of participating HCP, and 12.68 % of the participants registered moderate anxiety scores, while 9.95 % reported severe anxiety. Depression symptoms were revealed in 38.3 % of participating providers. Among all participates, 4.3 % and 2.7 % reported moderately severe and severe depression, accordingly, while 22.5%, and 8.8 % of the participating health care providers documented mild and moderate depression. The high prevalence of anxiety and depression recorded among HCP during the pandemic suggests that mental health intervention and support are necessary to ensure the psychological well-being of HCP.

scholarly journals Mental ill-health during COVID-19 confinement

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Jané-Llopis ◽  
Peter Anderson ◽  
Lidia Segura ◽  
Edurne Zabaleta ◽  
Regina Muñoz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychiatric Symptomatology ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
On Line ◽  
Mental Well Being

Abstract Background Confinement due to COVID-19 has increased mental ill-health. Few studies unpack the risk and protective factors associated with mental ill-health and addictions that might inform future preparedness. Methods Cross-sectional on-line survey with 37,810 Catalan residents aged 16+ years from 21 April to 20 May 2020 reporting prevalence of mental ill-health and substance use and associated coping strategies and behaviours. Results Weighted prevalence of reported depression, anxiety and lack of mental well-being was, respectively, 23, 26, and 75%, each three-fold higher than before confinement. The use of prescribed hypnosedatives was two-fold and of non-prescribed hypnosedatives ten-fold higher than in 2018. Women, younger adults and students were considerably more likely, and older and retired people considerably less likely to report mental ill-health. High levels of social support, dedicating time to oneself, following a routine, and undertaking relaxing activities were associated with half the likelihood of reported mental ill-health. Worrying about problems living at home, the uncertainty of when normality would return, and job loss were associated with more than one and a half times the likelihood of mental ill-health. With the possible exception of moderately severe and severe depression, length of confinement had no association with reported mental ill-health. Conclusions The trebling of psychiatric symptomatology might lead to either to under-identification of cases and treatment gap, or a saturation of mental health services if these are not matched with prevalence increases. Special attention is needed for the younger adult population. In the presence of potential new confinement, improved mental health literacy of evidence-based coping strategies and resilience building are urgently needed to mitigate mental ill-health.

scholarly journals Mental Health, Greenness and Nature Related Behaviours in the Adult Population of Stockholm County during Covid-19-related Restrictions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mare Lõhmus ◽  
Cecilia U. D. Stenfors ◽  
Tomas Lind ◽  
André Lauber ◽  
Antonios Georgelis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stockholm County ◽  
Cognitive Stress ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
International Data

International data suggests that exposure for nature is beneficial for mental health and well-being. The restrictions related to Covid-19 pandemic have created a setting that allows us to investigate the importance of greenness exposure on mental health during a period of increased isolation and worry. Based on 2060 responses from an online survey in the Stockholm County, Sweden, we investigated: 1) weather the Covid-19 pandemic changed peoples&rsquo; life-style and nature-related habits, and 2) if peoples&rsquo; mental health differed depending on their exposure to greenness. Neighbourhood greenness levels were quantified by using the average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within 50m, 100m, 300m, and 500m buffers surrounding the participant&rsquo;s place of residence. We found that the number of individuals that reported that they visited natural areas &ldquo;often&rdquo; was significantly higher during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Higher levels of greenness surrounding one&rsquo;s location of residence were in general associated with higher mental health/wellbeing and vitality scores, and less symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived and cognitive stress, after adjustments for demographic variables and walkability. In conclusion, the results from the present study provided support to the suggestion that contact with nature may be important for mental health in extreme circumstances.

scholarly journals The Impact of Social Support on Students’ Behavior in the Context of Iraqi Medical Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 1553-1559
Author(s):  
I. D. Al-Hasani ◽  
H. S. Salih ◽  
A. T. Abdul Wahid ◽  
Mohammed Jabarah
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are reflected and linked to human behavior in many aspects. Medical students are susceptible to a wide variety of events that compromise their mental well-being, social life as well as their academic achievements. AIM: This study aimed to find the impact of social support on medical students’ behavior in Iraq via assessing their depression, anxiety, and stress status. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey-based study targeted all medical students in Iraq. The employed questionnaires covered mental health status of participants by evaluating their perceptions of depression, anxiety, and stress using. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System. RESULTS: The study revealed a significant influence of social support on students’ perceptions of depression and anxiety, but not of their perception of stress. CONCLUSION: Lending social support to medical student is crucial to improve their depression and anxiety with all the positive results that the support brings to their behavior and social life. However, they need more than the social support to keep them safe from academic and daily life stressors.

scholarly journals Mental health in medical, dentistry and veterinary students: cross-sectional online survey

BJPsych Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 441-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duleeka Knipe ◽  
Chloe Maughan ◽  
John Gilbert ◽  
David Dymock ◽  
Paul Moran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Veterinary Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundThe mental health of university students, especially medical students, is of growing concern in the UK.AimTo estimate the prevalence of mental disorder in health sciences students and investigate help-seeking behaviour.MethodAn online survey from one English university (n= 1139; 53% response rate) collected data on depression (using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety (seven-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment), alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), self-harm and well-being, as well as help seeking.ResultsA quarter of the students reported symptoms of moderate/severe depression and 27% reported symptoms of moderate/severe anxiety. Only 21% of students with symptoms of severe depression had sought professional help; the main reason for not seeking help was fear of documentation on academic records.ConclusionsThe study highlights the extent of mental health problems faced by health science students. Barriers to help seeking due to concerns about fitness-to-practise procedures urgently need to be addressed to ensure that this population of students can access help in a timely fashion.Declaration of interestNone.

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