Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden

In this cross-sectional study we aimed to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to explore factors predictive of these mental health outcomes. A sample of 1,503 participants, recruited from the general Swedish population, completed an online survey distributed through social media. In this sample, 22.2% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 10.9% indicated possible major depression using the PHQ-9 algorithm. Moreover, 28.3% reported clinically significant levels of anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 8) and 9.7% severe anxiety and possible GAD (GAD-7 ≥ 15). Multiple linear regression analyses identified some common predictors for both outcomes. Age, having a stable income, and sufficient social stimulation, sleep, and recovery showed negative associations, whereas worry about the economy and overall burden showed positive associations. These results suggest an impact on mental health already at an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Nurses and Auxiliary Nursing Care Technicians—A Voluntary Online Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168310 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8310

Author(s):

Eduardo Sánchez-Sánchez ◽

J. Ángel García-Álvarez ◽

Esperanza García-Marín ◽

María Gutierrez-Serrano ◽

Maria José M. Alférez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Nursing Care ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

Workplace Stressors ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

And Coping ◽

Second Wave

Pandemics impose an immense psychological burden on healthcare workers due to a combination of workplace stressors and personal fears. Nurses and auxiliary nursing care technicians (ANCTs) are on the front line of this pandemic and form the largest group in healthcare practice. The aim of this study is to determine the symptoms of depression and/or anxiety among nurses and ANCTs during the periods known as the first wave (March–June) and second wave (September–November) of theCOVID-19 pandemic in Spain. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire among nurses and ANCTs practising in Spain. During the first period, 68.3% and 49.6% of the subjects presented anxiety and depression, respectively, decreasing in the second period (49.5% for anxiety and 35.1% for depression). There were statistically significant differences between the different categories and periods (p < 0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively influenced mental health in nurses and ANCTs. Mental health should be monitored and coping strategies promoted to improve the health, productivity and efficiency of these professionals.

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The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders Among Postgraduate Students in an Arabic Sample: A Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-143732/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asem A. Alageel ◽

Rayyan A. Alyahya ◽

Raed A Alghamdi ◽

Ban A. Alzaid ◽

Aryaf. S Alsubaie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Patient Health

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are indicators of mental health and quality of life. Studies found a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among specific populations, such as medical students, residents and fellows. However, postgraduate students unarguably suffer from many private and career life stressors. Unfortunately, research about the prevalence of depression and anxiety among postgraduate students are greatly lacking.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey; a self-questionnaire divided into five sections. Socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD7), insomnia and suicide. Results: The number of participants was 1,005, The prevalence of depression and GAD that warrant treatments are 27.4% and 23.6%, respectively. Most of the participants who screened positive for depression and GAD were not aware of having these disorders. Females were at a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.10 to 2.15) and GAD (OR:1.49, 95% CL 1.07 to 2.07). Insomnia is associated significantly with depression (P<0.001) and GAD (P<0.001). Depression increases the risk for active suicide thoughts (OR= 7.453) (P<0.001). Limitations: Due to the nature of cross-sectional studies, causal relationships cannot be identified.Conclusion: We have identified a higher prevalence of depression and GAD among postgraduate students compared with the general population. However, they appear to be underrepresented in mental health literature, so further research is necessary.

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Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms Among People Under Quarantine During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.566241 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Tong Yan ◽

Wang Zhizhong ◽

Zheng Jianzhong ◽

Ying Yubo ◽

Liu Jie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Middle School Education ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Patient Health ◽

Effective Public Health

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, quarantine as an effective public health measure has been widely used in China and elsewhere to slow down the spread, while high-risk psychological response populations remain under-reported.Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the depressive and anxiety symptoms among the high-risk individuals quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.Methods: An online survey was conducted from February 29 to April 10, 2020, among individuals quarantined for at least 2 weeks due to the high-risk exposure. Chinese versions of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) with a seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) were applied to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Compliance with quarantine and knowledge of COVID-19 was also assessed. An unconditional logistic regression model was performed to identify the correlators.Results: Of the 1,260 participants completing the full survey, 14.0% (95% CI: 12.2–16.1%), 7.1% (95% CI: 5.9–8.7%), and 6.3% (95% CI: 5.1–7.8%) had at least moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and a combination of depression and anxiety (CDA), respectively; 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0–16.9%) had at least one condition. Multivariate analysis showed that participants with an undergraduate or above degree were more likely to report depressive (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.56–5.72) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.14–7.63) than those with middle school education. Those who were unemployed (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.21–0.65 for depression; OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.14–0.73 for anxiety), students (OR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.48 for depression; OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–0.85 for anxiety), and more knowledgeable of COVID-19 (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.96 for depression, OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98 for anxiety) were less likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms. Higher quarantine compliance correlated with lower risks of depressive (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.96) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98).Conclusion: Individuals under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic suffered prevalent depressive and anxiety symptoms. Consequently, comprehensive interventional measures, including knowledge dissemination, timely virus tests, and strengthened communication, may minimize quarantine's adverse effects.

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Sex and age differences in clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety among people in Australia in the first month of COVID-19 restrictions: a national survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042696 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e042696

Author(s):

Karin Hammarberg ◽

Thach Tran ◽

Maggie Kirkman ◽

Jane Fisher

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Age Differences ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Patient Health ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Sex And Age Differences ◽

Disproportionate Burden

ObjectivesTo identify sex and age differences in clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety and the factors associated with these differences among adults in Australia during COVID-19-related restrictions.DesignAnonymous online survey.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsAdults aged over 18 years living in Australia were eligible and 13 829 contributed complete data. Of these, 13 762 identified as female (10 434) or male (3328) and were included in analyses.InterventionsNone.Outcome measuresClinically significant symptoms of depression (≥10 on Patient Health Questionnaire 9) or anxiety (≥10 on Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7)), and experiences of irritability (GAD-7 item 6).ResultsWomen were more likely than men to have clinically significant symptoms of depression (26.3% (95% CI 25.4 to 27.1) vs 20.1% (95% CI 18.7 to 21.5), p<0.001) and anxiety (21.8% (95% CI 21.0 to 22.6) vs 14.2% (95% CI 13.0 to 15.4), p<0.001) and to have experienced irritability in the previous fortnight (63.1% (95% CI 62.1 to 64.0) vs 51.4% (95% CI 49.7 to 53.2), p<0.001). They were also more likely than men to be doing unpaid work caring for children (22.8% (95% CI 22.0 to 23.6) vs 8.6% (95% CI 7.7 to 9.6), p<0.001) and dependent relatives (9.8% (95% CI 9.2 to 10.3) vs 5.7% (95% CI 4.9 to 6.5), p<0.001) which made significant contributions to the mental health outcomes of interest. Loss of employment, fear of contracting COVID-19 and feeling a severe impact of the restrictions were associated with poorer mental health in women and men of all ages.ConclusionsRates of clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety were higher among women than men. Rather than being intrinsically more vulnerable to mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, the higher risk of symptoms of anxiety and depression among women may in part be explained by their disproportionate burden of unpaid caregiving.

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The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Disorders Among Postgraduate Students in an Arabic Sample: a Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-143732/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asem Alageel ◽

Rayyan Abdullah Alyahya ◽

Raed A. Alghamdi ◽

Ban A. Alzaid ◽

Aryaf S Alsubaie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Anxiety Disorders ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Patient Health

Abstract Background: Depression and anxiety are indicators of mental health and quality of life. Studies found a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among specific populations, such as medical students, residents and fellows. However, postgraduate students unarguably suffer from many private and career life stressors. Unfortunately, research about the prevalence of depression and anxiety among postgraduate students are greatly lacking.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey; a self-questionnaire divided into five sections. Socio-demographic characteristics, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression (PHQ9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item (GAD7), insomnia and suicide.Results: The number of participants was 1,005, The prevalence of depression and GAD that warrant treatments are 27.4% and 23.6%, respectively. Most of the participants who screened positive for depression and GAD were not aware of having these disorders. Females were at a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.5, 95% CL: 1.10 to 2.15) and GAD (OR:1.49, 95% CL 1.07 to 2.07). Insomnia is associated significantly with depression (P<0.001) and GAD (P<0.001). Depression increases the risk for active suicide thoughts (OR= 7.453) (P<0.001). Conclusion: We have identified a higher prevalence of depression and GAD among postgraduate students compared with the general population. However, they appear to be underrepresented in mental health literature, so further research is necessary. The limitations of this study were centered on the nature of cross-sectional studies, causal relationships cannot be identified.

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Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2021.603602 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

Author(s):

Khezar Hayat ◽

Muhammad Arshed ◽

Iqra Fiaz ◽

Urooj Afreen ◽

Faiz Ullah Khan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly increased the rate of mortality and morbidity worldwide due to its rapid transmission rate. The mental health status of individuals could have a negative impact attributed to this global situation. Therefore, this study was intended to explore the symptoms of depression and anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs) of Pakistan during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken by administering a web-based questionnaire between May and June 2020. Two tools, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), were employed to measure anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs. The data analyses were carried out using descriptive statistics, Man Whitney, and Kruskal Wallis tests.Results: Of 1094 HCWs who participated in this online survey, 742 (67.8%) were physicians, followed by nurses (n = 277, 25.3%) and pharmacists (n = 75, 6.9%). The survey respondents had a median depression and anxiety score of 5.00 (7.00–3.00) and 8.00 (11.00–5.00), respectively. A considerable number of HCWs (82.2%) utilized online psychological resources to deal with their psychological distress. Female HCWs, nurses, frontline HCWs, and HCWs aged 30–49 years were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety (p < 0.05).Conclusion: During the recent ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, there is a mild level of symptoms of depression and anxiety among HCWs. Our findings call for urgent psychological interventions for vulnerable groups of Pakistani HCWs.

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The association of food quality index with mental health in women: a cross-sectional study

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-020-05401-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manije Darooghegi Mofrad ◽

Fereydoun Siassi ◽

Bijan Guilani ◽

Nick Bellissimo ◽

Katherine Suitor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Food Quality ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Quality Score ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Iranian Women ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective Diet is a fundamental modifiable risk factor for the development of depression and anxiety. However, no evidence currently exists regarding the association of food quality score (FQS) and mental health in Iranian women. This study investigated the relationship between food quality score, depression, anxiety and stress in Iranian women. Results Results showed that 35%, 41% and 42% of participants had depression, anxiety and stress, respectively. The average age of participants was 31.40 ± 7.47 years. A significant association was indicated between FQS and symptoms of depression (OR: 0.36; 95% CI 0.21, 0.63), anxiety (OR: 0.31; 95% CI 0.18, 0.53), and stress (OR: 0.39; 95% CI 0.23, 0.66) in both crude and adjusted models.

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

10.1101/2020.04.30.20086926 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

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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Mental Health of Medical Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Russia: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

10.1101/2020.07.27.20162610 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Egor Bachilo ◽

Juliy Barylnik ◽

Andrey Shuldyakov ◽

Alexander Efremov ◽

Dmitiy Novikov

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

High Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Health Measures ◽

Risk Areas

This is the first study in Russia regarding the mental health of medical workers during a pandemic. In this survey, the study of medical workers during pandemic COVID-19 in Russia reported high rates of symptoms of depression and anxiety. There is a higher risk of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression among young employees working directly in high-risk areas of the infection. Protecting medical workers is an important component of public health measures for addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Special measures to improve the mental health of medical workers should be based on their needs. Special attention needs to be paid to young medical workers working in areas with a high risk of infection.

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Public Concerns during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Multicultural Cross-Sectional Study among Internet Survey Respondents in Three Countries

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10081577 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1577

Author(s):

Alona Emodi-Perlman ◽

Ilana Eli ◽

Nir Uziel ◽

Joanna Smardz ◽

Anahat Khehra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Middle Eastern ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Internet Survey ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Culturally Different ◽

Patient Health

(1) Background: this study aimed to evaluate the worries, anxiety, and depression in the public during the initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in three culturally different groups of internet survey respondents: Middle Eastern (Israel), European (Poland), and North American (Canada). (2) Methods: a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in the mentioned countries during the lockdown periods. The survey included a demographic questionnaire, a questionnaire on personal concerns, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). A total of 2207 people successfully completed the survey. (3) Results: Polish respondents were the most concerned about being infected. Canadian respondents worried the most about their finances, relations with relatives and friends, and both physical and mental health. Polish respondents worried the least about their physical health, and Israeli respondents worried the least about their mental health and relations with relatives and friends. Canadian respondents obtained the highest score in the PHQ-4, while the scores of Israeli respondents were the lowest. (4) Conclusions: various factors should be considered while formulating appropriate solutions in emergency circumstances such as a pandemic. Understanding these factors will aid in the development of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of stress, social isolation, and uncertainty on the well-being and mental health of culturally different societies.

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