Factors Associated with Symptoms of Depression and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with symptoms of depression and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Convenience sampling and snowball sampling were used to recruit a sample of adults in China (n = 2130) from 14 February 2020 to 3 March 2020 to complete an online survey. Linear regression was used to examine the predictors of symptoms of depression and psychological distress. Living in a non-urban area and the number of confirmed cases in their city of residence were positively associated with symptoms of depression. Female gender, not being married, practicing social distancing, the amount of time spent daily on social media searching for and reading information on COVID-19, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their city of residence, and having confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in personal networks were positively associated with psychological distress. Social distancing is a widely used public health approach for population-wide virus-containment of COVID-19. However, reductions in population-wide psychological well-being are inadvertent consequences of social distancing. There is an emerging need to negate factors that increase adverse mental health vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Psychological Distress Among the U.S. General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.642918 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Christi J. Guerrini ◽

Sophie C. Schneider ◽

Andrew G. Guzick ◽

Gifty N. Amos Nwankwo ◽

Isabel Canfield ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

The United States ◽

Healthy Behaviors ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Clinically Significant ◽

Amazon's Mechanical Turk

The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a significant global toll on emotional well-being, but evidence of mental health impacts in the United States remains limited. In April 2020, we conducted an exploratory survey of U.S. residents to understand prevalence of and factors associated with psychological distress during the pandemic. Data collection was conducted using Qualtrics, an online survey platform, and U.S. adult respondents were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk platform. Among 1,366 respondents, 42% (n = 571) reported clinically significant anxiety and 38% (n = 519) reported clinically significant depression. Factors associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms included Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; younger age; lower income; employment as or living with a health care worker-first responder; caregiver status; SARS-CoV-2 infection status; decreased frequency of engagement in healthy behaviors; and changed frequency of engagement in unhealthy behaviors. That some of these factors are associated with elevated distress during the pandemic is not yet widely appreciated and might be useful in informing management of mental health care resources.

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Increased Psychological Distress during COVID-19 and Quarantine in Ireland: A National Survey

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9113481 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 3481 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tom Burke ◽

Anna Berry ◽

Laura K. Taylor ◽

Owen Stafford ◽

Eddie Murphy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Online Survey ◽

Illness Perceptions ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Aging Parents ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Clinically Significant

Background: The emergence of the coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) resulted in a global pandemic. The psychological impact of an epidemic is multifaceted and acute, with long-term consequences. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey-based design was employed, assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 on members of the Irish public during the quarantine period of COVID-19 in Ireland. Participants were invited to complete the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) retrospectively (prior to quarantine) and during the quarantine period, as well as measures of illness perceptions, well-being, and a bespoke measure (the Effects of COVID Questionnaire, ECQ), which assessed perceptions of COVID-related stresses associated with personal concerns, caring for children, caring for aging parents, as well as gratitude. Results: A total of n = 1620 entered the survey platform, with a total of n = 847 surveys completed by members of the Irish public. Entry into COVID-19 quarantine was associated with significant increases in clinically significant symptoms of depression, stress, and anxiety. The ECQ reliably assessed a range of COVID-19-related stresses and had large and significant correlations with the DASS-21. Conclusions: The COVID-19 quarantine was associated with stresses and significant increases in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in a national Irish cohort. The public require increased access to mental health services to meet this increase in COVID-19-related psychological distress.

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HUBUNGAN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS DAN KARAKTERISTIK INDIVIDU, KELUARGA DAN LINGKUNGAN KERJA PADA TENAGA KERJA WANITA (TKW) INDONESIA DI TAIWAN

Jurnal Muara Ilmu Sosial, Humaniora, dan Seni ◽

10.24912/jmishumsen.v3i1.3399 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 298

Author(s):

Bianca Marella

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Women Workers ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Hypothesis Test ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Convenience Sampling ◽

Family Activity

Belum banyak upaya dilakukan untuk mengetahui kesehatan mental tenaga kerja wanita yang berada di luar negeri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat gambaran dan faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan kesehatan kesehatan mental pada Tenaga Kerja Indonesia yang bekerja di Taiwan. Data diambil menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan alat ukur the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) untuk mengetahui tingkat distres psikologis dan pertanyaan mengenai karakteristik sosiodemografik. Partisipan penelitian ini adalah 181 tenaga kerja wanita Indonesia yang sudah bekerja di Taiwan selama minimal enam bulan, dikumpulkan dengan teknik convenience sampling dan snowball sampling. Berdasarkan penghitungan statistik, sebanyak 17% dari total partisipan mengalami gejala depresi dan kecemasan. Dari uji hipotesis, diketahui terdapat hubungan positif signifikan antara distres psikologis dan komunikasi rutin dengan keluarga, keaktifan di komunitas, dan alasan kerja untuk mencari kesempatan lebih baik. Little effort has been made to find out the mental health of women workers who are abroad. This study aims to look at the picture and factors related to mental health health in Indonesian Workers who work in Taiwan. Data were collected using quantitative methods using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-25 (HSCL-25) to determine the level of psychological distress and questions about sociodemographic characteristics. The participants of this study were 181 Indonesian female workers who had worked in Taiwan for a minimum of six months, collected using convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Based on statistical calculations, as many as 17% of the total participants experienced symptoms of depression and anxiety. From the hypothesis test, it is known that there is a significant positive relationship between psychological distress and routine communication with family, activity in the community, and the reasons for work to look for better opportunities.

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Individual differences and changes in lifestyle behaviours predict decreased subjective well-being during COVID-19 restrictions in an Australian sample

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/pubmed/fdab040 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Emily Brindal ◽

Jillian C Ryan ◽

Naomi Kakoschke ◽

Sinead Golley ◽

Ian T Zajac ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Individual Differences ◽

Online Survey ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Social Distancing ◽

Australian Sample

Abstract Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social distancing practices were introduced to curb infection rates in many countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of these restrictions on behaviours and well-being and whether individual differences predict changes in well-being. Methods Australian adults participated in a cross-sectional, online survey during May 2020. The survey captured demographic information; health behaviours; personality traits; life satisfaction and COVID-19-related attitudes, financial concerns, perceived risks and impacts. Results In total, 3745 (86.8% of 4313) participants completed all items. Participants were mostly female (85.7%) and 56.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 12.6) on average. Over 95.0% of the sample indicated they had been social distancing or isolating. Health behaviours and well-being had generally worsened, with social connections being the most negatively affected. Life satisfaction was significantly lower since restrictions. For changes in life satisfaction, extroversion was a risk factor and openness to experience was a protective factor. Conclusions Overall, well-being was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing particularly in this sample containing mainly older women. In future, it will be crucial to understand why and who may be differentially affected, to encourage behaviours that are protective of well-being.

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

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063303 ◽

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.

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Psychological distress during COVID-19 pandemic in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional study of older persons in Thailand

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047650 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e047650

Author(s):

Wiraporn Pothisiri ◽

Paolo Miguel Manalang Vicerra

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Low Income ◽

Older Persons ◽

Online Survey ◽

Well Being ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Ageing Society ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Middle Income ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 situation in Thailand was controlled with various social measures. Much of the information covered in the media and in studies focused on the public health and economic aspects of the pandemic. This study aimed to explore the psychological well-being of older people, which is important especially in an ageing society categorised as low income or middle income due to the limits of economic and healthcare resources.SettingThe impact of COVID-19 on older persons in Thailand, an online survey, taken across nine provinces within the five regions of the country.ParticipantsInformation was collected from 1230 adults aged at least 60 years old.If an older person was illiterate, unable to access the internet or had a disability preventing them from responding to the survey, an intermediary residing in the community conducted the survey interview.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe analysis focused on the worries of older adults and the factors associated with psychological distress experienced during the pandemic using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe majority of people aged at least 60 years old experienced psychological distress during COVID-19. Employment loss (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.38), inadequate income (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.44) and debt incursion (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.57 to 4.80) were detrimental to psychological well-being. The negative changes in the perception of their health status (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.99) and decreased life satisfaction (OR 1.49, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.87) also weighed on older Thais. The protective factors for psychological well-being were residing in rural areas (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.61) and being married (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.01).ConclusionObserving the concerns of the older population is important for introducing policies that can alleviate their precarious financial and health statuses.

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Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18116119 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 6119

Author(s):

Inger Schou-Bredal ◽

Laila Skogstad ◽

Tine K. Grimholt ◽

Tore Bonsaksen ◽

Øivind Ekeberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

Population Based ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Financial Loss ◽

Next Of Kin ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Norwegian Population ◽

Gender And Age ◽

Response Alternatives

Although concern affects one’s welfare or happiness, few studies to date have focused on peoples’ concerns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to explore concerns in the Norwegian populations according to gender and age, and identify which concerns were most prominent during the lockdown. A population-based cross-sectional online survey using snowball-sampling strategies was conducted, to which 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Questions related to concerns had response alternatives yes or no. In addition, they were asked which concern was most prominent. Nearly all the 4527 respondents (92%) reported that they were concerned: 60.9% were generally concerned about the pandemic, 83.9% were concerned about family and friends, 21.8% had financial concerns, and 25.3% expected financial loss. More women were concerned about family and friends than males, (85.2% vs. 76.2%, p < 0.001), whereas more men expected financial loss (30.4% vs. 24.4%y, p = 0.001). Younger adults (<50 years) had more financial concerns than older adults (25.9% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Being concerned about family and friends was the most prominent concern and was associated with; lower age (OR 0.79), female gender (OR 1.59), and being next of kin (2.42). The most prominent concern for adults 70 years or older was being infected by COVID-19. In conclusion, women and younger individuals were most concerned. While adults under 70 years of age were most concerned about family and friends and adults 70 years or older were most concerned about being infected by COVID-19.

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Factors Associated With the Experience of Cognitive Training Apps for the Prevention of Dementia: Cross-sectional Study Using an Extended Health Belief Model

Journal of Medical Internet Research ◽

10.2196/31664 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. e31664

Author(s):

Jaegyeong Lee ◽

Jung Min Lim

Keyword(s):

Health Belief Model ◽

Cognitive Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Mobile Apps ◽

Health Belief ◽

Female Gender ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Belief Model

Background The prevalence and economic burden of dementia are increasing dramatically. Using information communication technology to improve cognitive functions is proven to be effective and holds the potential to serve as a new and efficient method for the prevention of dementia. Objective The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the experience of mobile apps for cognitive training in middle-aged adults. We evaluated the relationships between the experience of cognitive training apps and structural variables using an extended health belief model. Methods An online survey was conducted on South Korean participants aged 40 to 64 years (N=320). General characteristics and dementia knowledge were measured along with the health belief model constructs. Statistical analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Higher dementia knowledge (odds ratio [OR] 1.164, P=.02), higher perceived benefit (OR 1.373, P<.001), female gender (OR 0.499, P=.04), and family history of dementia (OR 1.933, P=.04) were significantly associated with the experience of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia. Conclusions This study may serve as a theoretical basis for the development of intervention strategies to increase the use of cognitive training apps for the prevention of dementia.

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Factors associated with violence against women following the COVID-19 lockdown in France: Results from a prospective online survey

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0257193 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. e0257193

Author(s):

William Peraud ◽

Bruno Quintard ◽

Aymery Constant

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Violence Against Women ◽

Online Survey ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Prospective Survey ◽

Social Media Networks ◽

History Of ◽

The Impact ◽

Unwanted Sexual Contact ◽

Insomnia Symptoms

Background The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 17th—May 11th 2020) on violence against women in France. Methods A prospective survey was conducted online between April 2th 2020 and July 5th 2020. Female respondents were recruited from social media networks using the snowball sampling method. Data were collected three times: during (2–19 April) and at the end (11–25 May) of the first lockdown, and following the first lockdown (20 June– 05 July). Sociodemographic variables, lockdown living conditions, financial impact of COVID, and history of psychiatric disorder were evaluated, together with changes in psychological distress over the lockdown period, and the risk of being assaulted post lockdown. Results Psychological distress was elevated and remained stable for most of the 1538 female respondents during lockdown. More than 7% of women were affected by physical or sexual violence post lockdown. Unwanted sexual contact accounted for the majority of abuse, but physical and sexual assault were also prevalent. The risk of being abused was higher for participants who had changed anxiety/insomnia symptoms over the lockdown period, and a history of abuse. Discussion Women who experienced changes in anxiety/insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown were at higher risk than others of being assaulted post lockdown, especially when they were already socially vulnerable. While social and psychological factors accounting for these changes warrant further investigation, communication and preventive measures during pandemics should include initiatives tailored to women more vulnerable to violence.

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Dealing With the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Portugal: On the Important Role of Positivity, Experiential Avoidance, and Coping Strategies

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647984 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Maria José Ferreira ◽

Rui Sofia ◽

David F. Carreno ◽

Nikolett Eisenbeck ◽

Inês Jongenelen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Experiential Avoidance ◽

Online Survey ◽

Critical Role ◽

Well Being ◽

Coping With Stress ◽

Self Blame ◽

And Coping

The global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has caused an unprecedented impact on most areas of people’s lives. Thus, framed within the scope of Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0), this study aimed at assessing the psychological distress of adults living in Portugal during the first national lockdown, how they are coping with stress, as well to contribute to a deeper understanding about the role that positivity, experiential avoidance, and coping strategies have in psychological distress and well-being. For this purpose, 586 Portuguese adults (73% females) ranging between 18 and 78 years old (M = 38.96, SD = 12.20) completed an online survey during the initial phase of the pandemic crisis in Portugal. Findings suggest that experiential avoidance was the strongest predictor of a negative response (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and negative emotions), whereas positivity was a better predictor of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression. Additionally, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, and emotional venting were strong risk factors for psychological distress, whereas positive reframing, planning, and acceptance were associated with more positive outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of experiential avoidance on individuals’ psychological distress and the essential contribution of positive life orientation in promoting flourishing. By offering a better understanding of the complex navigation through the dialectics between positive and negative life features, this study provides important and useful cues for psychological interventions directed at promoting a more positive and adaptive human functioning even through such potential adverse and painful life events.

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