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BMC Psychiatry

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01-12-2021 | Insomnia | Research

COVID-19 pandemic related long-term chronic stress on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the general population

Authors: Tian Qi, Ting Hu, Qi-Qi Ge, Xiao-Na Zhou, Jia-Mei Li, Chun-Lei Jiang, Wei Wang

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for more than 1 year, causing far-reaching and unprecedented changes in almost all aspects of society. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety, and explore the factors associated with it.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted to assess mental health problems from February 2 to February 9, 2021 by using patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The insomnia severity index (ISI), demographic data and COVID-19 related variables were measured by a self-designed questionnaire. The factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms were identified by Pearson chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the study that 1171 participants enrolled, the overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among general people was 22.6 and 21.4% respectively in the present study. Living alone was a potential risk factor for depressive symptoms, while regular exercises was a potential protective factor. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with the severity of insomnia symptoms and the negative feelings about pandemic.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic- related chronic stress has brought about profound impacts on long-term mental health in the general population. The level of insomnia and a negative attitude towards the pandemic are significantly correlated with unfavorable mental health. However, we failed to found a significant association of age and gender with the mental health symptoms, although they were recognized as well-established risk factors during the outbreak by some other studies. This discrepancy may be because the acute and chronic effects of the pandemic are influenced by different factors, which reminds that more attention should be paid to the intrinsic psychological factors and physical reactions towards COVID-19.

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Title: COVID-19 pandemic related long-term chronic stress on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the general population
Authors: Tian Qi
Ting Hu
Qi-Qi Ge
Xiao-Na Zhou
Jia-Mei Li
Chun-Lei Jiang
Wei Wang
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Insomnia
Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Anxiety
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03385-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

COVID-19 pandemic related long-term chronic stress on the prevalence of depression and anxiety in the general population

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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