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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Mood Disorders | Research

Fear and depression during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon: a nation-wide observational study

Authors: Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Leonard Ngarka, Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi, Leonard N. Nfor, Michel K. Mengnjo, Edwige Laure Mendo, Samuel A. Angwafor, Jonas Guy Atchou Basseguin, Cyrille Nkouonlack, Edith N. Njit, Nene Ahidjo, Eric S. Chokote, Fidèle Dema, Julius Y. Fonsah, Godwin Y. Tatah, Nancy Palmer, Paul F. Seke Etet, Dennis Palmer, Dickson S. Nsagha, Daniel E. Etya’ale, Stephen Perrig, Roman Sztajzel, Jean-Marie Annoni, Anne-Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek, Rose G. F. Leke, Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa Obama, John N. Nkengasong, Robert Colebunders, Alfred K. Njamnshi

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with significant psychological and social distress worldwide. We investigated fear and depression among adults in Cameroon during different phases of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

An online survey was conducted in Cameroon from June–December 2020 using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic data and information regarding COVID-19 history were obtained. Fear and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 score (FCV-19S) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Responses were clustered in weeks to better appreciate their evolution over time.

Results

Overall, 7381 responses from all ten regions of Cameroon were analysed (median age: 30 years, 73.3% male). The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) was 8.4%, and that of high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S scores ≥19) was 57.4%. These rates were similar across genders, age-groups, and region of residence. While mean weekly PHQ-9 scores remained fairly stable throughout the study period (range: 2.53–3.21; p = 0.101), mean FCV-19S scores were highest during the early weeks but decreased significantly thereafter (from 20.31 to 18.34; p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that having a postgraduate degree, a history of quarantine, flu-like symptoms during the past 14 days, and higher FCV-19S scores were associated with more severe depressive symptoms, while obtaining COVID-19 information from various sources reduced the odds for depression.

Conclusion

Depression amidst the COVID-19 crisis is less prevalent in Cameroon than in other countries. Prompt and widespread dissemination of adequate COVID-19 information may reduce the risks for depression by dispelling fear and anxiety among Cameroonians.

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Title: Fear and depression during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon: a nation-wide observational study
Authors: Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo
Leonard Ngarka
Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi
Leonard N. Nfor
Michel K. Mengnjo
Edwige Laure Mendo
Samuel A. Angwafor
Jonas Guy Atchou Basseguin
Cyrille Nkouonlack
Edith N. Njit
Nene Ahidjo
Eric S. Chokote
Fidèle Dema
Julius Y. Fonsah
Godwin Y. Tatah
Nancy Palmer
Paul F. Seke Etet
Dennis Palmer
Dickson S. Nsagha
Daniel E. Etya’ale
Stephen Perrig
Roman Sztajzel
Jean-Marie Annoni
Anne-Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek
Rose G. F. Leke
Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa Obama
John N. Nkengasong
Robert Colebunders
Alfred K. Njamnshi
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Anxiety
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03323-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Fear and depression during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon: a nation-wide observational study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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