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Depression and Anxiety in Hong Kong during COVID-19

Edmond Pui Hang Choi1, Bryant Pui Hung Hui2, Eric Yuk Fai Wan3,4

  • 1School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|May 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health in Hong Kong, with significant rates of depression and anxiety observed. Worry about infection and lack of resources like masks or work-from-home options were linked to poorer mental health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Mental Health Research

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant global health crisis.
  • Understanding its impact on population mental health is crucial for public health interventions.
  • Hong Kong experienced its first confirmed COVID-19 case three months prior to this study.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among the Hong Kong population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify factors associated with deteriorating mental health during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based study involving 500 randomly recruited respondents.
  • Utilized structured questionnaires including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for anxiety.
  • Employed multiple logistic regression analysis to determine associations with mental health status.

Main Results:

  • 19% of respondents reported depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) and 14% reported anxiety (GAD score ≥ 10).
  • 25.4% of participants indicated their mental health had worsened since the pandemic began.
  • Factors associated with poorer mental health included not experiencing SARS in 2003, worry about COVID-19 infection, insufficient surgical masks, and inability to work from home.

Conclusions:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased rates of depression and anxiety in Hong Kong.
  • Specific concerns such as infection risk, resource scarcity, and work-related disruptions significantly affect mental well-being.
  • There is a need for accessible psychological support, including home-based interventions, for citizens during the pandemic.

Keywords:
COVID-19Hong Konganxietydepressionmental health

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