Risk Factors Underlying COVID-19 Lockdown-Induced Mental Distress

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Epidemiology
• Psychology

Background:

• Recent reports indicate COVID-19 lockdowns impacted mental health.
• Age-related changes and risk factors for mental distress during lockdown require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure COVID-19 lockdown-induced stress and depressive symptoms across age groups.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with increased mental distress during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A general population sample of 715 participants was assessed at baseline (pre-COVID-19) and follow-up (during COVID-19).
• Validated psychological tests, including the Perceived Stress Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire, were utilized.
• Longitudinal data analysis examined changes in stress and depressive symptoms and associated risk factors.

Main Results:

• Moderate to high stress prevalence increased 1.4-fold, and depressive symptom severity increased 5.5-fold during lockdown.
• Mental distress surge was more pronounced in women but observed across all age groups.
• Older adults showed lower mental distress levels cross-sectionally, both pre- and during lockdown.
• Illness perception, loneliness, and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with increased mental distress.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 lockdown led to significant increases in mental distress, particularly stress and depression.
• Specific risk factors like loneliness and lifestyle choices correlate with heightened mental distress.
• Findings support the integration of tailored mental health interventions into public health policies for pandemic preparedness.