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Depression and anxiety in Malaysian population during third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Roy Rillera Marzo1,2, Vineet Vinay3, Rafidah Bahari4

  • 1Department of Community Medicine, International Medical School, Management and Science University, Selangor, 40100, Malaysia.

Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health
|September 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Malaysian mental health, with high rates of depression and anxiety. Females, older individuals, and those with infected friends faced higher risks, necessitating urgent community interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Psychiatry
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has severe global health and socioeconomic consequences.
  • Mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety, are significant concerns during the pandemic.
  • This study focuses on the Malaysian population during the third wave of COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in Malaysia during the third wave of COVID-19.
  • To identify key factors associated with depression and anxiety in the Malaysian population.
  • To inform public health strategies for mental health support.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1544 Malaysian participants.
  • Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
  • Anxiety levels were measured using Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS).
  • Data were analyzed using percentage distribution and logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • 25.1% of participants reported severe depressive symptoms, and 18.7% had mild depressive symptoms.
  • 34.1% experienced mild to moderate anxiety symptoms.
  • Age, gender, and having friends infected with the virus were significant predictors.
  • Females showed significantly higher odds of depression (OR=1.44) and anxiety (OR=1.36) compared to males.

Conclusions:

  • A substantial proportion of Malaysians experienced mild to severe depression and anxiety symptoms.
  • The findings are alarming given the ongoing pandemic.
  • Urgent interventions like community counseling and media campaigns are recommended to mitigate psychological distress.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnxietyCoronavirusDepressionPatient health questionnairesZung's self-rating anxiety scale

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