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Trust in Medical Professionals Moderates Depression in Hong Kong during COVID-19
Daniel W L Lai1, Jiahui Jin2, Elsie Yan3
1Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong.
Depression and Anxiety
|April 14, 2025
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic increases depression risk due to infection concerns and hassles. Building trust in medical professionals can mitigate these negative mental health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant psychological burden on citizens globally.
- Understanding factors influencing mental health during pandemics is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of depressive symptoms among adults in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To explore factors that may alleviate the negative psychological effects of the epidemic.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal prospective survey (December 2021-January 2022) in Hong Kong.
- Participants: 803 adults aged 18+.
- Statistical analysis included logistic and linear regression to assess predictors and moderators of depression.
Main Results:
- Higher concern about infection, personal/previous epidemic experience, hassles, and trust in authority predicted increased depression.
- Greater trust in medical professionals was associated with reduced odds of depression.
- Trust in medical professionals moderated the relationship between depression and infection concerns/hassles.
Conclusions:
- Pandemic-related factors continue to impact mental health despite reduced immediate threats.
- Enhancing trust in medical experts may be a key strategy for alleviating psychological distress.
- Targeted interventions addressing infection concerns and promoting trust are needed.
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