Emotional contagion, anxiety, and depression during COVID-19: a survey from Egypt

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has profoundly impacted mental health worldwide, exacerbating anxiety and depression, and influencing adherence to public health measures.

To measure the frequency and demographic determinants of anxiety, depression, and emotional contagion among Egyptians during the pandemic from May to August 2020.

The study employed a cross-sectional web-based survey that specifically targeted 666 Egyptians from four different regions. A validated Arabic questionnaire was used to assess anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and emotional contagion using the Emotional Contagion Scale (ECS), along with demographic variables.

Anxiety (GAD ≥ 5) was observed in 66.7% (95%CI, 63.1%:70.1%) of participants, with severe anxiety (14.8%). Depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) affected 88.2% (95%CI, 85.7%:90.7%) of the participants, with severe depression affecting 17%. Females experienced higher rates of anxiety (74.3%, 95%CI = 70.0%:78.5%) and depression (91.1%, 95%CI = 88.3%:93.9%) than males (54.7%, 95%CI = 48.5%:60.8% and 83.6%, 95%CI = 79.0%:88.2%, respectively). Younger participants (< 35 years) and unemployed/students also showed significantly higher rates of anxiety (71.4%) and depression (92.7%). The ECS had a mean score of 44.2 (SD = 7.5), with the highest scores for happiness (9.8), love (9.6), and fear (8.3). ECS was significantly higher among females, urban residents, unmarried individuals, and university graduates.

The high prevalence of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among women, youth, unmarried individuals, and those facing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, underscores an urgent need for culturally sensitive and targeted public mental health interventions in Egypt. Strengthening accessible support systems, integrating mental health into primary care, and addressing social determinants of distress could mitigate the long-term psychological impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups.