Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland resulted in a nationwide quarantine on March 27, 2020. This study represents the first assessment of rates of anxiety and depression in the general population of Ireland during the pandemic. Our first aim was to estimate the probable prevalence rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression and to identify sociodemographic risk factors associated with screening positive for GAD or depression. Our second aim was to determine if COVID-19 related anxiety was highest amongst those in society at greatest risk of morality from COVID-19. Self-report data were collected from a nationally representative Irish sample (N=1041) online between March 31 and April 5; the first week of the nationwide quarantine measures. Recognized cut-off scores on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were used to estimate rates of GAD and depression. Correlates of screening positive for GAD or depression were assessed using logistic regression analysis. GAD (20.0%), depression (22.8%) and GAD or depression (27.7%) was common. Screening positive for GAD or depression was associated with younger age, female sex, loss of income due to COVID-19, COVID-19 infection and higher perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. Citizens aged 65 and older had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 related anxiety than adults aged 18-34. Initial results from this multi-wave study monitoring changes in population anxiety and depression throughout the pandemic indicate that GAD and depression were common experiences in the population during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland resulted in a nationwide quarantine on March 27th, 2020
More than one-in-four (27.7%) people screened positive for generalized anxiety disorder or depression during the first week of the strictest COVID-19 lockdown measures in Ireland
Findings from the current study offer initial insights into the rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression within the general adult population of the Republic of Ireland during the early period of the COVID-19 quarantine measures, the factors associated with screening positive for either one of these mental health problems, and the extent to which these findings align with results from a parallel survey conducted one week earlier in the UK
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland resulted in a nationwide quarantine on March 27th, 2020. This study represents the first assessment of rates of anxiety and depression in the general population of Ireland during the pandemic. Aims: Our first aim was to estimate the probable prevalence rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression, and to identify sociodemographic risk factors associated with screening positive for GAD or depression. Screening positive for GAD or depression was associated with younger age, female sex, loss of income due to COVID-19, COVID-19 infection, and higher perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: Initial results from this multi-wave study monitoring changes in population anxiety and depression throughout the pandemic indicate that GAD and depression were common experiences in the population during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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