Abstract
Aim:The study aims to examine groups at risk for psychological distress in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak, and the role of trust in the healthcare system as a possible moderator.Methods:Data were collected from a large sample of the Norwegian population (n = 4008) through the Norwegian Citizen Panel (NCP). A linear regression was conducted to examine the effects of COVID-19 related risk factors on psychological distress, using the 10-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-10). Finally, we conducted a moderation analysis to examine the interaction of trust in the healthcare system and COVID-19 related risk factors.Results:A linear regression showed that female gender, younger age, lower level of education, being infected with COVID-19, being medically vulnerable, working in the healthcare system, being in voluntary quarantine and having an immigrant background predicted mean HSCL-10 scores. The moderation analysis revealed that people in the medically vulnerable group, those below 61, and those in quarantine reported higher psychological distress when they also had lower trust in the healthcare system.Conclusions:Findings indicate important groups to take into consideration in mental healthcare strategies and policies. However, most participants in the current study reported psychological distress levels that were below the clinical cut-off, suggesting that the majority may have coped relatively well in the early stages of the pandemic.
Highlights
In connection with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to gather information about groups that are vulnerable to experiencing psychological distress
In this paper we examine the psychological distress correlates of belonging to vulnerable groups related to COVID-19 as well as the role of trust in the healthcare system as a potential moderator
The present study suggests that belonging to certain vulnerable groups related to COVID-19 is associated with more psychological distress
Summary
In connection with the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to gather information about groups that are vulnerable to experiencing psychological distress. This will help us identify those most in need for mental health services. In this paper we examine the psychological distress correlates of belonging to vulnerable groups related to COVID-19 as well as the role of trust in the healthcare system as a potential moderator. Health professionals (HPs) constitute a vulnerable group, given their higher risk of infection [3], and their chance of experiencing potentially distressing events while caring for COVID-19 patients [4]
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