Depression Symptoms and Sleep Quality During COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran: A National Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus 2019 is a new infectious disease that has been declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic. This pandemic may have psychological effects on populations. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the quality of sleep and depression in the Iranian community during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This nationwide cross-sectional web-based study was conducted from April 19 to May 12, 2020 in Iran. The data collection tools were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression Center for Epidemiologic Studies’ Depression Scale questionnaires. Each province in Iran was assumed as a cluster, and generalized estimating equations models were used to determine the demographic variables that were related to depression symptoms and sleep quality during COVID-19 outbreak. Results: In this study, 73.5% and 41.4% of the participants had poor sleep quality and had depression symptoms, respectively. Perceived income, hours spent outdoors, the number of people with COVID-19 that were acquainted with, and a history of depression significantly were related to sleep quality. Also, gender, age, having a child, education level, economic status, and a history of depression were significantly associated with having depression symptoms. Conclusions: Most participants had poor sleep quality, and less than half had depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. These problems can disturb daily routines, cut social ties, and increase worries and fears of the future. Interventions are necessary to reduce psychological problems in Iran.