Prevalence and determinants of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Black individuals in Canada in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black communities in Canada in terms of infection, hospitalizations, and mortality rates. It exacerbated social, economic, and health disparities that can impact their mental health. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in Black individuals in Canada. A community-representative weighted sample of 2002 Black individuals (51.66% women) aged 14 to 94 years old (Mean age 29.34; SD = 10.13). Overall, 40.94%, 44.50%, and 31.36% of participants were classified as having clinically meaningful anxiety, depression, and stress levels, respectively, based on DASS scores. Men (45.92%) reported a higher prevalence of anxiety than women (36.27%), χ2 (1) = 19.24, p<.001, but similar symptoms of depression and stress. The progression of the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms were consistent with the progression of the prevalence of everyday racial discrimination. After controlling for socio-demographic variables, regression models showed that everyday discrimination (B = 0.14, p=.001, B = 0.14, p= .006, B = 0.18, p< .001), major experiences of racial discrimination (B = 0.30, p=.046, B = 0.34, p= .033, B = 0.35, p=.024), and COVID-19 traumatic stressors (B = 0.43, p<.001, B = 0.43, p< .001, B = 0.44, p< .001) were positively associated with anxiety, while community resilience (B= -0.02, p= .039, B= -0.04, p= .001, B= -0.03, p= .014) was negatively associated with anxiety, depression, and stress, respectively. This study demonstrates the need to address racial discrimination in implementing prevention and intervention programs among Black individuals and to consider intersectional factors related to age, birthplace, language spoken, and province of residence.