Abstract
BackgroundPrevious research has shown that psychological factors, such as stress and social support, are associated with greater susceptibility to viral respiratory illnesses and more severe symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a well-documented deterioration in psychological well-being and increased social isolation. This raises questions as to whether those experiencing psychological adversity during the pandemic are more at risk of contracting and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.PurposeTo examine the relationship between psychological factors and the risk of COVID-19 self-reported infection and the symptomatic experience of SARS-CoV-2 (indicated by the number and severity of symptoms).MethodsAs part of a longitudinal prospective observational cohort study, 1,087 adults completed validated measures of psychological well-being during April 2020 and self-reported incidence of COVID-19 infection and symptom experience across the pandemic through to December 2020. Regression models were used to explore these relationships controlling for demographic and occupational factors.ResultsGreater psychological distress during the early phase of the pandemic was significantly associated with subsequent self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the experience of a greater number and more severe symptoms.ConclusionsCOVID-19 infection and symptoms may be more common among those experiencing elevated psychological distress. Further research to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations is needed.
Highlights
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019) pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruption to the fabric of societies, health services, and economies
COVID-19 infection and symptoms may be more common among those experiencing elevated psychological distress
After controlling for demographic factors known to be associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, psychological variables predicted self-reported COVID-19 infection and the symptom experience
Summary
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019) pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disruption to the fabric of societies, health services, and economies. In view of the well-established associations between adverse emotional experiences and physical health [5,6,7], these observations raise important questions about the role of these psychological outcomes as consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and risk factors for the disease itself. Purpose To examine the relationship between psychological factors and the risk of COVID-19 self-reported infection and the symptomatic experience of SARS-CoV-2 (indicated by the number and severity of symptoms). Methods As part of a longitudinal prospective observational cohort study, 1,087 adults completed validated measures of psychological well-being during April 2020 and self-reported incidence of COVID-19 infection and symptom experience across the pandemic through to December 2020. Regression models were used to explore these relationships controlling for demographic and occupational factors
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