Psychological responses to COVID-19 in a Mexican population: an exploratory study during second and third phases

Abstract

ABSTRACT This work constitutes an exploratory study during the second and third phases of COVID-19 in Mexico, characterized by local transmission and untraceable cases, respectively, with an incidental sample of 666 participants. The 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress associated to COVID-19. Additionally, the Impact of the Event Scale-Revised was applied to assess the impact of the event, and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was employed to assess resilience. Participants’ levels of traumatic impact (21.7%), severe depression (7%), severe anxiety (9.4%) and severe stress (5.4%) were revealed to be lower than other populations. Comparison of means and effect size η2 p of the data shows that women and young people (18–39 years) suffer the greatest negative effects. Individuals with higher levels of resilience experience fewer psychological consequences confirming its importance in the face of the adversities. These findings provide valuable information on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the Mexican population, allowing a comparative analysis at an international level which can be helpful in the development of appropriate sanitary policies.