Abstract
BackgroundIn addition to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic to physical health, mental health is challenged by the emotional response to the situation and the official measures taken to stop the pandemic. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired mental well-being due to COVID-19 and explore associated factors.MethodsThe study was an observational, population-based, nationwide, cross-sectional online survey of a representative sample of the general Swiss population performed between March and April 2020. Participants reported on mental well-being, self-isolation/quarantine, their risk for developing severe COVID-19, and their work situation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed risk factors for impaired mental well-being due to the pandemic.ResultsData from 1022 individuals were analysed. The median age was 44 years (range 18 to 78) and 49% were women. A third of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impaired their mental well-being and almost half reported specific mental health concerns. Impaired mental well-being was associated with having health problems (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29–2.74, vs no problems), being or living with someone at risk for severe COVID-19 (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1–1.9,), smoking (OR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.24–2.61), living in urban residential environments (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32, vs rural), not being able to work due to closed workplace (OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.04–2.67), aged between 18 and 29 years old (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.32–3.01, vs 45 to 59 years old), and living in a single household (living with someone, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44–0.97,vs single household). Overall, the most significant covariates of impaired mental well-being were specific mental health concerns: feeling depressed (OR = 7.21, 95% CI: 4.5–11.55), feeling less pleasure in doing things than before (OR = 6.28, 95% CI: 4.1–9.62), feeling anxious (OR = 6.13, 95% CI: 3.91–9.59) and feeling lonely (OR = 4.08, 95% CI: 2.53–6.58).ConclusionImpaired mental well-being can carry long-term consequences. We encourage policymakers to implement strategies to promote mental health during this pandemic situation. Special attention should be addressed to the youngest, those at risk for severe COVID-19 and those with government-imposed work restrictions.
Highlights
During the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments all over the globe had to restrict activities of daily life to avoid the further spread of the disease [1,2,3]
We found a significant association with increased impaired mental well-being in those respondents who could not go to work because the workplace was closed as mandated by the government
Health covariates of impaired mental well‐being: risk for severe COVID‐19, smoking, and health problems Our study showed that participants at risk of severe COVID-19 or sharing their household with someone at risk for severe COVID-19, had a 38% higher odds of reporting impaired mental well-being than participants not in this situation (OR = 1.38, P = 0.05)
Summary
During the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments all over the globe had to restrict activities of daily life to avoid the further spread of the disease [1,2,3]. On March 16th, 2020, the Swiss federal government declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19 and imposed severe disease control measures, including the closure of schools, universities, shops, and other businesses, as well as sports, cultural events, and club activities [4]. This lockdown lasted until the withdrawal of the first measures on April 27th. Up to 17 new cases of SARS-CoV-2 per 100,000 inhabitants were reported each day in Switzerland [5] Because of this high incidence, it was impossible to test each suspected case and trace their contacts. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired mental well-being due to COVID-19 and explore associated factors
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