The covid-19 pandemic, which began a year ago, continues to pose significant threats to public health around the world. Not only are case numbers not decreasing in many regions, especially with the arrival of new variants, but health professionals, along with many organizations, are beginning to sound the alarm about the negative impact of the tightening of health measures on the population's mental health.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore report that one in three adults suffers from psychological distress related to covid-19. Their report was published in the scientific journal PLOS One. According to them, the pandemic has increased the burden of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and insomnia disorders, particularly among women, young adults, and those with the lowest socio-economic status.
To reach this conclusion, the authors of this survey conducted a meta-analysis of 68 studies conducted during the pandemic, involving no fewer than 288,830 participants in 19 countries. They found that one in three adults suffered from depression and anxiety, but also that certain segments of the world's population were more affected, such as women, young people under the age of 35, people living in rural areas, and those considered at high risk of covid-19 infection.
For younger populations, the researchers note that they may be more affected due to greater access to information about covid-19 through the media; previous studies have shown that greater media exposure is associated with a higher likelihood of anxiety and depression. "The general public and healthcare professionals need to be aware of the high burden of psychological distress during the pandemic as well as education on coping strategies. Patients need to be encouraged to seek help, and access mental health counselling services with appropriate referrals," concluded Professor Jafar.
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