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. 2021 Jan;57(1):101-110.
doi: 10.1007/s10597-020-00728-y. Epub 2020 Oct 27.

Prevalence, Psychological Responses and Associated Correlates of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in a Global Population, During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

Syed Mustafa Ali Shah  1 , Danish Mohammad  1 , Muhammad Fazal Hussain Qureshi  2 , Mohammad Zain Abbas  1 , Sameeha Aleem  3
Affiliations

Prevalence, Psychological Responses and Associated Correlates of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in a Global Population, During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

Syed Mustafa Ali Shah et al. Community Ment Health J. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Uncertainty and isolation have been linked to mental health problems. Uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to trigger mental health problems, which include anxiety, stress, and depression. This paper evaluates the prevalence, psychological responses, and associated correlates of depression, anxiety, and stress in a global population during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. 678 completed forms were collected during the COVID-19 quarantine/lockdown. An online questionnaire was designed and DASS-21 was used as the screening tool. A non-probability sampling technique strategy was applied. 50.9% of participants showed traits of anxiety, 57.4% showed signs of stress, and 58.6% exhibited depression. Stress, anxiety, and depression are overwhelmingly prevalent across the globe during this COVID-19 pandemic, and multiple factors can influence the rates of these mental health conditions. Our factorial analysis showed notable associations and manifestations of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. People aged 18-24, females, and people in non-marital relationships experienced stress, anxiety, and depression. Separated individuals experienced stress and anxiety. Married people experienced anxiety. Single and divorced people experienced depression. Unemployed individuals experienced stress and depression. Students experienced anxiety and depression. Canada, the UK, and Pakistan are all countries that are experiencing stress and depression as a whole. An extended number of days in quarantine was associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Family presence yielded lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Lastly, lack of exercise was associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID 19; Corona; Depression; Quarantine; Stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflict of Interest among authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Country wise representation of participants in percentage
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Overall anxiety, stress and depression scores
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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