Psychological impacts during the COVID-19 outbreak among adult population in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

In response to the initial outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the pandemic-related restraints and preventive measures implemented, the global population has been experiencing a wide range of immediate psychological reactions, such as fear and psychological distress. The present study aimed to assess the psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of adults during the national lockdown implemented in Jordan. A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design was used. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to collect data on the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, the changes in daily life they had experienced, their fear of COVID-19, and their depression, anxiety, and stress levels. A total of 725 Jordanian adults aged 18-65 years (mean = 33.7, SD = 9.3) were included in this study, with most of the participants being female (n = 409, 56.4%). The majority of the participants reported changes in their daily routines and activities during the COVID-19 lockdown, with 62.8% of the participants reporting weight changes, 92% reporting increased social media use, and 86.5% reporting increased mobile phone use and checking. Further, 41.4% of the participants reported high levels of fear of COVID-19, while 41.8%, 24.5%, and 22.8% reported mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, respectively. Female participants had significantly higher levels of fear of COVID-19 and stress than did males. Fear of COVID-19 was significantly positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Anxiety, stress, gender, having physical disorders, and having mental disorders were identified as being significant predictive factors of fear of COVID-19. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need to pay further attention towards maintaining the psychological well-being of the public during this global crisis. The findings may guide the development of appropriate public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy living, improving mental health, and reducing fear and other psychological problems among at-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the findings may guide further qualitative, longitudinal, and experimental studies both during and after the lockdown.

Keywords: Adult; Anxiety; COVID-19 pandemic; Depression; Fear of COVID-19; Psychological impacts; Stress.