Association Between Social Determinants of Health, COVID-19 Stressors, and Mental Health Among New York Residents Early in the Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster event. Exposure to stressors during and after disaster events is associated with negative mental health symptoms. To inform targeted COVID-19 recovery efforts, data are needed to understand which stressors play a key role in this relationship.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey data (demographics, impacts of COVID-19, social determinants of health, depression, and anxiety) were collected online from adults living in New York state between May and June 2020. Differences in the proportion of stressors (COVID-19 and social determinants) experienced by race/ethnicity were assessed using chi-square analyses. Logistic regression was used to assess which factors were associated with increased odds of depression and anxiety.

Results: A majority (n = 258, 62.2%) of the 415 respondents reported being directly impacted by the pandemic. Non-white respondents reported a significantly larger proportion of stressors compared to white respondents. Under half of respondents reported depression (n = 171, 41.2%) and anxiety (n = 164, 39.5%). Healthcare and food concerns were associated with increased odds of depression and anxiety, and economic concerns were associated with increased odds of anxiety.

Conclusions: Findings underscore the need to respond to the COVID-19 mental health crisis by addressing social determinants of health.

Keywords: COVID-19; mental health; pandemic; social determinants of health.