Prevalence and severity of anxiety, stress, and depression among adults with long COVID in Barcelona: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic's long-term mental health implications are increasingly concerning, especially among patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, also known as long COVID (LC).

Aim: To explore the presence and distribution of anxiety, depression, and stress in individuals with LC with cognitive complaints in northern Barcelona, Spain.

Design & setting: This cross-sectional study involved 155 diagnosed individuals with LC from the 'Aliança ProHEpiC-19 Cognitiu (APC)' project.

Method: Demographic data and health behaviour variables were collected, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was self-administered to assess mental health. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and Poisson regression models were used for data analysis.

Results: 'Severe' stress and 'extremely severe' anxiety were prevalent in the sample. There were significant differences in anxiety and depression based on age and job role, with older individuals and non-healthcare workers showing higher relative risks (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Our study highlights the significant mental health burden in patients with LC, underscoring the need for targeted interventions, especially among adults aged >45 years and non-healthcare workers. Further research is needed to better understand LC's complex mental health impacts and develop effective clinical management strategies.

Keywords: general practitioners; long COVID; mental health; post-COVID-19 condition; post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; primary health care.