The long-term effects of consecutive COVID-19 waves on mental health
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | BJPSYCH OPEN |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open/article/longterm-effects-of-consecutive-covid19-waves-on-mental-health/A15F3A0CF7A17E0849443CAC6933EABF |
| Doi | http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.620 |
| Keywords | COVID-19; longitudinal; stress levels; depressive symptoms; stressors |
| Attached files | |
| Description | BackgroundAlthough several studies have documented the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, the long-term effects remain unclear.AimsTo examine longitudinal changes in mental health before and during the consecutive COVID-19 waves in a well-established probability sample.MethodAn online survey was completed by the participants of the COVID-19 add-on study at four time points: pre-COVID-19 period (2014-2015, n = 1823), first COVID-19 wave (April to May 2020, n = 788), second COVID-19 wave (August to October 2020, n = 532) and third COVID-19 wave (March to April 2021, n = 383). Data were collected via a set of validated instruments, and analysed with latent growth models.ResultsDuring the pandemic, we observed a significant increase in stress levels (standardised beta = 0.473, P < 0.001) and depressive symptoms (standardised beta = 1.284, P < 0.001). The rate of increase in depressive symptoms (std. covariance = 0.784, P = 0.014), but not in stress levels (std. covariance = 0.057, P = 0.743), was associated with the pre-pandemic mental health status of the participants. Further analysis showed that secondary stressors played a predominant role in the increase in mental health difficulties. The main secondary stressors were loneliness, negative emotionality associated with the perception of COVID-19 disease, lack of resilience, female gender and younger age.ConclusionsThe surge in stress levels and depressive symptoms persisted across all three consecutive COVID-19 waves. This persistence is attributable to the effects of secondary stressors, and particularly to the status of mental health before the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings reveal mechanisms underlying the surge in mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 waves, with direct implications for strategies promoting mental health during pandemics. |
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