The mental health impact of COVID-19 outbreak: a Nationwide Survey in Iran

International Journal of Mental Health Systems

Alireza Mirahmadizadeh¹  Amir Bazrafshan²  Amirhossein Erfani³  Reza Shahriarirad³  Keivan Ranjbar³ 

[1] Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;Substance Abuse Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran;Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;

关键词: COVID-19;    Depression;    Anxiety;    Epidemiology;    Outbreak;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13033-021-00445-3

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundDisease outbreak not only carries the risk of death to the public due to the infection, but it also can lead to unbearable psychological impact on the mental health of the individuals. This study aims to explore and evaluate the burden of psychological problems on the Iranian general population during the outbreak of COVID-19.MethodA cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the general population of Iran age 15 and above. Demographic variables, depression, and anxiety symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and General Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaires.ResultsAmong the 8591 participants, the mean age was 34.37 (± 11.25) years and 66.4% were female while 33.6% were male. Based on our results, 1295 (15.1%) and 1733 (20.1%) of the general population had clinically significant depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Based on the demographic variables, female gender was associated with a higher risk for developing depression and anxiety symptoms, whereas getting information about the disease from medical journals and articles, being older, and being married were considered as associated protective factors. In terms of depression, being a healthcare worker was an associated risk factor. On the other hand, for anxiety, having higher education was a protective factor while a higher number of individuals in a household was considered as a risk factor.ConclusionsThis study identified a major mental health problem in the Iranian population during the time of the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, establishing a targeted mental health support program during the time of public emergencies, such as the disease outbreak, is advised.

【 授权许可】

CC BY