A Foundational Assessment of the Effects of the Spread of COVID-19 Virus Infection and Related Activity Restrictions on Mental and Physical Health, Psychological Distress, and Suicidal Ideation in Japan

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 has led to several subsidiary health problems for the general public. Therefore, verification of psychosomatic responses under various conditions is required. The current study examines the mental and physical responses of individuals in Japan in relation to differences in basic demographic information. A web survey was conducted among 1500 people. The results showed that differences in ethnicity, concurrence of physical or mental illness, the nature of those living in the same household (eg, high-risk individuals or preschoolers), household income, and employment status were associated with differences in physical and mental health, psychological distress, and/or suicidal ideation. Differences related to the degree of the spread of the infection in the area of residence, degree of engagement in essential work, and frequency of contact with others during normal times were not found. Future longitudinal studies and verification of the effects of multiple variables are required.