4.6 Article

Depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a New Zealand cohort study on mental well-being

Journal

BMJ OPEN
Volume 11, Issue 5, Pages -

Publisher

BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045325

Keywords

COVID-19; depression & mood disorders; anxiety disorders; public health

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The study found that the New Zealand population had higher levels of depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to population norms. Younger individuals and those most at risk of COVID-19 reported poorer mental health. Promoting frequent exercise, reducing loneliness, and unhealthy behaviors can effectively alleviate depression and anxiety.
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to daily life. This study investigated depression, anxiety and stress in New Zealand (NZ) during the first 10 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated psychological and behavioural factors. It also compares the results with a similar cross-sectional study in the UK. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting NZ community cohort. Participants N=681 adults (>= 18 years) in NZ. The cohort was predominantly female (89%) with a mean age of 42 years (range 18-87). Most (74%) identified as NZ European and almost half (46%) were keyworkers. Most were non-smokers (95%) and 20% identified themselves as having clinical risk factors which would put them at increased or greatest risk of COVID-19. Main outcome measures Depression, anxiety, stress, positive mood and engagement in health behaviours (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption). Results Depression and anxiety significantly exceeded population norms (p<0.0001). Being younger (p<0.0001) and most at risk of COVID-19 (p<0.05) were associated with greater depression, anxiety and stress. Greater positive mood, lower loneliness and greater exercise were protective factors for all outcomes (p<0.0001). Smoking (p=0.037) and alcohol consumption (p<0.05) were associated with increased anxiety. Pet ownership was associated with lower depression (p=0.006) and anxiety (p=0.008). When adjusting for age and gender differences, anxiety (p=0.002) and stress (p=0.007) were significantly lower in NZ than in the UK. The NZ sample reported lower perceived risk (p<0.0001) and worry about COVID-19 (p<0.0001) than the UK sample. Conclusions The NZ population had higher depression and anxiety compared with population norms. Younger people and those most at risk of COVID-19 reported poorer mental health. Interventions should promote frequent exercise, and reduce loneliness and unhealthy behaviours.

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