In:
Psychosomatic Medicine, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 83, No. 4 ( 2021-5), p. 322-327
Abstract:
This study aimed to compare the mental health and psychological responses in Wuhan, a severely affected area, and other areas of China during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on February 10–20, 2020. A set of online questionnaires was used to measure mental health and responses. A total of 1397 participants from Wuhan (age, 36.4 ± 10.7 years; male, 36.1%) and 2794 age- and sex-matched participants from other areas of China (age, 35.9 ± 9.9 years; male, 39.0%) were recruited. Results Compared with their counterparts, participants from Wuhan had a significantly higher prevalence of any mental health problems (46.6% versus 32.2%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65–2.17), anxiety (15.2% versus 6.2%; adjusted OR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.14–3.29), depression (18.3% versus 9.7%; adjusted OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.74–2.54), suicidal ideation (10.5% versus 7.1%; adjusted OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.28–2.02), and insomnia (38.6% versus 27.6%; adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.48–1.96). Participants from Wuhan had a slightly higher rate of help-seeking behavior (7.1% versus 4.2%; adjusted OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.12–2.77) but similar rate of treatment (3.5% versus 2.7%; adjusted OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.68–2.24) for mental problems than did their counterparts. In addition, compared with their counterparts, participants from Wuhan gave higher proportions of responses regarding “fearful” (52% versus 36%, p 〈 .001), “discrimination against COVID-19 cases” (64% versus 58%, p = .006), “strictly comply with preventive behaviors” (98.7% versus 96%, p = .003), and “fewer living and medical supplies” ( 〈 2 weeks: 62% versus 57%, p = .015). Conclusions The COVID-19 epidemic has raised enormous challenges regarding public mental health and psychological responses, especially in the highly affected Wuhan area. The present findings provide important information for developing appropriate strategies for the prevention and management of mental health problems during COVID-19 and other epidemics.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1534-7796
,
0033-3174
DOI:
10.1097/PSY.0000000000000892
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2021
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