Prevalence of depressive symptoms and correlates among individuals who self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection after optimizing the COVID-19 response in China

Authors

Liangjia Wei
Jiao Qin
Zhifeng Lin
Xinju Huang
Jinfeng He
Dee Yu
Fei Zhang
Sisi Li
Ping Cen
Mu Li
Tong Luo
Rongjing Zhang
Shanmei Zhong
Cai Qin
Zeyu Li
Yuan Yang
Huiqi Pan
Mengdi Zhao
Xiaoqiong Wu
Junjun Jiang
Hao Liang
Li Ye
Bingyu Liang

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Frontiers in Public Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The burden of depression symptoms has increased among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain uncertain after optimizing the COVID-19 response in China.

METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among the public from January 6 to 30, 2023, using a convenience sampling method. Sociodemographic and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors were collected. The depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the associated factors with depressive symptoms.

RESULTS: A total of 2,726 participants completed the survey. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 35.3%. About 58% of the participants reported experiencing insufficient drug supply. More than 40% of participants reported that they had missed healthcare appointments or delayed treatment. One-third of participants responded experiencing a shortage of healthcare staff and a long waiting time during medical treatment. Logistic regression analysis revealed several factors that were associated with depression symptoms, including sleep difficulties (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.34-3.44), chronic diseases (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.64-2.82), inpatient treatment for COVID-19 (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.19-4.77), with COVID-19 symptoms more than 13 days (OR, 1.30, 95% CI 1.04-1.63), re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.15), and the increased in demand for healthcare services (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08-1.61).

CONCLUSION: This study reveals a moderate prevalence of depression symptoms among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. The findings underscore the importance of continued focus on depressive symptoms among vulnerable individuals, including those with sleeping difficulties, chronic diseases, and inpatient treatment for COVID-19. It is necessary to provide mental health services and psychological interventions for these vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Keywords

Humans, COVID-19, Self Report, SARS-CoV-2, Depression, Cross-Sectional Studies, Pandemics, Prevalence, China, Chronic Disease