Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in the Global Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted during the period of epidemiological measures due to COVID-19 (April 27 – May 13, 2020) through a special online questionnaire, which had two parts. The first part dealt with demographic data, potential stressors, and ways of coping with stress. The second part comprised the DASS-21 questionnaire (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale), a 21-item shortened version of DASS-42. Participants responded to questions by choosing from several options.

Respondents

A total of 678 completed questionnaires were obtained. Almost 58% of the respondents were women. Participants were divided into the following age groups: < 18, 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, and > 54 years. The largest number of participants was from the USA (28.3%), Pakistan (26.2%), Canada (10.8%), and the UK (7.8%); other countries included Middle Eastern states, Europe, Australia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Key Findings

Anxiety was found in 50.9% of respondents, with 17.1% suffering from severe or extremely severe anxiety. Signs of stress were exhibited by 57.4% of participants, with 8.2% experiencing severe or extremely severe stress. The questionnaire results indicated the presence of depression in 58.6% of participants, with 22.5% showing signs of severe or extremely severe depression.

The highest incidence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found in the age group 18–24 years. The prevalence of these three disorders was higher in women than in men. Stress scores were higher in divorced individuals and those not living in a marital union, as well as in the unemployed, those unable to work during the measures, and students. Higher anxiety scores were recorded in married individuals and students. Higher depression scores were found in individuals living alone, outside of marriage, or divorced, as well as in the unemployed and students. As the number of days in quarantine increased, the stress score significantly rose.

The lowest scores for stress, anxiety, and depression were shown by participants living with their families. Therefore, the presence of family during quarantine can be considered a significant protective factor (p < 0.001). Another significant finding is the higher level of stress, anxiety, and depression in individuals not engaging in any physical activity during the pandemic. Living with a pet did not significantly influence the presence of depression, anxiety, or stress. Among individual countries, the highest scores for depression and stress were found in Canada, the UK, and Pakistan.

Conclusion

The survey demonstrated a widespread prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress during the first phase of quarantine or measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic in all participating countries worldwide. A higher risk of these disorders was identified in young people, women, students, the unemployed, divorced, or unmarried individuals. Protective factors appear to be quarantine with family and physical activity.

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Source: Shah S. M. A., Mohammad D., Qureshi M. F. H. et al. Prevalence, psychological responses and associated correlates of depression, anxiety and stress in a global population, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Community Ment Health J 2021 Jan; 57 (1): 101–110, doi: 10.1007/s10597-020-00728-y.