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Alcohol Consumption, Loneliness, Quality of Life, Social Media Usage and General Anxiety before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Singapore

Author

Listed:
  • Mengieng Ung

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Kalista Yearn Yee Wan

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Shi Yu Liu

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Ying Jie Choo

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Nathaniel Shan Wei Liew

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Zhexuan Azure Shang

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Sophie Su Hui Khoo

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Wei Xuan Tay

    (Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore)

  • Ruixi Lin

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore)

  • Siyan Yi

    (Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore 117549, Singapore
    KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh 12301, Cambodia
    Center for Global Health Research, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA)

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aims to identify factors associated with anxiety levels of adults living in Singapore before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using a web-based survey conducted from July to November 2020, accruing 264 eligible participants. Ordered logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), ranked as minimal (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), and severe (15–21) before and during the pandemic. About 74% of participants were female, 50% were aged 25–34, and 50% were married. The GAD-7 level went up from the pre-pandemic for moderate (12.5% to 16%) and severe GAD (2% to 11%). Alcohol consumption (AOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.04–3.06), loneliness (AOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.54), and difficulty in switching off social media (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.29–3.79) predicted increased GAD-7 levels. The quality of life (AOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79–0.90) was significantly associated with decreased GAD-7 levels. The results heighten the awareness that early initiation of mental health support is crucial for the population in addition to the various financial support measures provided by the government as they are adapting to live with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Mengieng Ung & Kalista Yearn Yee Wan & Shi Yu Liu & Ying Jie Choo & Nathaniel Shan Wei Liew & Zhexuan Azure Shang & Sophie Su Hui Khoo & Wei Xuan Tay & Ruixi Lin & Siyan Yi, 2022. "Alcohol Consumption, Loneliness, Quality of Life, Social Media Usage and General Anxiety before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Singapore," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:9:p:5636-:d:809118
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