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Early indicators and risk factors associated with mental health problems during COVID-19 quarantine: Is there a relationship with the number of confirmed cases and deaths?

Author

Listed:
  • Héctor Badellino
  • María Emilia Gobbo
  • Eduardo Torres
  • María Emilia Aschieri

Abstract

Background: On March 20 2020, the Argentine Ministry of Health enforced a mandatory quarantine throughout the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Aims: The object of this study is to determine the initial impact on mental health of Argentine population, by measuring the prevalence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and self-perceived stress and by determining the associated risk factors, and to analyze that impact in relation to the number of confirmed cases and deaths. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted through a digital questionnaire, which was completed by 1,985 respondents between March 29 and April 12. The prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress and insomnia was measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7), the 9-Item Patients Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Results: The 62.4% of the surveyed population reported signs of psychological distress. It was found that being a woman, being 18 to 27 years old, living with family members or a partner, smoking, and having a poor sleep quality were the significant risk factors. Conclusion: Despite the low number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths at that time, a strong impact on mental health indicators was revealed. The authors of this study recommend the monitoring of the population at risk over time and early interventions in order to avoid long-lasting mental health problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Héctor Badellino & María Emilia Gobbo & Eduardo Torres & María Emilia Aschieri, 2021. "Early indicators and risk factors associated with mental health problems during COVID-19 quarantine: Is there a relationship with the number of confirmed cases and deaths?," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(5), pages 567-575, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:67:y:2021:i:5:p:567-575
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764020966020
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    1. repec:abf:journl:v:31:y:2020:i:3:p:24255-24260 is not listed on IDEAS
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    1. Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary & Mondira Bardhan & Asma Safia Disha & Md Pervez Kabir & Md. Riad Hossain & Md Ashraful Alam & Md. Zahidul Haque & Sharif Mutasim Billah & Matthew H. E. M. Browning & Russel, 2022. "Mental Health Status of University Students and Working Professionals during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Bangladesh," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-14, June.
    2. Paola Ochoa Pacheco & David Coello-Montecel & Michelle Tello, 2026. "Less Income and Work, Less Well-being? Evidence on the Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Well-being from the Gallup World Poll," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 21(2), pages 545-574, April.

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