Increase in Depression and Anxiety Among Australian Gay and Bisexual Men During COVID-19 Restrictions: Findings from a Prospective Online Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02276-2
• Publication Date: 2022-01-17T19:02:36Z
• Authors: Benjamin R. Bavinton; Curtis Chan; Mohamed A. Hammoud; Lisa Maher; Bridget Haire; Louisa Degenhardt; Martin Holt; Toby Lea; Nicky Bath; Daniel Storer; Fenyi Jin; Andrew E. Grulich; Adam Bourne; Peter Saxton; Garrett P. Prestage; ; Dean Murphy; Brent Mackie; Colin Batrouney; Jeanne Ellard; Jeffrey Grierson; Marcus Pastorelli
• Keywords: Patient Health Questionnaire; Depression

Abstract We examined depression and anxiety prior to during COVID-19 restrictions in Australian gay bisexual men (GBM). In an online cohort, a COVID-19-focused survey was conducted April 2020. During 2019 2020, 664 GBM completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, measuring depression) Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7, anxiety). Increased were defined as ≥ 5 point increase on respective scales. Mean PHQ-9 GAD-7 scores increased between 2020 (PHQ-9: from 5.11 6.55 2020; GAD-7: 3.80 4.95 2020). The proportion of participants with moderate-severe (PHQ-9 10) 18.8% ( n = 125) 25.5% 169), while (GAD-7 12.7% 84) 17.3% 115). Almost one-quarter 158, 23.8%) had depression; these men, mean 2.49 11.65 p < 0.001). One-in-five (20.6%) 137) anxiety; among 2.05 10.22 Increases associated concerns about job security, reduction social sexual connections opportunities, being personally concerned itself. appeared have sudden pronounced impact GBM, significant minority showing sharp increases. Ongoing monitoring is required determine longer-term impacts need access appropriate sensitive supports both after pandemic.