Factors Associated With Psychological Disturbances During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Multicountry Online Study

• DOI: 10.2196/28736
• Publication Date: 2021-12-20T17:36:51Z
• Authors: Martyna Plomecka; Susanna Gobbi; Rachael Neckels; Piotr Radzinski; Beata Skorko; Samuel Lazzeri; Kristina Almazidou; Alisa Dedic; Asja Bakalovic; Lejla Hrustic; Zainab Ashraf; Sarvin Es Haghi; Luis Rodriguez-Pino; Verena Waller; Hafsa Jabeen; A Beyza Alp; Mehdi Behnam; Dana Shibli; Zofia Baranczuk-T...; Zeeshan Haq; Salah Qureshi; Adriana M Strutt; Ali Jawaid
• Keywords: Pandemic; Demographics; Computer-assisted web interviewing

Background Accumulating evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health of individuals. However, susceptibility individuals to be by is variable, suggesting potential influences specific factors related participants’ demographics, attitudes, and practices. Objective We aimed identify associated with psychological symptoms effects first wave in a multicountry cohort internet users. Methods This study anonymously screened 13,332 users worldwide for acute from March 29 April 14, 2020, during amidst strict lockdown conditions. A total 12,817 responses were considered valid. Moreover, 1077 participants Europe second time May 15 30, ascertain presence after ease down restrictions. Results Female gender, pre-existing psychiatric conditions, prior exposure trauma identified as notable increased (P<.001). The same factors, addition being someone who died due using social media more than usual, persistence disturbances limited assessment European restrictions had relatively eased Optimism, ability share concerns family friends like positive prediction about COVID-19, daily exercise fewer both assessments Conclusions highlights significant impact at level on elucidates prominent associations their history disease risk household certain personality traits, attitudes toward COVID-19.