Argentinian mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A screening study of the general population during two periods of quarantine

• DOI: 10.32872/cpe.4519
• Publication Date: 2021-03-09T16:04:07Z
• Authors: Martín Juan Etche...; Cristian Javier G...; Natalia Inés Putrino; Natalia Helmich; Gabriela Lunansky
• Keywords: Pandemic; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Argentina has been under mandatory quarantine. We have aimed investigate state of mental health Argentine population and behaviours adopted cope with distress during Method An online survey was conducted using a probabilistic sampling technique stratified according geographic regions country. The covered days 7-11 (n = 2,631) 50-55 2,068) after compulsory psychological impact measured 27-item Symptom CheckList (SCL-27), which provides Global Severity Index (GSI). ad hoc questionnaire registered problematic, healthy other behaviours. Two network models were estimated Mixed Graphical Model. Data from two periods compared analysed. Outcomes Higher GSI scores greater risk experiencing disorder found in Period 2 as 1. lowest associated physical activity both periods, meditation yoga Drug users reported highest periods. Network Comparison Test confirmed significant change symptomatology structure over quarantine Conclusion This study showed that symptoms increased significantly 1 2. analysis suggested might brought about changes relationships between symptoms. Overall results revealed relevance need take actions upon imposing current pandemic.