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Psychological Responses According to Gender during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Spain

Author

Listed:
  • Lucía del Río-Casanova

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain)

  • Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín

    (Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas Campus, 41014 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Ana García-Dantas

    (Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas Campus, 41014 Sevilla, Spain
    Dantas Psicología Clínica (Private Therapy Clinic), 41011 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Anabel González-Vázquez

    (A Coruña University Hospital, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15003 A Coruña, Spain)

  • Ania Justo

    (Imaya Medical Institute (Private Therapy Clinic), 36204 Vigo, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Current research has pointed out an increased risk of mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in women compared to men, however the reason for this difference remains unclear. The aim of this research is to study early psychological responses to the pandemic in the Spanish general population, focusing on gender differences. Methods: Nine to 14 days after the declaration of a state of emergency an online survey was conducted assessing sociodemographic, health, behavioral and COVID-19-related variables. Mental health status was evaluated by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Self-Care Scale (SCS). Results: The study included 3520 respondents: 2611 women and 909 men. Women scored significantly higher in DASS-21 and IES-R ( p < 0.05) and were more likely to somatize, suffer from hypochondriasis, sleeping disturbances and claustrophobia ( p < 0.05). Being a woman can be considered a risk factor for intrusive thoughts, avoidance mechanisms, stress and anxiety ( Odd Ratio = 2.7/2.3/2.3/1.6). The risk of presenting posttraumatic symptoms and emotional distress was greater in women ( Odd Ratio = 6.77/4.59). General linear models to predict IES-R and DASS-21 scores clarified which variables were gender specific, such as main concerns. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that at early stages of the pandemic, women mental health was more impacted and that both genders show different concerns. Gender perspective in secondary and tertiary prevention strategies must be taken into account when facing the distress associated with the pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucía del Río-Casanova & Milagrosa Sánchez-Martín & Ana García-Dantas & Anabel González-Vázquez & Ania Justo, 2021. "Psychological Responses According to Gender during the Early Stage of COVID-19 in Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3731-:d:529363
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    6. Tomasz Sobierajski & Marek Krzystanek, 2023. "Shades of Fear—Mental and Physical Health Reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Representative Study of Polish Society," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-24, January.

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