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The psychological effects of COVID-19 spread in young Canadian adults

Author

Listed:
  • Praneet K. Gill
  • Cynthia Du
  • Farihah Khan
  • Nima Karimi
  • Kanav Sabharwal
  • Malvika Agarwal

Abstract

Background and aim: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only threatens physical health but also psychological well-being. As a result of the pandemic, increased mental health burdens have been recorded in young adults around the world. We sought to understand the association of stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic with symptoms of psychological and emotional distress in young Canadian adults. Method: Questionnaire respondents were asked about the extent to which they were personally impacted by COVID-19, and symptoms related to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, and emotional distress. Results: Of 84 respondents, most identified as female (74%; 62/84). Overall, 61% (51/84) reported experiencing symptoms of psychological distress related to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); specifically, 43% (36/84) reported anxiety-related symptoms, 33% (28/84) reported depression-related symptoms, and 6% (5/84) reported PTSD-related symptoms. Individuals with family in settings high risk for COVID-19 infection and individuals who received government aid with a reduction in income were 4.30-fold and 2.80-fold more likely, respectively, to experience symptoms of psychological distress (95% CI 1.31–14.14; p  = .013 and 95% CI 1.08–7.25; p  = .038, respectively). Visits to social media daily to hourly for COVID-19 related news resulted in a 3.24-fold increase in the likelihood of experiencing depression-related symptoms (95% CI 1.26–8.35; p  = .020). Conclusion: We demonstrate a necessity to focus on alleviating the mental health burdens and contributing stressors within young Canadian adults. Though the mental health burdens are currently exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may persist after the pandemic ends if left unaddressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Praneet K. Gill & Cynthia Du & Farihah Khan & Nima Karimi & Kanav Sabharwal & Malvika Agarwal, 2022. "The psychological effects of COVID-19 spread in young Canadian adults," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(1), pages 216-222, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:68:y:2022:i:1:p:216-222
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764020988878
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    References listed on IDEAS

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