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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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    1. Louis-Philippe Beland & Abel Brodeur & Derek Mikola & Taylor Wright, 2020. "COVID-19, Occupation Tasks and Mental Health in Canada," Carleton Economic Papers 20-07, Carleton University, Department of Economics, revised 30 Jun 2020.
    2. Lisa Corscadden & Emily J. Callander & Stephanie M. Topp, 2019. "Who experiences unmet need for mental health services and what other barriers to accessing health care do they face? Findings from Australia and Canada," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(2), pages 761-772, April.
    3. Thomas Lemieux & Kevin Milligan & Tammy Schirle & Mikal Skuterud, 2020. "Initial Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Canadian Labour Market," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 46(S1), pages 55-65, July.
    4. Louis‐Philippe Beland & Abel Brodeur & Derek Mikola & Taylor Wright, 2022. "The short‐term economic consequences of COVID‐19: Occupation tasks and mental health in Canada," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 55(S1), pages 214-247, February.
    5. repec:nas:journl:v:115:y:2018:p:e15-e23 is not listed on IDEAS
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