TY - JOUR
T1 - Risk factors and changes in depression and anxiety over time in New Zealand during COVID-19: A longitudinal cohort study
AU - Law, Mikaela
AU - Gasteiger, Norina
AU - Vedhara, Kavita
AU - Massey, Adam
AU - Ruan, Jia
AU - Ayling, Kieran
AU - Chalder, Trudie
AU - Coupland, Carol
AU - Broadbent, Elizabeth
PY - 2022/10/3
Y1 - 2022/10/3
N2 - This longitudinal study investigated changes in and risk factors for anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in a New Zealand cohort. Online surveys were distributed to 681 participants at three time-points: May 2020 (Time 1), August-September 2020 (Time 2), and March-April 2021 (Time 3). Participants completed measures of anxiety and depression, alongside measures of possible risk/protective factors. 261 participants completed all three surveys and were included in analyses. Depression and anxiety reduced over time; however, levels were still significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms. Being younger, having a prior mental health disorder, experiencing negative life events due to COVID-19, and being a pet owner were risk factors for poorer depression and anxiety; whereas having higher positive mood was protective. This study demonstrates persisting negative effects of the pandemic on anxiety and depression in a context of low transmission and highlights the importance of providing psychological help to those most at-risk.Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Depression; Mental health; Risk factors
AB - This longitudinal study investigated changes in and risk factors for anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in a New Zealand cohort. Online surveys were distributed to 681 participants at three time-points: May 2020 (Time 1), August-September 2020 (Time 2), and March-April 2021 (Time 3). Participants completed measures of anxiety and depression, alongside measures of possible risk/protective factors. 261 participants completed all three surveys and were included in analyses. Depression and anxiety reduced over time; however, levels were still significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms. Being younger, having a prior mental health disorder, experiencing negative life events due to COVID-19, and being a pet owner were risk factors for poorer depression and anxiety; whereas having higher positive mood was protective. This study demonstrates persisting negative effects of the pandemic on anxiety and depression in a context of low transmission and highlights the importance of providing psychological help to those most at-risk.Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Depression; Mental health; Risk factors
U2 - 10.3390/psych4040052
DO - 10.3390/psych4040052
M3 - Article
SN - 2624-8611
VL - 4
JO - Psych
JF - Psych
IS - 4
ER -
