1 in 3 adults are depressed or anxious due to COVID-19

  • Date: 08-Feb-2021
  • Source: World Economic Forum
  • Sector:Healthcare
  • Country:Middle East
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1 in 3 adults are depressed or anxious due to COVID-19

Women, younger adults and individuals of lower socioeconomic status are most affected by COVID-19-related anxiety or depression, a study has found.

Researchers performed a meta-analysis of 68 studies conducted during the pandemic, that included 288,830 participants from 19 countries.

Factors that are associated with psychological distress include living in rural areas; lower education, lower-income, or unemployment.

It's vital the general public and healthcare professionals are aware of the high burden of psychological distress during the pandemic, says the lead author.



One in three adults are experiencing anxiety and depression related to COVID-19, a new study shows.

The finding is particularly true for women, younger adults, and those of lower socioeconomic status, the researchers report.

COVID-19 continues to pose serious threats to public health worldwide, and interventions such as lockdowns, quarantine, and social distancing are having an adverse impact on mental well-being.



The pandemic has escalated the burden of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and insomnia. However, factors associated with increased susceptibility to psychological distress among adults in the general population during COVID-19 are not yet well known.

"Understanding these factors is crucial for designing preventive programs and mental health resource planning during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak,“ says lead