Mental Health Burden of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Germany: Predictors of Mental Health Impairment. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bäuerle, Alexander; Steinbach, Jasmin; Schweda, Adam; Beckord, Jil; Hetkamp, Madeleine; Weismüller, Benjamin; Kohler, Hannah; Musche, Venja; Dörrie, Nora; Teufel, Martin; Skoda, Eva-Maria
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 11(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: mental health -- COVID-19 -- changes in mental health -- predictors of change -- anxiety -- depression; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/2150132720953682
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is causing an enormous psychological burden for most people. This study aims to assess individual changes in mental health and health status before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, and to explore potential predictors of change. Methods: A cross-sectional study in Germany (n = 15 037) were conducted. Demographics, depression and anxiety symptoms (PHQ-2, GAD-2), distress (DT), and health status (EQ-5D-3L) were assessed. Additionally, all instruments used were adapted to measure the participants' mental health and health status before the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19-related fear, trust in governmental actions to face COVID-19, and the subjective level of information about COVID-19 were examined. Results: Overall, the participants showed a significant increase in depression and anxiety symptoms, and distress, while health status deteriorated since the COVID-19 outbreak. Impairment in mental health was predicted by COVID-19-related fear. Pre-existing mental illness predicted an increase in depression symptoms and a deterioration in health status. Trust in governmental actions and the subjective level of information predicted less increase in psychological burden. Conclusions: Our data revealed that there have been changes in mental health and health status at an individual level since the outbreak of COVID-19. In order to maintain mental health, the observed predictors should be addressed.