Fear and depression during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon: a nation-wide observational study

New cut-off points of PHQ-9 and its variants, in Costa Rica: a nationwide observational study

The PHQ-9 questionnaire is a screening test worldwide used to measure depression. But it cannot be used in Costa Rica, due to the fact that it has not previously been validated for its population. The present study aims to show the validation of the PHQ-9 questionnaire and its variants (PHQ-2, PHQ-4, PHQ-8) in a population sample of adults residing in Costa Rica. A sample was collected (n = 1162) using a self-administered questionnaire. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, and Multiple Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA) were tested. One factor was found that explained 73.33% of the variance with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.928). Goodness-of-fit measures were adequate (RMSEA = 0.107; CFI = 0.948), as was diagnostic power at a cut-off of 10 (78.60 for Sensitivity and 27.95 for 1-Specificity). External validation indices were good (r = 0.843 with GAD-7, r = - 0.647 with RS14, and r = 0.301 with FCV19S), and the model showed invariance by sex (∆χ2 = 27.90; df = 27; p < 0.001). Additionally, new cut-off points were proposed for PHQ-9 and its variants for Costa Rican male, female, and general populations. The PHQ-9 and its variants (PHQ-2, 4, and 8) are valid tools for detecting depression (and anxiety for PHQ-4) in Costa Rican population. In addition, new cut-off points differentiated by sex are proposed.

COVID and depression among stratified population groups: a narrative review

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted and infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Successive lockdowns, social distancing measures, and reduction in economic activity have developed a new way of living and, in many cases, tend to lead to depression. The initial strict lockdown for about 3 months and eventually for a few more months has imposed greater challenges on children and adolescents in terms of psychological problems and psychiatric disorders. Regardless of their viral infection status, many people have been affected by the psychosocial changes associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. In the present review, we have attempted to evaluate the impact of COVID on the mental health of people from different age groups and occupations. The present review has highlighted the need for taking effective measures by the stakeholder to cope with depression among human population groups worldwide.

Potential mechanisms between psychotic-like experiences and suicidal ideation in the context of COVID-19: A longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE

Although many studies have found an association between psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and suicidal ideation (SI), the underlying psychological mechanisms have not been well established. Therefore, we conducted a longitudinal study in technical secondary school and college students to explore the role of fear-response to the COVID-19 and depression in the association between PLEs and SI in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

PLEs were assessed using the 15-item Positive Subscale of the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-P15). Depression, fear, and SI were assessed using the Psychological Questionnaire for Public Health Emergency (PQPHE). PLEs were evaluated before the pandemic (T1), and fear, depression, and SI were measured during the pandemic (T2).

RESULT

A total of 938 students completed both waves of the survey through electronic questionnaires. PLEs, fear, depression, and SI were all correlated with each other (all p < 0.01). T2 depression partly (58.2 %) mediated the relationship between T1 PLEs and T2 SI (b = 0.15, 95%CI = 0.10, 0.22). T2 Fear moderated the relationship between T1 PLEs and T2 depression (b = 0.05, 95%CI = 0.01, 0.09) and the relationship between T1 PLEs and T2 SI (b = 0.11, 95%CI = 0.06, 0.16).

CONCLUSION

PLEs are both directly and indirectly related to SI. Depression can result from PLEs and lead to the subsequent SI. Additionally, high levels of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic can aggravate the adverse impact of PLEs on mental health problems. These findings provide potential targets for future suicide prevention.

Depression, Stress, and Suicide in Korean Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Data from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey

This study investigated changes in the prevalence of depression, stress, and suicidal attempts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ≥19-year-old population in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2019 and 2020 was included. The histories of depression, stress, and suicidal attempts were compared between the 2019 and 2020 cohorts using multiple logistic regression analysis with complex sampling. The prevalence of depression was not significantly different between the 2019 and 2020 groups (4.1% vs. 4.5%, p = 0.326). The prevalence of stress and suicide attempts was also not significantly different between groups (all p > 0.05). The rates of depression, stress, and suicide attempts were not associated with the 2020 group compared to the 2019 group (all p > 0.05). The 19- to 39-year-old group in the 2020 group indicated a higher rate of depression (diagnosed by physicians) than the 19- to 39-year-old group in the 2019 group (adjusted odds ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence intervals = 1.00−2.50, p = 0.049). The risks of depression, stress, and suicidal attempts were not related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Korean adults. A young adult population demonstrated an increased risk of depression associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among the General Population in Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Medical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have had a substantial impact on mental health. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general populace in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine associated risk factors.

Methods

A systematic search of the following databases African Journal Online, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from database inception until 30th September 2021. Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among the general populace in African settings were considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Meta-analyses on prevalence rates were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software.

Results

Seventy-eight primary studies (62,380 participants) were identified from 2,325 studies via electronic and manual searches. Pooled prevalence rates for anxiety (47%, 95% CI: 40-54%, I2 = 99.19%) and depression (48%, 95% CI: 39-57%, I2 = 99.45%) were reported across Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sex (female) and history of existing medical/chronic conditions were identified as major risk factors for anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

The evidence put forth in this synthesis demonstrates the substantial impact of the pandemic on the pervasiveness of these psychological symptoms among the general population. Governments and stakeholders across continental Africa should therefore prioritize the allocation of available resources to institute educational programs and other intervention strategies for preventing and ameliorating universal distress and promoting psychological wellbeing.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021228023, PROSPERO CRD42021228023.

Linking COVID-19-Related Awareness and Anxiety as Determinants of Coping Strategies’ Utilization among Senior High School Teachers in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Cognitive-behavioral coping among teachers is an important issue of investigation due to the reported high prevalence of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas several studies have assessed COVID-19 awareness of individuals as a predictor of anxiety, the moderating role of awareness in anxiety and coping mechanisms remains unclear. The study primarily examined the nexus between awareness of COVID-19 and (a) anxiety and (b) coping strategies, including the interaction effect of COVID-19-related awareness in the link between anxiety and coping strategies among senior high school teachers. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted to conveniently select 184 teachers from senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Questionnaires were administered to the participants and data were analyzed with means, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and linear regression statistical procedures. Summarily, the results revealed a negative relationship between COVID-19 awareness and anxiety levels of teachers. COVID-19-related anxiety significantly predicted coping mechanisms of teachers. Further, COVID-19 awareness significantly moderated the relationship between anxiety and coping strategies adopted. These findings imply that the public health education and mass awareness campaign programs on COVID-19 could act as buffers against the spread of COVID-19, its associated comorbidities, and help improve the mental health of teachers. Promoting adaptation to COVID-19 through the use of functional management strategies such as active coping and emotional support should be encouraged in the Cape Coast Metropolis among teachers.