Paz C, Abiuso T, Adana-Díaz L, Rodríguez-Lorenzana A, Jaramillo-Vivanco T, Ortiz-Prado E, Páez Monge I, Mascialino G. Psychological Distress in the Galapagos Islands During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Int J Public Health 2022;
67:1604366. [PMID:
35341066 PMCID:
PMC8948121 DOI:
10.3389/ijph.2022.1604366]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: to explore the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Galapagos Islands.
Methods: an online survey of 369 participants, conducted on October of 2020, was used to assess levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as specific behavioral and emotional reactions to the pandemic.
Results: the prevalence of anxiety was 4% and depression 3.65%. Perceived stress level was higher, with 52% of the sample reporting moderate amounts. Women had higher levels of depression and perceived stress. Financial distress, interpersonal conflicts, feelings of isolation and fear of contagion of COVID-19 were all associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Conclusion: prevalence of anxiety and depression is lower in the Galápagos Islands during the pandemic compared to other regions, while stress levels are more significant and may warrant intervention. Despite being low, anxiety and depression were associated with potentially problematic behaviors and emotional reactions.
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