Prevalence of psychological distress in Hawai'i during the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring disparities using 11 waves of data from the Household Pulse Survey

ABSTRACT

Utilizing 11 waves of data from the Household Pulse Survey collected between April and November 2020, this study examines disparities in psychological distress (defined as having symptoms of anxiety/depression) among adult residents of Hawai'i during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that 36.4% of the respondents reported symptoms of distress. Younger age, female, and lower household income were associated with higher levels of psychological distress than older age, male, and higher household income. The prevalence ratios of distress for those aged 18-24, 25-34, 35-44 and females were 43.1%, 47.3%, 44.1%, and 39.3% respectively. Asians experienced lower prevalence compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Two practical implications are offered. First, the economic sequelae of COVID-19 impact psychological distress even when the community infection rate is stable. Second, disparities in psychosocial distress demonstrate that social and economic resources are needed by social groups such as young adults, females, and racial/ethnic minorities that have experienced the highest impact. Strategies need to be developed to mitigate the unavoidable local consequences of a pandemic.