Your browser doesn't support javascript.
Changes in mental health and help-seeking among young Australian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a prospective cohort study.
Upton, Emily; Clare, Philip J; Aiken, Alexandra; Boland, Veronica C; Torres, Clara De; Bruno, Raimondo; Hutchinson, Delyse; Kypri, Kypros; Mattick, Richard; McBride, Nyanda; Peacock, Amy.
  • Upton E; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
  • Clare PJ; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
  • Aiken A; Prevention Research Collaboration, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
  • Boland VC; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
  • Torres C; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
  • Bruno R; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
  • Hutchinson D; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia.
  • Kypri K; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
  • Mattick R; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia.
  • McBride N; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
  • Peacock A; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
Psychol Med ; : 1-9, 2021 May 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2284912
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Young people may have elevated risk for poorer mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, yet longitudinal studies documenting this impact are lacking. This study assessed changes in mental health and help-seeking since COVID-19 restrictions in young Australians, including gender differences.

METHODS:

Data were drawn from a recent subsample (n = 443; 60% female; Mage = 22.0) of a prospective cohort originally recruited in secondary school to complete annual surveys. The subsample completed an additional COVID-19 survey during COVID-19 restrictions (May-June 2020), which was compared to responses from their latest annual survey (August 2019-March 2020). Mixed effect models with time and gender as the primary predictors were conducted for (i) scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression 9-item (PHQ-9) and Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) modules assessed before and during COVID-19 restrictions, and (ii) self-reported help-seeking from a health professional in February 2020, and the month preceding May-June 2020.

RESULTS:

Mean symptom scores increased from before to during COVID-19 restrictions on the PHQ-9 (coefficient 1.29; 95% CI 0.72-1.86) and GAD-7 (0.78; 95% CI 0.26-1.31), but there was no increase in help-seeking over time (odds ratio 0.50; 95% CI 0.19-1.32). There was no evidence of differential changes by gender.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study found increases in depression and anxiety symptoms but not greater help-seeking among young Australian adults during the first wave of the pandemic. Increasing availability and awareness of accessible treatment options and psychoeducation is critical, as well as further research into risk and protective factors to help target treatment to this vulnerable age group.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Cohort study / Etiology study / Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Psychol Med Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S0033291721001963

Similar

MEDLINE

...
LILACS

LIS


Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Cohort study / Etiology study / Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Psychol Med Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S0033291721001963