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Young people, mental health and COVID-19 infection: the canaries we put in the coal mine.
Jia, Ru; Ayling, Kieran; Chalder, Trudie; Massey, Adam; Broadbent, Elizabeth; Morling, Joanne R; Coupland, Carol; Vedhara, Kavita.
  • Jia R; Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
  • Ayling K; Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
  • Chalder T; Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 16, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
  • Massey A; Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
  • Broadbent E; Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Morling JR; Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, B116, Clinical Sciences Building, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
  • Coupland C; Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
  • Vedhara K; Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Electronic address: Kavita.vedhara@nottingham.ac.uk.
Public Health ; 189: 158-161, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-929353
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES:

The number of people testing positive for Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) in the UK, particularly among young adults, is increasing. We report here on the mental health of young adults and related psychological and behavioural responses to the pandemic and consider the role of these factors in fuelling the increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in this group.

METHODS:

An online survey was completed during the first six weeks of the first UK-wide lockdown by 3097 respondents, including data for 364 respondents aged 18-24 years. The survey included measures of mental health and indices capturing related psychological and behavioural responses to the pandemic.

RESULTS:

The mental health of 18- to 24-years-olds in the first 6 weeks of lockdown was significantly poorer than that of older respondents and previously published norms with 84% reporting symptoms of depression and 72% reporting symptoms of anxiety. Young adults also reported significantly greater loneliness and reduced positive mood, both of which were also associated with greater mental health difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS:

We contend that the combination of mental health, social and economic considerations may have contributed to the rise of COVID-19 infections in young adults, and ascribing blame to this group will not aid our efforts to regain control of the disease.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Mental Health / Adolescent Behavior / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Public Health Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.puhe.2020.10.018

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Mental Health / Adolescent Behavior / SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Observational study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Adolescent / Adult / Female / Humans / Male / Young adult Country/Region as subject: Europa Language: English Journal: Public Health Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.puhe.2020.10.018