As SARS COV2 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic, there is concern about effects of COVID-19 on wellbeing. The current study looks at mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine associations between loneliness and mental health conditions.
The study took place between April 22 and May 11, 2020 with 1,008 students recruited. Loneliness was assessed by evaluating feelings of loneliness and social isolations. Substance use was assessed by asking about amount, frequency, and indications of problems caused by alcohol use and other substance use. Anxiety and Depression were also assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire along with a depression scale. Social connectedness, environmental and personal factors effecting psychosocial symptoms and behaviors, and practices of communication including level and intent of use were all assessed. Finally, researchers asked participants in the survey to compare pre-COVID-19 experiences and behaviors with things since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic.
The average age of participants was 28 years and 51% were male. 80% of respondents reported drinking alcohol and 22% reported drug use. 45% reported moderate anxiety and 17% reported severe anxiety. 79% reported “significant depressive symptoms. Reports of loneliness (65%), alcohol use (48%), drug use (44%), anxiety (62%), and depression (64%) all increased and feelings of connectedness (53%) decreased since COVID-19 became a pandemic. 56% of participants said their technology use increased and many participants reported feelings of loneliness explaining increased in drinking, drug use, anxiety, and depression. These findings highlight the importance of additional prevention and interventions needed to address these added concerns in the young adult population during this pandemic.
Take Away: The current study looks at mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic to examine associations between loneliness and mental health conditions. The study took place between April 22 and May 11, 2020 and measures included mental health symptoms, substance use, social connectedness, practices of communications, and comparisons of pre-COVID-19 experiences to COVID-19 experiences. 80% of respondents reported drinking alcohol. 45% reported moderate anxiety and 79% reported “significant depressive symptoms. Reports of loneliness (65%), alcohol use (48%), drug use (44%), anxiety (62%), and depression (64%) all increased while feelings of connectedness (53%) decreased. Feelings of loneliness led to an increase in drinking, drug use, anxiety, and depression. These findings highlight the importance of preventions and interventions needed to address concerns in the young adult population during this pandemic.