An exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in South Africa
An exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in South Africa
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DOI：
10.1080/13548506.2021.1954671
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发表时间：
2021-07-30
影响因子：
3.8
通讯作者：
Tabana, Hanani
中科院分区：
文献类型：
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作者：
De Man, Jeroen;Smith, Mario R.;Tabana, Hanani
为应对 COVID-19 大流行，南非实施了严格的居家令。该地区对大流行病和相关遏制措施对心理健康的影响的记录很少。本研究探讨了南非严格的居家令期间与 COVID-19 相关的压力源与心理健康之间的关联。 2020 年 5 月 20 日至 31 日，居住在西开普省的 860 名自选参与者完成了一项在线调查。该样本主要由社会经济地位较高和受教育程度较高的人群组成。使用结构方程模型来评估社会人口因素、弱势群体成员资格和 COVID-19 相关压力源与 PHQ-9（抑郁）和 GAD-7（焦虑）评分的关系。分别有 46.0% 和 47.2% 的参与者达到焦虑症和抑郁症的诊断阈值。这些分数对日常生活产生了相当大的影响。在这些参与者中，不到 20% 的人咨询过正规医生，而对于没有预先存在心理健康问题的参与者，这一比例为 12%。与遏制措施相关的痛苦和被感染的痛苦与更多的焦虑和抑郁症状显着相关。已有的心理健康状况与较差的心理健康状况有关，但作为一名积极的卫生工作者则不然。年龄较小、女性、生活在非农村地区与心理健康状况较差有关。我们的研究结果表明，这种流行病和相关遏制措施对心理健康产生了相当大的影响，但心理健康服务的参与率却很低。在这种情况下，获得量身定制的心理健康支持至关重要，特别是对于弱势群体而言。
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa implemented a strict stay-at-home order. The mental health effects of the pandemic and related containment measures are minimally documented in this region. This study examines the association between COVID-19 related stressors and mental health during a strict stay-at-home order in South Africa. A total of 860 self-selected participants residing in the Western Cape province completed an online survey from 20-31 May 2020. This sample consisted mainly of higher socioeconomic and higher educated segments of the population. Structural equation modelling was used to assess how sociodemographic factors, membership of vulnerable groups and COVID-19 related stressors were associated with PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) scores. 46.0% and 47.2% of participants met the diagnostic threshold of anxiety and depressive disorder, respectively. Considerable daily life repercussions were linked to these scores. Among these participants, less than 20% consulted a formal practitioner and this was 12% for participants without a pre-existing mental health condition. Distress related to containment measures and distress about being infected were significantly associated with more anxiety and depressive symptoms. Having a pre-existing mental health condition was associated with poorer mental health, but being an active health worker was not. Younger age, being female, and living in a non-rural area were associated with poorer mental health. Our findings suggest a considerable mental health impact of this pandemic and related containment measures, but low attendance of mental health services. The accessibility to tailored mental health support is essential under these circumstances, especially for vulnerable groups.