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AuthorKhaled, Salma M.
AuthorDavis, Veena
AuthorAmro, Iman
AuthorAli, Amal A.M.
AuthorWoodruff, Peter W.
AuthorHaddad, Peter M.
Available date2023-12-21T05:16:52Z
Publication Date2022
Publication NameJournal of Affective Disorders
ResourceScopus
ISSN1650327
URIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.019
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/50491
AbstractBackground Prevalence trends from Arabic speaking countries on psychiatric symptoms before and after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking. We estimated the point prevalence and change in depression and anxiety symptoms scores in relation to sociodemographic variables following the resolution of the first wave in Qatar compared with before the pandemic. Methods We conducted a trend analysis using repeated nationally representative cross-sectional surveys spanning 2017, 2018, 2020/2021 and using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms. Negative binomial regression was used to model changes in these symptoms in relation sociodemographics and survey year. Results The two-week prevalence of depressive symptoms (≥10 on the PHQ-9) was 6.6% in 2017 and 6.5% in 2020/2021 (p = 0.986). The two-week prevalence of anxiety symptoms (≥10 on the GAD-7) was 3.6% in 2018 and 5.1% in 2020/2021 (p = 0.062). The data for 2020/21 showed a 35.1% and 29.2% decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms scores compared to pre-pandemic years (2017/2018) after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Limitations Screening tools rather than structured interviews were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms Conclusions The prevalence of depression and anxiety after the first COVID wave did not differ significantly to pre-pandemic estimates. The end of the first wave of the pandemic weakened the associations of these symptoms with traditional sociodemographic risk factors. The 2020/21 depression and anxiety symptoms scores remained high for Qataris and Arabs, suggesting that these cultural groups may benefit most from public mental health interventions.
SponsorThis research received an Emergency Response Grant Fund from Qatar University ( QUERGCAS-2020-1 ). The Funding agency had no input in the study design, data analysis or writing of this manuscript. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.
Languageen
PublisherElsevier
SubjectAnxiety
COVID-19
Depression
GAD-7
PHQ-9
Post-first pandemic wave
Pre-first pandemic wave
Prevalence
Qatar
Sociodemographic
Trend analysis
TitleTrends in prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms and effects of sociodemographic variables before and after the first wave of COVID-19 in Qatar
TypeArticle
Pagination412-421
Volume Number310
dc.accessType Open Access


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