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Risk Factors and Changes in Depression and Anxiety over Time in New Zealand during COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Law, Mikaela; Gasteiger, Norina; Vedhara, Kavita; Massey, Adam; Jia, Ru; Ayling, Kieran; Chalder, Trudie; Coupland, Carol; Broadbent, Elizabeth

Risk Factors and Changes in Depression and Anxiety over Time in New Zealand during COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study Thumbnail


Authors

Mikaela Law

Norina Gasteiger

Kavita Vedhara

Adam Massey

Ru Jia

Trudie Chalder

CAROL COUPLAND carol.coupland@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Medical Statistics

Elizabeth Broadbent



Contributors

Mosad Zineldin
Editor

Abstract

This longitudinal study investigated changes in and risk factors for anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in a New Zealand cohort. Online surveys were distributed to 681 participants at three time-points: May 2020 (Time 1), August–September 2020 (Time 2), and March–April 2021 (Time 3). Participants completed measures of anxiety and depression, alongside measures of possible risk/protective factors. A total of 261 participants completed all three surveys and were included in analyses. Depression and anxiety reduced over time; however, levels were still significantly higher than pre-pandemic norms. Being younger, having a prior mental health disorder, experiencing negative life events due to COVID-19, and being a pet owner were risk factors for poorer depression and anxiety, whereas having higher positive mood was protective. This study demonstrates persisting negative effects of the pandemic on anxiety and depression in a context of low transmission and highlights the importance of providing psychological help to those most at risk.

Citation

Law, M., Gasteiger, N., Vedhara, K., Massey, A., Jia, R., Ayling, K., …Broadbent, E. (2022). Risk Factors and Changes in Depression and Anxiety over Time in New Zealand during COVID-19: A Longitudinal Cohort Study. Psych, 4(4), 706-716. https://doi.org/10.3390/psych4040052

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 28, 2022
Online Publication Date Oct 3, 2022
Publication Date 2022-12
Deposit Date Oct 27, 2022
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Psych
Print ISSN 2624-8611
Publisher MDPI AG
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 4
Issue 4
Pages 706-716
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/psych4040052
Keywords Article, anxiety, COVID-19, depression, mental health, risk factors
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/12329784
Publisher URL https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8611/4/4/52