Social distancing and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to COVID-19 symptoms and diagnosis and mental health

Authors

Ruth Dickey-Chasins, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052 USA.
Katelyn F. Romm, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, #7000C, Washington, DC 20052 USA.
Amita N. Vyas, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, #7000C, Washington, DC 20052 USA.
Karen McDonnell, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, #7000C, Washington, DC 20052 USA.
Yan Wang, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, #7000C, Washington, DC 20052 USA.
Yan Ma, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052 USA.
Carla J. Berg, Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, 800 22nd Street NW, #7000C, Washington, DC 20052 USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-7-2022

Journal

Zeitschrift fur Gesundheitswissenschaften = Journal of public health

DOI

10.1007/s10389-022-01722-2

Keywords

COVID-19; Mental health; Restriction adherence; Young adults

Abstract

Background: Many states, local authorities, organizations, and individuals have taken action to reduce the spread of COVID-19, particularly focused on restricting social interactions. Such actions have raised controversy regarding their implications for the spread of COVID-19 versus mental health. Methods: We examined correlates of: (1) COVID symptoms and test results (i.e., no symptoms/tested negative, symptoms but not tested, tested positive), and (2) mental health symptoms (depressive/anxiety symptoms, COVID-related stress). Data were drawn from Fall 2020 surveys of young adults (n = 2576; = 24.67; 55.8% female; 31.0% sexual minority; 5.4% Black; 12.7% Asian; 11.1% Hispanic) in six metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with distinct COVID-related state orders. Correlates of interest included MSA, social distancing behaviors, employment status/nature, household composition, and political orientation. Results: Overall, 3.0% tested positive for COVID-19; 7.0% had symptoms but no test; 29.1% reported at least moderate depressive/anxiety symptoms on the PHQ-4 Questionnaire. Correlates of testing positive (vs. having no symptoms) included residing in Oklahoma City vs. Boston, San Diego, or Seattle and less social distancing adherence; there were few differences between those without symptoms/negative test and those with symptoms but not tested. Correlates of greater depressive/anxiety symptoms included greater social distancing adherence, being unemployed/laid off (vs. working outside of the home), living with others (other than partners/children), and being Democrat but not Republican (vs. no lean); findings related to COVID-specific stress were similar. Conclusion: Despite curbing the pandemic, social distancing and individual (e.g., political) and environmental factors that restrict social interaction have negative implications for mental health.

APA Citation

Dickey-Chasins, Ruth; Romm, Katelyn F.; Vyas, Amita N.; McDonnell, Karen; Wang, Yan; Ma, Yan; and Berg, Carla J., "Social distancing and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to COVID-19 symptoms and diagnosis and mental health" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1151.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1151

Department

Prevention and Community Health