Perceived Stress During the First Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak: Results From Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Estonia

• Main Authors: Rainer Reile (Author), Lembe Kullamaa (Author), Reeli Hallik (Author), Kaire Innos (Author), Maarja Kukk (Author), Kaia Laidra (Author), Eha Nurk (Author), Merili Tamson (Author), Sigrid Vorobjov (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2021-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Objective: To study the population-level mental health responses during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Estonia and analyze its socio-demographic, behavioral, and health-related variations among general population.Methods: This study used nationally representative data on 4,606 individuals, aged 18-79 years from a rapid-response cross-sectional survey conducted in April 2020. Point prevalence and mutually adjusted prevalence rate ratios for perceived stress from log-binomial regression analysis were presented for socio-demographic, behavioral, and health-related variables.Results: This study found that 52.2% of population aged 18-79 reported elevated stress levels in relation to COVID-19 outbreak. Higher levels of perceived stress were found in women, in younger age groups, in Estonians, and in those with higher self-perceived infection risk, presence of respiratory symptoms, and less than optimal health, according to self-reports.Conclusion: Although, the potential long-term health effects of the current crisis are yet unknown, the alarmingly high stress levels among people indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic might have had a widespread effect on people's mental health.

Item Description

2296-2565
10.3389/fpubh.2021.564706