Depression in the Pandemic: The Impacts on Mental Health During the COVID-19 Contagion in Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the symptoms of depression resulting from social distancing and its impacts on the Brazilian population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodologically, this is a qualitative-quantitative, cross-sectional survey, carried out online. Data were collected through a questionnaire that initially contained sociodemographic information, followed by information about depressive symptoms. The questions were constructed considering the concept of “mental health waves”, depicting the mental health demands presented at the respective moments of the pandemic. The sample consisted of 632 participants, and the prevalence of depression in the present study sample was 44.9%, with no statistically significant differences between genders. Regarding education, the postdoctoral degree was presented as a protective factor of depressive symptoms (OR=0.03, 95% CI=0.01-0.8). Factors significantly associated with anxiety were age between 50 and 54 years (OR=2.573, 95% CI=0.9-6.9), fear of dying (OR=1.86, 95% CI=1.19-2.89), loneliness (OR=5.32, 95% CI=3.40-8.31), irritability (OR=3.47, 95% CI=2.25-5.34), an infodemic (OR=1.70 95% CI=1.09-2.67), financial difficulties (OR=2.22, 95% CI=1.40-3.54), and boredom (OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.03-2.66). The results of the present study highlight the need for public health interventions aimed at reducing the psychological consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation measures, including increasing social support and strengthening social connections.