Changes in Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: A Longitudinal Study
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- Kikuchi Hiroyuki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University
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- Machida Masaki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Tokyo Medical University Hospital
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- Nakamura Itaru
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Tokyo Medical University Hospital
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- Saito Reiko
- Division of International Health (Public Health), Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University
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- Odagiri Yuko
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University
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- Kojima Takako
- Department of International Medical Communications, Tokyo Medical University
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- Watanabe Hidehiro
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Tokyo Medical University Hospital
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- Fukui Keisuke
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University
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- Inoue Shigeru
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Tokyo Medical University
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Abstract
<p>Background: This longitudinal study aimed to examine the changes in psychological distress of the general public from the early to community-transmission phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the factors related to these changes.</p><p>Methods: An internet-based survey of 2,400 Japanese people was conducted in two phases: early phase (baseline survey: February 25–27, 2020) and community-transmission phase (follow-up survey: April 1–6, 2020). The presence of severe psychological distress (SPD) was measured using the Kessler’s Six-scale Psychological Distress Scale. The difference of SPD percentages between the two phases was examined. Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the factors associated with the change of SPD status between the two phases.</p><p>Results: Surveys for both phases had 2,078 valid respondents (49.3% men; average age, 50.3 years). In the two surveys, individuals with SPD were 9.3% and 11.3%, respectively, demonstrating a significant increase between the two phases (P = 0.005). Significantly higher likelihood to develop SPD were observed among those in lower (ie, 18,600–37,200 United States dollars [USD], odds ratio [OR] 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–3.46) and the lowest income category (ie, <18,600 USD, OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.16–3.86). Furthermore, those with respiratory diseases were more likely to develop SPD (OR 2.56; 95% CI, 1.51–4.34).</p><p>Conclusions: From the early to community-transmission phases of COVID-19, psychological distress increased among the Japanese. Recommendations include implementing mental health measures together with protective measures against COVID-19 infection, prioritizing low-income people and those with underlying diseases.</p>
Journal
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- Journal of Epidemiology
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Journal of Epidemiology 30 (11), 522-528, 2020-11-05
Japan Epidemiological Association
