Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/88957
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dc.contributor.authorCuschieri, Sarah-
dc.date.accessioned2022-02-15T06:04:33Z-
dc.date.available2022-02-15T06:04:33Z-
dc.date.issued2021-
dc.identifier.citationCuschieri, S. (2021). Anxiety and depression levels in Malta: A year into Covid-19 pandemic. European Journal of Public Health, 31(Suppl.3), ckab165-570.en_GB
dc.identifier.urihttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/88957-
dc.description.abstractBackground: Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a number of lifestyle changes and restrictive measures. The aim was to assess for the impact of Covid-19 on anxiety- depression levels and associated behavioural attitudes among the adult population of Malta.en_GB
dc.description.abstractMethods: An anonymous survey using Google Forms was disseminated on social media (1st to 26th of February), targeting the adult residents of Malta. The survey’s questions assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, changes in physical activity levels, and body weight. The Generalised Anxiety Disorder assessment tool was used to evaluate the level of anxiety and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 assessment tool was used to evaluate the level of depression among the participants during the pandemic. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.en_GB
dc.description.abstractResults: A total of 1,034 participants responded. Mild anxiety levels (41.20% CI95%:38.24 - 44.23) and minimal depression levels (54.23% CI95%:51.17-57.25) were generally reported. On stratification by employment status, students reported severe anxiety levels (p = <0.01). Indeed, a participant reported, ‘‘COVID-19 made me very anxious. . .not knowing if I will be finishing my degree’’. Covid-19 also impacted on behavioural attitudes, ‘‘I am eating more, I put on weight. . .resulting in feeling a bit depressed and have nothing to look forward to’’. Indeed, a proportional increase in body weight was reported among those with mild to severe anxiety levels (p = <0.01). An inverse trend with an increase in anxiety and depression scores and decrease physical activity levels was observed (p = <0.01 respectively). Conclusions: The population’s mental health has been impacted differently, with some societal groups more susceptible than others. An increase in body weight and a decrease in physical activity appears to be linked with both anxiety and depression levels.en_GB
dc.description.abstractKey messages: Increase in mental health burden and obesity prevalence is anticipated as a resultant effect of Covid-19. Enhanced psychological support and prevention strategies targeting mental health and obesity are recommended.en_GB
dc.language.isoenen_GB
dc.publisherOxford Academicen_GB
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessen_GB
dc.subjectAnxiety disorders -- Malta -- Case studiesen_GB
dc.subjectCOVID-19 (Disease) -- Maltaen_GB
dc.subjectMental illness -- Maltaen_GB
dc.subjectMental health -- Maltaen_GB
dc.titleAnxiety and depression levels in Malta : a year into COVID-19 pandemicen_GB
dc.typearticleen_GB
dc.rights.holderThe copyright of this work belongs to the author(s)/publisher. The rights of this work are as defined by the appropriate Copyright Legislation or as modified by any successive legislation. Users may access this work and can make use of the information contained in accordance with the Copyright Legislation provided that the author must be properly acknowledged. Further distribution or reproduction in any format is prohibited without the prior permission of the copyright holder.en_GB
dc.description.reviewedpeer-revieweden_GB
dc.identifier.doi10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.570-
dc.publication.titleEuropean Journal of Public Healthen_GB
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