Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Psychiatry, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
2
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
3. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Geriatric Health Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic, as a serious stressor, has had many adverse effects on mental health and can alter various coping strategies at the community level. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate major psychological symptoms, coping strategies, and their relationship with demographic factors in an Iranian population, during the middle phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A total of 913 Iranian participants, from August 2020 to July 2021, completed an online questionnaire, which included the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-21) questionnaire, and demographic information.
Results: The prevalence of mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress in the target group was 33.2%, 21.7%, and 21.2%, respectively. The most common coping strategy was emotion-focused coping (N=604, 66.2%). There were significant differences in depression, anxiety, stress, and coping strategies based on some demographic factors. Additionally, significant correlations were found between emotional oriented and depression, anxiety, and stress with moderate effect size.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of the general population. To effectively this issue, it is recommended to strengthen awareness campaigns about mental health, expand telehealth services, and implement interventions such as mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapies. In addition, training health care providers, establishing emergency hotlines and support services during crises, integrating mental health into public health, and developing policies to address mental health needs during future crises are essential steps to design a comprehensive response.
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