Prevalence and associated risk factors for mental health problems among young adults in Fiji Island during Covid-19

A cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID22071503
AuthorsM G M Khan (0000-0001-5400-9703, University of the South Pacific), Muhammad Mainuddin Patwary (0000-0001-8895-9723, Khulna University, corresponding author), Kabir A Mamum (University of the South Pacific), Aneesh A Chand (0000-0002-1478-0680, University of the South Pacific, corresponding author), Kaamil Edward (0000-0002-5043-3627, University of the South Pacific), Kushal A Prasad (0000-0001-9790-4652, University of the South Pacific), Matthew H E M Browning (0000-0003-2296-7602, Clemson University), Chaandvi Prasad (Fiji National University), Faysal Shuvo (0000-0001-5130-2357, Swinburne University of Technology), Faysal Kabir Shuvo
Year2023
Volume11
Pages1323635-1323635
Publication date2023-12-21
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2023.1323635
PMID38213644
OpenAlexW4390056484
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited76

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health globally. To understand the impact of the pandemic on mental health in Fiji, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety disorder and depression among the young adults. Method: An online survey was conducted to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorder and depression among the general population in Suva, Fiji during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 1,119 Fiji adults participated in the study. The study was conducted between May 20 to June 30, 2022, using a snowball sampling via social media platforms. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales were used to measure anxiety and depression, respectively. The COVID-19 related stressors was evaluated using the adapted SARS stressors assessment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing mental health among respondents. Results: The result shows that a significant portion of individuals experienced each of the stressors, with the highest prevalence seen for hearing information about the severity of COVID-19. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was found to be 45% and 49%, respectively. Being female, having pre-existing illness and COVID-19 stressors were a risk factor to develop anxiety and depression. On the other hand, employed individuals and having high BMI was a protective factor against developing depression during COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of addressing the mental health needs of the Fijian population during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Anxiety · Cross-sectional study · Disease · Environmental health · Logistic regression · Mental health · Pandemic · Patient Health Questionnaire · Population · Psychiatry · Snowball sampling · Stressor · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology

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