Anxiety and depression among Egyptians during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross sectional study

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1 040 Egyptian adults (female = 56.0%; mean age = 28.8 years, SD = 7.7 years, age range 21–70 years) to assess their anxiety and depressive symptoms two weeks after the partial lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak in Egypt. Additionally, we explored possible risk factors related to the emergence of these symptoms. The participants completed COVID-19-related questions, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that females were more likely to develop anxiety and depression symptoms compared to males. Moreover, participants who reported following the news about COVID-19 for the whole day were 4.2 times more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Fearing stigma and worries about the nature of sanitary isolation were associated with anxiety and depression.

Keywords:

• anxiety
• COVID-19
• depressive symptoms
• pandemic

Acknowledgment

The authors are thankful to study participants for taking part in this study.