Psychological effects of COVID-19 on the general population: A national cross-sectional survey of china mainland

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the psychological impact of the COVID-2019 outbreak on general population in China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 20–22 February 2020, an online survey was implemented using an internet survey tool to collect the information and analyze the effects of the outbreak on the mental health of public population around China. RESULTS: A total of 6471 person responded the survey. About 3.46% of the respondents reported middle and high levels of anxiety while 0.62% of the respondents reported middle and high levels of depression since the COVID-19 outbreak. Respondents who were female younger or had middle-level education were more likely to have anxiety and depression than those who were male, older or had high-level education, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety was higher among female and younger respondents, and those with low education. Preventing, detecting, and intervention to mental health conditions should be an important component of public health policy during COVID-19 outbreak.