Depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with Long-COVID: Does social network matter? - Results of a German Long-COVID study.

BACKGROUND

Some patients previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop symptoms that are summarized under the term Long COVID (LC). There is limited evidence on how social characteristics influence depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults with LC.

METHODS

Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The living situation (alone vs. with someone) was assessed by a single question. The social network was assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS). Multivariate regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In n = 410 participants with LC (mean age = 47.12, SD = 12.24) from Leipzig, Germany, we found that living with others was associated with fewer depressive symptoms compared to living alone (B = -2.18, p = .011). A larger social network was associated with fewer anxiety symptoms in adults with LC symptoms (IRR = 0.99, p = .008).

CONCLUSION

Social factors, such as social network and living situation, are associated with mental health factors like depressive and anxiety symptoms in adults with LC. Further research is required in order to elucidate the complex interplay between social factors and mental health in people with LC in the context of longitudinal studies. Future research directions are discussed.