Prevalence and risk factors of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults who received SARS-CoV-2 vaccine - A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Direct data reflecting the psychological problems during the nationwide SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign are scarce in China. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety and investigate the associated risk factors after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 among Chinese adults.

METHODS

We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey from June to July 2021. A structured questionnaire including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7) was used to investigated depression and anxiety symptoms. After excluding 223 ineligible records, a total of 6984 participants were included in our final analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examined the potential factors associated with depression or anxiety.

RESULTS

Our data indicated that the overall prevalence of depression and anxiety was assessed at 19.39 % and 9.74 %, respectively. Participants who had vaccinated the second dose were more likely to have depressive symptoms (20.95 % vs.16.40 %) and anxiety symptoms (10.38 % vs. 8.51 %) than who had vaccinated the first dose. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated female gender, being healthcare worker, college or above and planning a pregnancy were all independently linked to depression or anxiety.

LIMITATIONS: The present study was based on an online survey.

CONCLUSION

The present study confirmed the presence of depression and anxiety among Chinese adults who received SARS-COV-2 vaccine, as well as the potential influencing factors. Additional attention and psychological support should be directed at these high-risk groups during SARS-CoV-2 vaccination campaign.