The Effects of General Mental Health Symptomatology, COVID Anxiety, and Sociodemographic Factors on Pandemic-Induced Negative and Positive Trauma Effects: A Polish Survey from the Late Stages of the Pandemic.

Background/

Objectives

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged in late 2019 and rapidly became a global pandemic, affecting over 200 countries. The pandemic has had profound impacts on global health, the economy, and mental health, leading to increased anxiety and more cases of posttraumatic stress disorder in the general population. This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing the long-term psychological effects, both positive and negative, seen in the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland (starting in the second half of 2021). It combined specific COVID-19 anxiety factors with a broader general mental health assessment to identify significant associations.

Methods

Data were collected from 416 participants through paper-based and online questionnaires, with 235 valid responses gathered in total. This study utilized the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale; General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28); and, to study Positive Trauma Effects (PTEs) and Negative Trauma Effects (NTEs), the Changes in Outlook Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the R language and a Generalized Additive Model analysis was also performed.

Results

The study found generally low levels of COVID-19 anxiety and mental distress among participants. Significant predictors of NTEs included COVID-19 anxiety and general mental health status, which explained 47% of the variance. PTEs were significantly associated with gender, with women experiencing higher PTE levels relative to men.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that combining specific ailment anxiety measurements with general mental health assessments enhances our ability to predict Negative Trauma Effects. Addressing mental health symptomatology and well-being during mass health crises is crucial to mitigate long-lasting psychological damage.