As Time goes by: A Longitudinal Study on the Mental Health of Argentinians during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

COVID-19 mitigation measures such as lockdown and social distancing could have a negative impact on mental health. Understanding their impact is essential to mini mize adverse efects on individuals, families, and communities. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation in the Argentinian population over time. An online survey evaluating anxi ety and depression symptoms, positive afect, and negative afect, was completed by 3,833 people at three diferent time points: immediately after the lockdown began, 12–15 days after the frst assessment, and after 47–51 days. Various socio-demo graphic factors were considered. A series of mixed repeated-measures ANOVAs were performed, with results showing signifcant increases over time (with small efect sizes) in anxiety, depression, negative afect, and a decrease in positive afect. Some socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, number of children, and edu cational level diferentially afected these changes. These results suggest that mental health and quality of life were negatively afected, making it essential to monitor emotional distress and other mental health problems in the population and encour age the implementation of support and containment devices to cope with these adverse efects. Extraído de: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43076-023-00285-9