Mental health and access of care during Covid-19 pandemics: an italian cross-sectional study

ConclusionsCompared to the pre-pandemic period, higher levels of anxiety and depression were observed. No differences in mental health and care access were shown between the two observation periods. Being afraid to go out of necessity and avoidance of physical activity for fear of injury is related to reduced access to care, but not to self-medication.Key messagesThe 24.7 % of the sample reported depressive symptoms, and 24.2 % anxious symptoms. Similar increases were observed in both periods: April-May (first lockdown) and November-December (no lockdown).During the pandemic, delayed access to planned and acute care, avoidance of physical activity for fear of injury, and self-medication pose a major public health challenge in the coming period.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research