Background : The COVID-19 pandemic poses a challenge to global mental health. Loneliness and isolation may put people at higher risk for increased psychological distress. However, there is a lack of research investigating the development of COVID-19-related distress over time. Materials and Methods : We undertook an online survey among general population (N = 1903) in Germany throughout 6 months from the peak transmission period in April to the off-peak period by September 2020. Results : We found that the average prevalence of psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic significantly rose from 24% to 66% between the peak and off-peak transmission period, respectively. Unemployment rate and loneliness increased negative mental health outcomes, although the number of active COVID-19 cases decreased from April to September. Psychological distress scores increased mostly in female, young, and lonely people. Conclusions : Our results underline the importance of considering innovative alternatives to facilitate employment opportunities, distant contacts, and self-help over the course of the pandemic. Our study highlights the urgent need to pay attention to mental health services specifically targeting female, young, unemployed, and lonely people.
【저자키워드】 mental health and wellbeing, perceived social isolation, national and international survey, across cultures and over time, Sino-German assessment and evaluation, prevention policies, management in epidemics and pandemics, jobs and economic transformation, workforce recovery strategy, 【초록키워드】 pandemic, mental health, COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness, Transmission, Prevalence, outcomes, Germany, female, Research, Psychological distress, Isolation, General population, distress, employment, higher risk, COVID-19 case, average, material, mental health service, unemployment rate, highlight, COVID-19-related distress, Course, Result, lack, caused, significantly, facilitate, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19, Germany, unemployment, Increased, Month,