RISK PERCEPTION TOWARDS COVID-19 AND THE EFFECT OFTHE PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF THE GENERAL POPULATION AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Abstract

Background: The mental health of adults and health professionals has been significantly influenced by Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) which showed a rising prevalence. Several non pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented to contain transmission and minimize impacts of the pandemic on people's livelihood globally. However, the success of the implementation depends on the risk perception of the public with the recommended interventions. Objective: this dissertation aimed to assess the risk perception towards COVID-19 and the mental health symptom complex among the general population, and to evaluate the mental health effects of the pandemic on healthcare providers in Addis Ababa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia among the general population and healthcare providers. A telephone interviewing platform was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using STATA 14.0 statistical software and R program version 4.2.3. Descriptive results were presented in proportion with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A logistic regression model was applied to determine factors associated with risk perception and mental health of the healthcare providers. Network analysis was conducted to understand the mental health symptom complex. Results: the perception of risk of acquiring COVID-19 among adults was 41%. The odds of having higher risk perception were higher among adults with good knowledge of COVID-19 [AOR 1.41 95% CI 1.02 – 1.97]. The mental health symptom level analysis revealed that three symptoms, one from each mental health disorder had a higher bridge expected influence (EI) which increases the risk of mental disorder comorbidities. These symptoms were Nervousness and stress (EI=1.33), Irritability EI=1.12, and Sad mood (EI=1.10). Depression among healthcare providers showed a three-fold increase between the two-time points of 6.5% [95% CI: 4.1 – 10.1]. Having a positive COVID-19 test in the initial period was significantly associated with depression [AOR 7.25 95% CI: 1.32 – 39.4]. In the second round, female healthcare providers [AOR 3.96 95% CI: 1.08 – 14.51] and unavailability of COVID-19-related policy or guidelines at the workplace [AOR 3.22 95% CI: 1.11 – 9.35] were associated with higher depression. Conclusion: lower risk perception of acquiring COVID-19 was shown and having good knowledge was positively associated with higher risk perception. The bridge symptoms were having a sad mood, nervousness, stress, and being easily irritated. A significant increase in the prevalence of depression was revealed among healthcare providers within a year.