David Pettinicchio1, Michelle Maroto2, Lei Chai3, Martin Lukk3. 1. Department of Sociology and Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, 725 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2J4, Canada. Electronic address: d.pettinicchio@utoronto.ca. 2. University of Alberta, 5-21 HM Tory Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H4, Canada. 3. University of Toronto, 725 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2J4, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has led to worsening mental health outcomes throughout the Canadian population, its effects have been more acute among already marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. This paper examines how heightened fears of contracting the virus, financial impacts, and social isolation contribute to declining mental health among this already vulnerable group. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This paper investigates how increases in anxiety, stress, and despair are associated with concerns about getting infected, COVID-19-induced financial hardship, and increased social isolation as a result of adhering to protective measures among people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. METHODS: This study uses original national quota-based online survey data (n = 1027) collected in June 2020 from people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Three logistic regression models investigate the relationship between COVID-19's effects on finances, concerns about contracting the virus, changes in loneliness and belonging, and measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 and reports of increased anxiety, stress, and despair, net of covariates. RESULTS: Models show that increased anxiety, stress, and despair were associated with negative financial effects of COVID-19, greater concerns about contracting COVID-19, increased loneliness, and decreased feelings of belonging. Net of other covariates, increased measures taken to combat COVID-19 was not significantly associated with mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings address how the global health crisis is contributing to declining mental health status through heightened concerns over contracting the virus, increases in economic insecurity, and growing social isolation, speaking to how health pandemics exacerbate health inequalities.
BACKGROUND: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has led to worsening mental health outcomes throughout the Canadian population, its effects have been more acute among already marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. This paper examines how heightened fears of contracting the virus, financial impacts, and social isolation contribute to declining mental health among this already vulnerable group. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This paper investigates how increases in anxiety, stress, and despair are associated with concerns about getting infected, COVID-19-induced financial hardship, and increased social isolation as a result of adhering to protective measures among people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. METHODS: This study uses original national quota-based online survey data (n = 1027) collected in June 2020 from people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Three logistic regression models investigate the relationship between COVID-19's effects on finances, concerns about contracting the virus, changes in loneliness and belonging, and measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19 and reports of increased anxiety, stress, and despair, net of covariates. RESULTS: Models show that increased anxiety, stress, and despair were associated with negative financial effects of COVID-19, greater concerns about contracting COVID-19, increased loneliness, and decreased feelings of belonging. Net of other covariates, increased measures taken to combat COVID-19 was not significantly associated with mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings address how the global health crisis is contributing to declining mental health status through heightened concerns over contracting the virus, increases in economic insecurity, and growing social isolation, speaking to how health pandemics exacerbate health inequalities.
Authors: Stacey E McElroy-Heltzel; Laura R Shannonhouse; Edward B Davis; Austin W Lemke; Mary Chase Mize; Jamie Aten; Matthew C Fullen; Joshua N Hook; Daryl R Van Tongeren; Don E Davis; Constantinos Miskis Journal: Int J Psychol Date: 2021-08-16
Authors: Natasha Layton; Daniel Mont; Louise Puli; Irene Calvo; Kylie Shae; Emma Tebbutt; Keith D Hill; Libby Callaway; Diana Hiscock; Abner Manlapaz; Inge Groenewegen; Mahpekai Sidiqi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-10-27 Impact factor: 3.390