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The prevalence and associated factors of moderate to severe depression symptoms among Fort McMurray residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 July 2023

G. Obuobi-Donkor*
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax
E. Eboreime
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
R. Shalaby
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
B. Agyapong
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
E. Owusu
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
M. Adu
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax
W. Mao
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
V. I. O. Agyapong
Affiliation:
Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the mental health of many individuals, especially vulnerable communities, who have experienced multiple traumas.

Objectives

To examine the prevalence and associated factors of likely major depressive disorder (MDD) among inhabitants of Fort McMurray.

Methods

A study adopted a cross-sectional design, and questionnaires were distributed online. Sociodemographic, COVID-19-related, and clinical data were obtained. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale was used to assess likely MDD. SPSS version 25 used employed to analyze the data.

Results

The prevalence of likely MDD among participants was 45%. Participants who desire mental health counselling are more likely to exhibit depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 5.48; 95% CI: 1.95–15.40). History of depression (OR = 4.64; 95% CI: 1.49–14.44) and hypnotics (OR = 5.72; 95% CI: 1.08–30.30) were more likely to experience depression symptoms during the pandemic than other participants without a history. Participants who received absolute support from the employer (OR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.24–9.82) were protective against depression symptoms amid the pandemic.

Conclusions

Clinical factors and employer support are associated with depression symptoms during the pandemic. Communities that have experienced multiple traumas need to reduce any psychopathology, and governmental bodies need to implement holistic policies to increase support to individuals during traumatic eras like the CVID-19 pandemic.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Type
Abstract
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BY
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the European Psychiatric Association
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