Factors Contributing to Adverse Mental Health Symptoms of Individuals Undergoing Covid-19 Testing

Context: Mounting evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decline in public mental health. Objective: To identify variables that are associated with adverse mental health symptoms during this pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered from April to October 2020 to individuals being tested for COVID-19 at the University of Connecticut Health Center drive-through test center. Results: Problems experienced during the shutdown period to mitigate spread of the virus were associated with adverse mental health symptoms. Other factors associated with increased symptoms included: age, gender, race/ethnicity, existing mental health conditions, belief of being infected with the coronavirus, behavioral changes, and media usage. Conclusions: Periodic surveillance of adverse mental health symptoms and disorders should continue as this pandemic evolves and recovers. Culturally sensitive interventions should be implemented at the population, community, and individual levels including social programs to buffer the financial and economic consequences of the pandemic.