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Evaluating the Prevalence and Predictors of Moderate to Severe Depression in Fort McMurray, Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Gloria Obuobi-Donkor, Ejemai Eboreime, Reham Shalaby, Belinda Agyapong, Folajinmi Oluwasina, Medard Adu, Ernest Owusu, Wanying Mao and Vincent I. O. Agyapong
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Gloria Obuobi-Donkor: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Ejemai Eboreime: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Reham Shalaby: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Belinda Agyapong: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Folajinmi Oluwasina: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Medard Adu: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Ernest Owusu: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Wanying Mao: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada
Vincent I. O. Agyapong: Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has produced adverse health consequences, including mental health consequences. Studies indicate that residents of Fort McMurray, a community which has experienced trauma from flooding and wildfires in the past, may be more vulnerable to the mental health effects of the pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and predictors of likely Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among residents of Fort McMurray during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was adopted utilizing an online survey questionnaire to gather sociodemographic data, COVID-19 related data, and clinical information, including likely MDD using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale, from the residents of Fort McMurray between the period of 24 April to 2 June 2021. Results: Overall, 186 individuals completed the survey out of 249 residents who accessed the online survey, yielding a completion rate of 74.7%. The prevalence of likely MDD among respondents was 45%. Respondents willing to receive mental health counselling were five times more likely to experience MDD during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 5.48; 95% CI: 1.95–15.40). Respondents with a history of depression were nearly five folds more likely to report MDD during the era of the pandemic than residents without a history of depression (OR = 4.64; 95% CI: 1.49–14.44). Similarly, respondents with a history of taking hypnotics (sleeping tablets) were nearly six-fold more likely to express MDD than respondents with no history of receiving sleeping tablets (OR = 5.72; 95% CI: 1.08–30.30). Finally, respondents who reported receiving only partial support from the employer had three times higher odds of having likely MDD than those who received absolute support from the employer (OR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.24–9.82). Conclusion: In addition to the effect of the pandemic and other measures taken to curb the psychopathological impact of the pandemic, policymakers need to implement policies to manage individuals with preexisting mental health conditions and provide strong employer support.

Keywords: Major Depressive Disorder; COVID-19; mental health; employer support; Fort Mcmurray (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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