Change in Depression and Its Determinants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Examination among Racially/Ethnically Diverse US Adults

Yuzi Zhang, Kathryn M. Janda, Nalini Ranjit, Deborah Salvo, Aida Nielsen and Alexandra van den Berg
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Yuzi Zhang: UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Kathryn M. Janda: UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Nalini Ranjit: UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Deborah Salvo: Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
Aida Nielsen: UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA
Alexandra van den Berg: UTHealth School of Public Health, Austin, TX 78701, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, 1-12

Abstract: This study examined longitudinal data to identify changes in the occurrence of depressive symptoms, and to explore if such changes were associated with socio-demographic, movement behaviors, and health variables during the COVID-19 pandemic, among a diverse sample of central Texas residents. Participants who completed two online surveys in 2020 (in June and November) from an on-going longitudinal study were included. Depressive symptoms were measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Change in depressive symptoms’ occurrence status between the two time points was categorized into (1) stable/improved, and (2) consistent depressive symptoms/declined. Sociodemographic factors, movement behaviors and health data were self-reported. Statistical analyses utilized descriptive statistics and logistical regression. Among a total of 290 individuals (84.1% female; 71.0% racial/ethnic minorities), 13.5% were categorized as consistent depressive symptoms/declined. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that racial/ethnic minorities, older age, and increased physical activity were associated with a lower likelihood, while greater sedentary time was associated with higher likelihood of consistent depressive symptoms/declined status. Between 3 months and 8 months into the pandemic, various socio-demographic and behavioral variables were associated with changes in depressive symptoms’ occurrence status. Future research should explore the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on depression among a diverse population and identify risk factors for depression.

Keywords: depression; racial/ethnic minorities; health behaviors; longitudinal design; COVID-19; mental health; physical activity; sedentary time (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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