Differential Mental Health Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Persons with Non-Communicable Diseases in Trinidad and Tobago

Sandra D. Reid (), Shastri Motilal, Shalini Pooransingh, Godfrey St. Bernard and Marsha A. Ivey
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Sandra D. Reid: Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago
Shastri Motilal: Public Health and Primary Care Unit, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago
Shalini Pooransingh: Public Health and Primary Care Unit, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago
Godfrey St. Bernard: Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
Marsha A. Ivey: Public Health and Primary Care Unit, Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Champs Fleurs, Trinidad and Tobago

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 16, 1-11

Abstract: Persons with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were identified as particularly at risk of severe morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is written about the impact of COVID-19 on this sub-population in the Caribbean, where the prevalence of NCDs is disproportionately high. This study aimed to ascertain COVID-related concerns, and the mental health impact of the pandemic among persons with and without NCDs in Trinidad and Tobago, during the acute period of COVID-19 lockdowns early in the pandemic. An anonymous online survey collected cross-sectional data from a convenience sample nationwide. Of 1287 respondents, 219 self-identified as having an NCD. Findings suggest that the pandemic was experienced unequally by persons with NCDs, who were more likely to be concerned about health and wellbeing and to report health inequalities—unemployment, social isolation and negative effects of government restrictions. Compared to those without NCDs, they were more likely to increase use of marijuana during the lockdown period, and to report severe anxiety/depression that can result in exacerbation of NCDs. Interventions for persons with NCDs must address the mental health consequences of any pandemic, including increased drug use, and also address social inequalities to reduce sustained post-pandemic mental health impact and negative health outcomes.

Keywords: COVID-19; non-communicable diseases; mental health; health inequalities; Trinidad and Tobago; marijuana use (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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