Prevalence and Correlates of Anxiety in Fort McMurray Vulnerable Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has produced negative mental health outcomes, which were more prominent in vulnerable communities, such as Fort McMurray (FMM), the community that experienced prior similar disasters. Objectives This study aimed to examine the likelihood and correlates of anxiety s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European Psychiatry
Main Authors: R. Shalaby, E. Eboreime, N. Nkire, B. Agyapong, H. Pazderka, G. Obuobi-Donkor, M. Adu, W. Mao, E. Owusu, F. Oluwasina, V. Agyapong
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2023
Subjects:
Psychiatry
RC435-571
Fort McMurray
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.970
https://doaj.org/article/7b404d9149a549a895a829cadd906e00
Description
Summary:Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has produced negative mental health outcomes, which were more prominent in vulnerable communities, such as Fort McMurray (FMM), the community that experienced prior similar disasters. Objectives This study aimed to examine the likelihood and correlates of anxiety symptoms among FMM residents, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional online survey questionnaire was applied between 24 April and 2 June 2021, at FMM community to gather a set of data, including sociodemographic, COVID-19, and clinical information. Generalized anxiety disorder was the main outcome of the study, and was measured using GAD-7 scale. Results Overall, 186 individuals completed the survey (response rate 74.7%). Most of the respondents were females (159, 85.5%); above 40 years (98, 52.7%); employed (175, 94.1%); and in relationship (132, 71%). The prevalence of moderate-to-severe anxiety was (42.5%, 71) on GAD-7 self-reported scale. Subscribers who reported that they would like to receive mental health support; have received no family support since COVID-19 declaration; and have lost their job during the pandemic were all more likely to report moderate-to-severe anxiety (OR = 3.39; 95% CI: 1.29-8.88), (OR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.56-15.03), and (OR = 4.40; 95% CI: 1.01-19.24), respectively. Conclusions Anxiety levels were high among FMM residents, compared to levels before COVID-19. Clinical and social factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly predicted likely anxiety among Fort McMurray population. It is imperative to mobilize resources to support vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

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