Mental Health during the COVID-19 Lockdown over the Christmas Period in Austria and the Effects of Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic a decline in mental health has been reported This online study investigated mental health and well-being in Austria during a strict lockdown In total, N = 1505 participants were recruited between 23 December 2020 and 4 January 2021 and levels of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), sleep quality (ISI), well-being (WHO-5), quality of life (WHO-QOL) and stress (PSS-10) were measured 26% scored above the cut-off for moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10;♀ = 32%;♂ = 21%), 23% above the cut-off for moderate anxiety (GAF-7 ≥ 10;♀ = 29%;♂ = 17%) and 18% above the cut-off for moderate insomnia (ISI ≥ 15;♀ = 21%;♂ = 16%) Mean-scores for quality of life (psychological WHO-QOL) were 68 89, for well-being (WHO-5) 14 34, and for stress (PSS-10) 16 42 The youngest age group (18–24) was most burdened and showed significantly more mental health symptoms compared with the oldest age group (65+) in depressive symptoms (50% vs 12%), anxiety symptoms (35% vs 10%), and insomnia (25% vs 11%, all p-values <0 05) Mental health decreased compared to both the first lockdown earlier in 2020 and pre-pandemic data Further analyses indicate these findings were especially apparent for the under 24-year-olds, women, single/separated people, low incomes and those who do not partake in any physical activity (all p-values <0 05) We highlight the need for ongoing mental health support, particularly to the most burdened groups