Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has produced adverse health consequences, including mental health consequences. Studies indicate that residents of Fort McMur-ray, 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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 7090 |
| Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 1 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Some governmental bodies have supported people since the emergence of the pandemic. The Government of Alberta supported residents with financial assistance and encouraged working remotely to curtail the spread and protect the health of individuals [28]. An evidenced-based study in the United States indicated that Governmental aid mitigates psychological stress and reduces depression [37]. The Government of Canada provided health tips to deal with depression during the pandemic and emergency financial aid, which reduced stress [38]. Government support did not significantly impact respondents’ likelihood of moderate to severe depression. However, individuals may have received benefits directly from their employer or received Governmental support indirectly through the employer; thereby, the individual does not appreciate a direct positive impact of the Governmental support.
Funding Information:
This study was supported by grants from the Mental Health Foundation, the Douglas Harden Trust Fund, and Alberta Government.The Fort McMurray Public and Catholic School Boards, Keyano College, and the Canadian Mental Health Association supported survey link distributions.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Pollution
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
PubMed: MeSH publication types
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
