Background: Since the appearance of COVID-19 in March 2020, the Swiss population has continuously been exposed to numerous stressors that affect their general well-being. Among others, these include restrictive measures imposed by the government, including limited access to education or social events, and having to isolate or the fear to get infected by SARS-CoV-2. In this study we aim to evaluate the general condition of mental health of the Swiss citizens during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objectives: The main purpose of the study is to assess the overall distress level
in the population of the Canton de Vaud, during the period of November 2020 to
April 2021, which corresponds to the second wave of COVID-19. Furthermore, we
aimed to analyze possible risk factors for psychological distress during the
pandemic.
Methods: Data from 174 participants were analyzed over a follow-up period of 6 months, from November 2020 to April 2021. The participants were part of a larger research project called SerocoViD, a seroepidemiological study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Canton of Vaud, and filled out online questionnaires designed within the frame of a similar project, but at national level, called Coronaimmunitas. Questions were based on the DASS-21 scale, evaluating symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, designed to assess overall distress levels among the population.
Results: The study sample had a mean age of 56 years, and 44% were female. In the general population, highest DASS-scores were observed in January 2021 (8.7) and lowest in April 2021 (7.1). The pattern of distress throughout the 6-month period could not be correlated to the restrictive measures imposed nor to the total number of new COVID-19 cases. Individuals having experienced a documented COVID episode and/or had to quarantine, individuals who were not physically vulnerable to a severe form of the infection, and individuals of the female gender presented higher DASS-scores compared to the general population.
Conclusion: The population of the Canton de Vaud showed a certain degree of resilience to the pandemic. External factors, such as COVID-19 transmission or the restrictive measures during the period of semi-lockdown, did not directly influence mental health. Risk factors for psychological distress were found to be being female, and having to isolate and/or to quarantine, whereas physical vulnerability to a severe infection of the virus was not found to influence mental health.