Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence and risk according to associated experiences in the general population

Introduction: COVID-19 mortality in Peru is high and its impact on the mental health of the adult population is a significant problem. This study aims to identify the prevalence of and risk for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress in the general population in terms of associated experiences during the COVID-19-pandemic. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey completed by 880 people from two Peruvian cities (Lima and Huaraz). The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and the Athens Insomnia Scale were used. Results: Prevalence rates of 34.4% for anxiety, 20.7% for depression, 36.8% for insomnia and 12.8% for stress were found. In terms of associated experiences: fear of COVID-19 infection was a risk factor for insomnia, depression, anxiety, and stress; contact with COVID-19 cases was a risk factor for insomnia, anxiety, and stress; death of households from COVID-19 was the highest risk factor for insomnia (OR=12.26) and stress (OR=7). Households testing positive for COVID-19 was a risk factor for anxiety and stress and testing positive for COVID-19 was a risk factor for anxiety. There is a significant relationship among the mental health variables under study. Conclusions: The prevalence and identification of pandemic-associated experiences as risk factors for anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress in the COVID-19 pandemic allows for the designing of mental health intervention and prevention programs aimed at the general population. There is a direct relationship among anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.