WEDNESDAY, December 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) – The COVID-19 pandemic could affect the mental health of women more than men.
For the study, the researchers looked at the results of an online survey of 112 men and 459 women in Canada. The survey took place between March 23 and June 7, 2020.
During this time, schools and many businesses were closed and people were instructed to stay home as much as possible to reduce coronavirus transmission.
More than 66% of respondents reported poor sleep quality and more than 39% reported worsening insomnia. All said they had increased fear and distress.
Sleep disorders, depression, and symptoms of anxiety were more common in women than men. This is according to the report recently published online in Frontiers in Global Women’s Health magazine.
“In general, the study found that women reported more anxiety and depression,” said study author Veronica Guadagni, a postdoctoral fellow in the University of Calgary’s School of Medicine. “Her symptoms worsened over time and as the duration of isolation increased.”
Guadagni found that anxiety, depression, poor sleep quality, and trauma increased progressively in both men and women, but were greater in women over time.
Women also reported higher scores on a scale that measures empathy, the ability to understand and care for the emotions of others. However, greater empathy was associated with greater anxiety, depression, and trauma, the study authors noted in a university press release.
“I was not surprised by the results. Women carry the extra burden,” said lead investigator Giuseppe Iaria, professor of psychology. “Taking care of family and critical situations has always been a great burden for women and women.”
Guadagni suggested that greater empathy in women could mean they are more likely to follow public health guidelines, such as: B. Hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask.
“When we see that higher empathy is associated with prosocial behavior, we can expect the people who actually care more about others to be more respectful of the rules. Future studies should test this specific hypothesis,” she said.
More information
The US National Institute of Mental Health is more concerned with COVID-19 and mental health.
SOURCE: University of Calgary, press release, December 22, 2020
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