The COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychological Health Problems: Repeated Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic strained many aspects of daily life, and the propensity of the virus to spread rapidly affected the world, bringing both stress and psychological health problems throughout the world. This study aims to investigate the level of psychological issues and problems among the population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This was a repeated cross-sectional study (N = 650) made of Pre-Pandemic (n = 338) and During-Pandemic COVID-19 (n = 312) samples conducted in Dardania (Kosovo) municipalities of Prishtina, Prizren, Ferizaj, Gjilan, Gjakova, Peja, Podujeva, Suhareka, Mitrovica, and Vushtrri. The study used both the Demographic Questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire 28. Results: There was a significant difference between the two samples in psychological health problems in general (p = .001), as well as depression (p = .001), social dysfunction (p = .001), somatization (p = .001), anxiety and insomnia (p = .001) in particular. Furthermore, Chi-square analysis showed a very large effect size for participants’ reported accidents, natural disasters, losing a loved one, chronic illnesses, displacement, Domestic violence, imprisonment, and especially divorce. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic increased psychological health problems, and there is a need for the mobilization of psychological health experts to support and decrease the level of risk in the population in future times.