In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study has been carried out to investigate the impact of socioeconomic conditions (SEC) on emotional health risks such as depression and anxiety across different populations globally. This systematic review, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, delves into how various SEC indicators correlate with mental health outcomes during these unprecedented times.
Study Design and Methodology
The research involved a comprehensive search across multiple databases including Scopus and PubMed, conducted between November 4 and November 11, 2021. A total of 362 articles were reviewed, using Covidence as a platform for selection and data extraction. These studies were classified into cross-sectional/repeated cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, focusing on the predictive value of both actual vs. perceived and static vs. fluid SEC indicators on emotional health.
Key Findings
Analysis of 1479 SEC indicators from these studies revealed a significant disparity in their predictive success. Approximately 43.68% of the indicators showed expected outcomes where higher SEC was associated with better emotional health, whereas 51.86% of the indicators did not show significant effects. Interestingly, economic concerns and financial strains were identified as the most reliable predictors of emotional health risks, while indicators such as education level and living conditions were among the least effective.
User-Usable Inferences
- Economic concerns and financial strains are critical indicators for predicting mental health risks during pandemics.
- Education and living conditions have less impact on emotional health outcomes than previously assumed.
- Policy interventions focusing on economic support could be more effective in mitigating mental health issues during crises.
The study encompassed an extensive range of data from 98 countries, involving over 5 million participants, highlighting the varied impact of socioeconomic factors on mental health across different economic strata. The findings emphasize the complexity of SEC’s role in emotional health, showing that not all indicators are equally predictive.
For policymakers, these insights are crucial. They underline the importance of targeting economic policies and support mechanisms to better address mental health issues during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This tailored approach could help in crafting more effective mental health interventions that are sensitive to socioeconomic variations.
Original Article: BMC Psychol. 2024 Apr 26;12(1):237. doi: 10.1186/s40359-024-01715-8.
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