Perception of concern and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: an epidemiological survey in a Brazilian municipality

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental health. This cross-sectional study analyzed the perception of concern related to the pandemic in the population of Jundiaí-SP in June 2020. Participants consisted of residents of households selected by probability sampling and individuals with respiratory symptoms who sought Basic Health Units (UBS). The participants underwent rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2 and answered a questionnaire. The outcome was the perception of concern and the independent variables were socioeconomic characteristics, behavioral variables, signs and symptoms, and rapid test results. Bivariate analysis was performed and variables with p<0.20 were included in a binary logistic regression model (p<0.05) using SPSS 20.0. A total of 2,432 individuals participated in the study, including 1,181 from UBS and 1,251 from households. Females (OR:1.42; CI:1.18-1.71), black and mixed race participants (OR:1.40; CI:1.15-1.71), participants with an income up to 3 minimum wages (MW) (up to 1 MW: OR:2.58; CI:1.80-3.70; 1 to 3 MW: OR:1.64; CI:1.35-1.98), and younger participants (18-39 years: OR:3.07; CI:2.39-3.94; 40-59 years: OR:2.42; CI:1.89-3.10) were more concerned. Greater concern was perceived by more vulnerable individuals, regardless of testing positive for COVID-19. Knowledge of the concerns caused by the pandemic is important to prevent more serious mental health conditions.