[COVID-19-related fears and their connection to physical and mental health - Results of a population-based longitudinal study].

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in health-related anxiety and stress levels. The extent of COVID-19-specific anxiety and correlations with well-being are being investigated.In 2021, N=321 participants in the Saxon Longitudinal Study were asked about COVID-19-specific fears, life satisfaction and physical and mental well-being using a questionnaire.N=109 people (34.6%) reported pronounced COVID-19-specific fears. Correlations between COVID-19-specific fears and psychological well-being, physical well-being, life satisfaction and perceived state of health were determined. In summary, people with strong COVID-19-specific fears were significantly more stressed.COVID-19-specific fears can be associated with physical and psychological complaints. It is important to identify vulnerable population groups.