Seyedeh Mahboobeh Hosseini Zare, Jafar Babapour, Maryam Zare, Ahmad Siar Sadr, Seyed Mahdi Mohsenzadeh, Bijan Khorasani ,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (3-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The prevalence of COVID-19 and its impact on mental health posed a significant challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Healthcare systems were required, in addition to their responsibilities such as rapid diagnosis, controlling and slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, to adopt strategies to mitigate the psychological effects of this disease in the society. The objective of this study was to examine and review mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies adopted to cope with it in various countries.
Materials and Methods: All published articles on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and coping strategies between February and October 2020 were reviewed in four databases and one search engine. A total of 394 articles that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected using a 15-point tool developed by Miton and colleagues. Ultimately 25 articles were selected and analyzed.
Results: The most prevalent mental health issues identified in the reviewed articles were depression, anxiety and stress. In addition, vulnerable and high-risk groups were recognized as being women, individuals with pre-existing health issues, youth aged 18 to 29 years, frontline healthcare workers and individuals without an income.
Conclusion: Despite various strategies chosen and adopted in different countries, the majority of people suffered from mental health challenges arising from COVID-19. During an outbreak collaboration between health system authorities and media in providing accurate and effective information, as well as offering preventive measures, can facilitate the prevention of mental health within a population. Therefore, it is essential for the health systems to pay attention to mental health infrastructure and design comprehensive strategies to address future crises.
