Loneliness, emotional support and the mental health of young adults and their parents in New York, US during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cohort study
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to social isolation and widespread lockdown, resulting in loneliness and lack of emotional support, which have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes. This study aims to explore the relationship of loneliness and emotional support with depression and substance use among young adults and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort of 1227 participants was recruited from three ongoing cohort studies in the metropolitan area of New York City, USA. Data was collected through telephone interviews using preset questionnaires during wave 1 (March-August 2020), wave 2 (September 2020-February 2021) and wave 3 (March-August 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression models were used to test the association between loneliness and emotional support, and the mental health outcomes; depression and substance use, with adjustments made for age, gender, race, employment status, living conditions, and marital status. Additionally, the effect modification of respondent type and living alone or with others was examined. At wave 1, loneliness showed a significant positive association with depressive symptoms (OR: 2.56, 95%CI: 2.19-3.00, P = < 0.001) and an increase in substance use, such as smoking tobacco using cigarettes, pipes, or cigar (OR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.24–2.04, P = < 0.001), alcohol consumption (OR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.07–1.42, P = 0.003), and marijuana/other substances (OR: 1.57, 95%CI: 1.26–1.96, P = < 0.001).…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 1,227 participants or records.
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