Plackett, Ruth; Ferris, Ella; (2024) The prevalence and determinants of health anxiety during the covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Mental Health , 1 (7) , Article e0000120. 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000120.

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Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic subjected the global population to a situation that aroused disproportionate Health Anxiety (HA). However, this association has not been explored in a systematic review or meta-analysis. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence and determining factors of HA in the general adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search was conducted across the databases MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Embase and Web of Science. Observational studies using the 18-item Short Health Anxiety Inventory to measure HA during the pandemic were included. A narrative synthesis and meta-analysis summarised HA levels in the general adult population, subgroups and by associated factors. Out of 4088 studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses revealed a mean HA score of 15.16 (SE = 0.415). Significantly higher HA levels were observed among females, unmarried individuals, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The HA score of 15.16 suggests elevated HA during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to pre-pandemic studies. Understanding which groups may be more affected by HA during pandemics and health crises will enable us to develop more tailored public health strategies to mitigate the psychological effects of future public health crises. Further research is needed to establish causal and longitudinal relationships.

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