Association of current income and reduction in income during the COVID-19 pandemic with anxiety and depression among non-healthcare workers

Background: Many workers experienced income reduction during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which may link to adverse mental health.

Aims: This study aimed to examine the association of current income and reduction in income during COVID-19 with anxiety and depression levels among non-healthcare workers.

Methods: This is a multi-city cross-sectional study. We used standardized questionnaires to collect information. We regrouped the current income and income reduction during COVID-19 according to the tertile and median value of each specific city. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 item short version (DASS-21) was used to assess anxiety and depression levels. We performed multinomial logistic regression to examine the association of current and reduced income with anxiety and depression. Path models were developed to outline the potential modification/indirect effect of subsidies from government.

Results: Large income reduction and low current income were significantly associated with more anxiety/depression symptoms. Path analysis showed that government subsidies could not significantly alleviate the impact of reduced income on anxiety/depression.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that large income reduction and low current income were independently associated with anxiety/depression, while these symptoms may not be ameliorated by one-off government funds. This study suggests the need for long-term policies (e.g. developing sustained economic growth policies) to mitigate negative impacts of the COVID-19.