Invisible Spread and Perceived Stress Amidst COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. There are limited reports on the mental health toll associated with the fear of spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the associated stay-at-home orders. The goal of the present study was to characterize the self-reported stress of participants from the Kansas City Metropolitan Area (KCMA) and to examine the relation between potential for asymptomatic spread and perceived stress. 

Methods. Enrollment of 461 participants occurred from May 4-May 22, 2020. The sample participants were predominantly women (69.6%). On average, participants were 44.9 years of age (SD = 14.6). Measures employed included the perceived stress scale-10 and a comprehensive COVID-19 questionnaire.

Results. Worry about asymptomatic spread was significantly associated with greater perceived stress (p<0.001). Higher stress was reported among individuals who were women (p<0.001), Hispanic/Latinx (p=0.001), and non-Black/African American individuals (p<0.001), and those reporting the presence of COVID-19 symptoms (p=0.001). 

Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant economic, social, health, and other disruptions around the world. Distress is significantly related to concern over unintentionally contributing to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through asymptomatic transmission. Future research should characterize the modifiable psychotherapeutic processes that might be targeted through intervention.