Files
Document type
ArticleVersion
Published versionPublication date
Publication license
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/224237
Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning During Infection Times (COH-FIT): Global and Risk-Group Stratified Course of Well-Being and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Related resource
Abstract
Objective: To identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on well-being/mental health, coping strategies, and risk factors in adolescents worldwide.
Method: This study was based on an anonymous online multi-national/multi-language survey in the general population (representative/weighted non-representative samples, 14-17 years of age), measuring change in well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5]/range = 0-100) and psychopathology (validated composite P-score/range = 0-100), WHO-5 <50 and <29, pre- vs during COVID-19 pandemic (April 26, 2020-June 26, 2022). Coping strategies and 9 a priori- defined individual/cumulative risk factors were measured. A χ2, penalized cubic splines, linear regression, and correlation analyses were conducted.
Results: Analyzing 8,115 of 8,762 initiated surveys (representative = 75.1%), the pre-pandemic WHO-5 and P-score remained stable during the study (excluding relevant recall bias/drift), but worsened during the pandemic by 5.55 ± 17.13 (SD) and 6.74 ± 16.06 points, respectively (effect size d = 0.27 and d = 0.28). The proportion of adolescents with WHO-5 scores suggesting depression screening (<50) and major depression (<29) increased from 9% to 17% and 2% to 6%. WHO-5 worsened (descending magnitude, with cumulative effect) in adolescents with a mental or physical disorder, female gender, and with school closure. Results were similar for the P-score, with the exception of school closure (not significant) and living in a low-income country, as well as not living in a large city (significant). Changes were significantly but minimally related to COVID-19 deaths/restrictions, returning to near-pre-pandemic values after >2 years. The 3 most subjectively effective coping strategies were Internet use, exercise/walking, and social contacts.
Conclusion: Overall, well-being/mental health worsened (small effect sizes) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in vulnerable subpopulations. Identified at-risk groups, association with pandemic-related measures, and coping strategies can inform individual behaviors and global public health strategies.
Subject (English)
Citation
Collections
Citation
SOLMI, Marco, et al. Collaborative Outcomes Study on Health and Functioning During Infection Times (COH-FIT): Global and Risk-Group Stratified Course of Well-Being and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Adolescents. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2025. Vol. 64, num. 4, pags. 499-519. ISSN 0890-8567. [consulted: 15 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/224237