By: Tomás Caycho-Rodríguez, research professor at the Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
The social, economic and physical health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of the population worldwide. In Latin America, an increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression has been reported in different countries in South, North and Central America, generating the need to pay more attention to the development of public policies in mental health.
A cross-cultural study was conducted that evaluated the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of the population of 12 Latin American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) during in 2021. Part of the research focused on the evaluation of coronaphobia, a picture of excessive anxiety about contracting COVID-19. People with this fear tend to experience unpleasant physiological symptoms triggered by thoughts or information associated with the virus and that are related to worry, stress, depression and suicidal ideation.
When comparing the level of coronaphobia among the twelve Latin American countries, it was found that there were not many differences between them; however, Uruguay presented a lower level, while Peru is one of the countries with the highest incidence.
In the case of Peru, the findings can be explained due to the increase in the number of cases and deaths in the “second wave” of the pandemic. Added to this are the limited resources available to the Peruvian health system, the delayed responses of the Government and the scandals about the misuse of vaccines that generate greater uncertainty and mistrust.
The variation in the levels of coronaphobia is explained by cultural differences and the information available on the consequences of COVID-19 in each country. People may experience different feelings and perceptions due to the different impacts of the pandemic in their countries.
The negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health is a research priority. The study findings suggest that coronaphobia may be an important and relatively common problem in the Latin American population. The results of the research are expected to guide professionals and policy makers in the prevention and treatment of coronaphobia, reducing costs, with the aim of contributing to the improvement of people’s quality of life.
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