In the United States, elevated levels of anxiety and depression post-COVID-19 are a critical concern due to their impact on illness, job loss, and financial instability.

Objective:

This study analyzed the association between social determinants of health and the severity of depression/anxiety.

Methodology:

This study used data from the 6^th waive of Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) (N=5,122), conducted from March 7 to November 8, 2022. The dependent variable was the depression and anxiety scale score (survey variable PHQ4) score, recoded as none, mild, moderate to severe. The independent variables are race, gender, age, living in an urban area, lack of transportation access, and household income. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted.

Results:

Approximately 37% of the respondents had mild, moderate, or severe anxiety/depression. Females (RRR=1.39, CI; 1.10-1.75) had a higher risk of mild anxiety/depression (vs. males). Non-Hispanic Blacks (RRR= 0.66, CI;0.45-0.97) had a lower risk of mild anxiety/depression compared to Whites. Adults 18 years and older were less likely to have anxiety/depression.

Respondents with transportation difficulty had a higher risk of mild (RRR=2.40, CI;1.65-3.48) and moderate to severe anxiety/depression (RRR=3.99; CI=2.87-5.53). However, urban residents (RRR=0.62, CI; 0.43-0.89) and having a household income of $20,000-<$35,000 (RRR= 0.53, CI; 0.28-0.99), $50,000- <$75,000 (RRR=0.55, CI; 0.31-0.98) and >$75,000 and above (RRR= 0.39, CI; 0.22-0.71) were less likely to have moderate to severe anxiety/depression (p<.05).

Conclusion:

Public health intervention targeted at social determinants of behavioral health may reduce the severity of anxiety and depression and improve health outcomes.