Association between recent COVID-19 diagnosis on depression and anxiety symptoms among slum residents in Kampala, Uganda

Background An increase in mental health problems has been reported since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders, and how recent COVID-19 diagnosis may influence risk of these conditions especially in low-income settings. In this study, we assessed the association between recent COVID-19 diagnosis and depressive and anxiety symptoms among residents in an urban slum setting in Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 284 individuals in a slum settlement in Kampala, Uganda between April and May 2022. We assessed generalized anxiety and depression symptoms using two validated questionnaires. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, and self-reported recent COVID-19 diagnosis (in the previous 30 days). Using a modified Poisson regression, adjusted for age, sex, gender and household income, we separately provided prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between recent COVID-19 diagnosis and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results Overall, 33.8% and 13.4% of the participants met the depression and generalized anxiety screening criteria respectively. People with recent COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to be depressed (53.1%) than those with no recent diagnosis (31.4%). Participants who were recently diagnosed with COVID-19 reported higher prevalence of anxiety (34.4%) compared to those with no recent diagnosis of COVID-19 (10.7%). After adjusting for confounding, recent diagnosis with COVID-19 was associated with depression (PR= 1.60, 95% CI 1.09 – 2.34) and anxiety (PR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.50 – 5.31). Conclusion This study suggests an increased risk of depressive symptoms and GAD in adults following a COVID-19 diagnosis. We recommend additional mental health support for recently diagnosed persons. The long-term of COVID-19 on mental health effects also need to be investigated.