AUTHOR=Paz Clara , Abiuso Trinidad , Adana-Díaz Lila , Rodríguez-Lorenzana Alberto , Jaramillo-Vivanco Tatiana , Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Páez Monge Ignacia , Mascialino Guido 

TITLE=Psychological Distress in the Galapagos Islands During the COVID-19 Pandemic

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=67

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604366

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2022.1604366

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objectives:</bold> to explore the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Galapagos Islands.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> an online survey of 369 participants, conducted on October of 2020, was used to assess levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as specific behavioral and emotional reactions to the pandemic.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> the prevalence of anxiety was 4% and depression 3.65%. Perceived stress level was higher, with 52% of the sample reporting moderate amounts. Women had higher levels of depression and perceived stress. Financial distress, interpersonal conflicts, feelings of isolation and fear of contagion of COVID-19 were all associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> prevalence of anxiety and depression is lower in the Galápagos Islands during the pandemic compared to other regions, while stress levels are more significant and may warrant intervention. Despite being low, anxiety and depression were associated with potentially problematic behaviors and emotional reactions.</p>