Purpose: This study explores perceived stress (PS), mental health (MH) symptoms and internet use behaviors during early stages of the pandemic in Brazil.
Methods: A questionnaire battery was posted on various internet platforms from April to July 2020. The questionnaires included various life domains, internet use behaviors, MH symptoms, PS and quality of life, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Perceived Stress Scale, Obsessive Compulsive Inventory – Revised, PTSD Checklist and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire.
Results: Majority of participants (n=519) reported changes to financial status (71%) and social communication (89%) and various internet use behaviors (79-89%). This sample reported elevated PS (x̄=17.09, SD=8.37, 62%), mild depression (x̄=6.44, SD=5.98) and anxiety (x̄=6.62, SD=5.37) and a significant proportion had clinically significant symptoms of MDD (25%), GAD (23%), OCD (14%), PTSD (18%) and elevated PS (62%). Elevated PS was predicted by younger age (β=-0.063, p=0.005), female sex (β=0.581. p=0.05), loss of employment (β=0.665, p=0.05), healthcare worker status (β=-0.589, p=0.005), past mental health treatment (β =0.739, p=0.005) increased social media use (β=0.591, p=0.05) and increased digital information seeking (β=0.697, p=0.05).
Conclusion: Mental health providers should assess internet use habits and behaviors as a potential risk factor for heightened stress.