Post-pandemic changes in anxiety and depression symptom networks among socioeconomically disadvantaged young Adults: A repeated cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health of young adults, particularly those facing socioeconomic hardship. Although psychological distress appears to be declining in the general population post-pandemic, vulnerable subgroups remain at elevated risk. Network analysis offers a transdiagnostic approach to understanding the dynamic interplay of depressive and anxiety symptoms over time.

Methods

We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study among socioeconomically disadvantaged young adults in 2020 (T1) and 2024-2025 (T2). Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. Symptom networks were estimated using Gaussian Graphical Models with EBICglasso. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) evaluated changes in network struct

SUBMITTER: Essadek A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12398219 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature