COVID-19 Vaccination and Mental Health: A Difference-In-Difference Analysis of the Understanding America Study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Mental health problems increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge that one is less at risk after being vaccinated may alleviate distress, but this hypothesis remains unexplored. This study tests whether psychological distress declined in those vaccinated against COVID-19 in the U.S. and whether changes in anticipatory fears mediated any association.

Methods

A nationally representative cohort of U.S. adults (N=8,090) in the Understanding America Study were interviewed regularly from March 2020 to June 2021 (28 waves). Difference-in-differences regression tested whether vaccination reduced distress (Patient Health Questionnaire 4 scores), with mediation analysis used to identify potential mechanisms, including perceived risks of infection, hospitalizati

SUBMITTER: Koltai J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8674498 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature