Volume 16, Issue 4 (Jul & Aug 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(4): 355-368 |
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Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1401.127
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Erfani A, Haj-Sheykholeslam A, Nojomi M. Self-perceived Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 in Iran: Roles of Psychosocial and Exposure Factors. J Research Health 2026; 16 (4) :355-368
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2914-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-2914-en.html
Self-perceived Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 in Iran: Roles of Psychosocial and Exposure Factors
1- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nipissing University, North Bay, Canada. & Department of Community and Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran. , amire@nipissingu.ca
2- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nipissing University, North Bay, Canada. & Department of Community and Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Nipissing University, North Bay, Canada. & Department of Community and Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (527 Views)
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life and posed mental health challenges. Evidence of changes in self-perceived mental health (SPMH) remains limited. This study aimed to examine psychosocial and pandemic-related predictors of declines in SPMH.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 648 Iranian adults from August to September 2022. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with worsening SPMH from the pre- to the pandemic period.
Results: Most participants were female (60.3%), urban (96.9%), and aged 35–54 years (mean=45.8), with 67.0% holding postsecondary education. Overall, 45.1% reported a decline in mental health. In multivariate analysis, frequent loneliness showed the strongest association (odds ratio [OR]=3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87%, 5.96%), followed by moderate/severe stress (OR=2.49; 95% CI, 1.66%, 3.74%). Economic strain from income loss increased risk (OR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.10%, 2.45%). Behavioral changes, including altered sleep (OR=1.95; 95% CI, 1.23%, 3.10%) and increased TV viewing (OR=1.63; 95% CI, 1.08%, 2.46%), were also associated with poor SPMH. COVID-19 exposure factors (infection, bereavement, vaccination) were significant in initial models but lost significance after psychosocial variables were added, suggesting mediation by loneliness and stress.
Conclusion: Loneliness, stress, financial strain, and lifestyle disruption were strongly associated with poor SPMH among urban Iranian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The attenuation of exposure effects after psychosocial adjustment suggests indirect pathways, warranting mediation testing in longitudinal research and representative sampling. These associations may guide strategies to reduce loneliness and stress, address economic strain, and promote healthy routines. Interpretations should remain cautious given the cross-sectional design and sampling bias.
Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 648 Iranian adults from August to September 2022. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with worsening SPMH from the pre- to the pandemic period.
Results: Most participants were female (60.3%), urban (96.9%), and aged 35–54 years (mean=45.8), with 67.0% holding postsecondary education. Overall, 45.1% reported a decline in mental health. In multivariate analysis, frequent loneliness showed the strongest association (odds ratio [OR]=3.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87%, 5.96%), followed by moderate/severe stress (OR=2.49; 95% CI, 1.66%, 3.74%). Economic strain from income loss increased risk (OR=1.64; 95% CI, 1.10%, 2.45%). Behavioral changes, including altered sleep (OR=1.95; 95% CI, 1.23%, 3.10%) and increased TV viewing (OR=1.63; 95% CI, 1.08%, 2.46%), were also associated with poor SPMH. COVID-19 exposure factors (infection, bereavement, vaccination) were significant in initial models but lost significance after psychosocial variables were added, suggesting mediation by loneliness and stress.
Conclusion: Loneliness, stress, financial strain, and lifestyle disruption were strongly associated with poor SPMH among urban Iranian adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The attenuation of exposure effects after psychosocial adjustment suggests indirect pathways, warranting mediation testing in longitudinal research and representative sampling. These associations may guide strategies to reduce loneliness and stress, address economic strain, and promote healthy routines. Interpretations should remain cautious given the cross-sectional design and sampling bias.
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Psychosocial Health
Received: 2025/09/18 | Accepted: 2026/01/18 | Published: 2026/07/1
Received: 2025/09/18 | Accepted: 2026/01/18 | Published: 2026/07/1
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