Gender differences in emotional response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Spain

Objective We aim to explore the differential presence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress between men and women during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to study the relationship between these symptoms and two environmental variables, coexistence, and violence. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study starting on March 29 to April 5, 2020, based on a national online survey using snowball sampling techniques. Symptoms of anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and acute stress (Acute Stress Disorder Inventory) were assessed. Differences in the presence of symptoms and the relationship of coexistence and domestic violence were evaluated from a gender perspective. Results Men showed significant lower mean (SD) in anxiety, depression, and acute stress levels than women [HARS, 14.1 (9.8) versus. 18.4 (10.2), F = 56.2, p < .001; BDI 3.4 (3.9) versus 4.5 (4.3), F = 16.6, p < .001, and ASDI 3.6 (2.9) versus 4.7 (3.1), F = 39.0, p < .001, respectively), as well as a weaker depressive syndrome (28.1% males versus 39.9% females, chi(2) = 25.5, p < .001). In addition, an interaction Gender x Coexistence was found in anxiety (F = 56.2, p < .001) and acute stress (F = 3.52, p = .06) and, according to depressive symptoms, an interaction Gender x Violence was found marginally significant (F = 3.3, p = .07). Conclusions Findings indicate that women present greater severity in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress. Moreover, loneliness and violence specifically worsen the emotional state in women. These results can undoubtedly guide better healthcare planning adopting a gender perspective.

Automated summary

The study found that during the COVID-19 outbreak, women are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress compared to men, and loneliness and violence specifically worsen the emotional state in women.