A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
The impact of inequality on mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic : A systematic review. (2021)

Gibson, B., Schneider, J., Talamonti, D., & Forshaw, M. (2021). The impact of inequality on mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic : A systematic review.. Canadian Psychology-Psychologie Canadienne, 62(1), 101-126. https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000272

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Gibson, Benjamin; Schneider, Jekaterina; Talamonti, Deborah; Forshaw, Mark

Journal or series: Canadian Psychology-Psychologie Canadienne

ISSN: 0708-5591

eISSN: 1878-7304

Publication year: 2021

Volume: 62

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 101-126

Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)

Publication country: Canada

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000272

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Additional information: Special Issue: Psychological Perspectives on the Pandemic / Perspectives psychologiques sur la pandémie

Abstract

Previous research on pandemics and emergencies has shown that such events often widen health inequalities in society and have a greater impact on socially disadvantaged groups. No review has so far looked at the impact of inequality factors on mental health outcomes during the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). The aim of the current review was therefore to assess the impact of inequality factors on mental health outcomes during COVID-19. After registration on PROSPERO, a systematic review was conducted for papers published up to July 31, 2020, using the databases Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PubMed (MEDLINE), and Web of Science. The following inequality factors were considered: education, income, employment, occupation, material and social deprivation, age, immigrant status, sexual orientation, functional health, cultural/racial background, sex, gender, and place of residence. Out of 1,931 references, 117 studies (300,061 participants) were included. Female sex, being of a younger age, financial insecurity, lack of access to clear messaging/information about the pandemic, proximity to large infection sites, having existing physical and/or psychological health conditions, and being subjected to abuse/stigma because of one’s identity as a member of an ethnic or sexual marginalized group predicted mental health inequalities. More research is required on how inequality affects mental health in less studied vulnerable populations, such as ethnic, sexual, and gender marginalized participants, as well as how inequality factors interact to affect mental health in the long term. Recommendations for researchers, mental health practitioners, and public health authorities for mitigating adverse mental health outcomes in vulnerable populations are outlined.

Keywords: pandemics; COVID-19; mental health; health differences; inequality

Free keywords: inequity; pandemic; mental health

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2021

JUFO rating: 1