International Prevalence and Correlates of Psychological Stress during the Global COVID-19 Pandemic

This study reports perceived stress and associated sociodemographic factors from an international sample of adults, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) along with socio-demographic questions were conducted between 8 April 2020 and 11 May 2020. The survey was translated from English into five languages. Recruitment was conducted worldwide using social media. A total of 1685 survey responses were collected across 57 countries with eleven countries (≥30 responses/country) included in the sub-analyses. Overall, the mean PSS-10 score was 19.08 (SD = 7.17), reflecting moderate stress compared to previously reported norms. Female gender was associated with a higher PSS score (3.03, <i>p</i> < 0.05) as well as four-year degree holders (3.29, <i>p</i> < 0.05), while adults over 75 years (-7.46, <i>p</i> < 0.05) had lower PSS scores. Personal care composite score (including hours of sleep, exercise, and meditation) was associated with lower PSS scores (-0.39, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Increases in personal care and changes in work expectations were associated with lower PSS scores (-1.30 (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and -0.38 (<i>p</i> < 0.01), respectively). Lower total PSS scores were reported in Germany (-4.82, <i>p</i> < 0.01) compared to the global response sample mean. This information, collected during the initial period of global mitigation orders, provides insight into potential mental health risks and protective factors during crises.