Network analysis for inter-relationships of the suboptimal health status with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective of predictive, preventive, and personalized health.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their inter-relationships at the national level. This study aims to investigate the inter-relationships among suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety using a network analysis approach.

METHODS: We conducted a national survey between June 20 and August 31, 2022. Three network models were constructed and analyzed to independently examine the inter-relationships among suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety.

RESULTS: A total of 26,152 participants were included in this study. The study network analysis indicated that item 9 (i.e., Slow response) exhibited the highest node strength within the suboptimal health status questionnaire-short form (SHSQ-SF) network, followed by item 5 (i.e., Breathlessness at rest). Additionally, positive correlations were observed between depression and anxiety severity and most of the SHSO-SF items.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provided valuable insights into inter-relationships between suboptimal health status, depression, and anxiety, informing the development of comprehensive intervention strategies for the general population. These findings have important implications for promoting the well-being and mental health of individuals during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.