Global View of the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Review

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors

1 Star Research Group, Academy of Science and Engineering for Africa Development, Kinshasa, Dem. Rep. of Congo

2 Mental health & System Navigation, London Intercommunity Health Centre, Ontario, Canada

3 Academy of Science and Engineering for Africa Development, Kinshasa, Dem. Rep. of Congo

4 Department of Neurology, Kinshasa University Hospital, Kinshasa, Dem. Rep. of Congo

Abstract

 Introduction: As previous pandemics, the COVID-19 outbreak has been inflicting different mental disorders upon people. Such significant effects have led to a novel psychological pandemic that makes the COVID-19 pandemic management more difficult. The objective of this systematic review was to explore the global view of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in its earlier stage.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed up to June 20th, 2020. Fulltext articles were evaluated by three authors regarding predefined criteria. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies was used to assess the risk of bias. The review protocol is registered and available online in PROSPERO.
Results: Overall, the analysis from this review suggested that there is a lack of sufficient robust evidence to confirm the
association between the COVID-19 pandemic and mental impact. However, most of the studies pleaded for the assumption that the pandemic affected the mental health of the population throughout the world
.
Conclusion: Governments and decision-makers are required to respond promptly to any eventual outbreak to ensure the
population's mental health well-being through some strategic planning and prevention.
 

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