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

Ciswaka, Henoch K.; Hyute, Fils T.; Mupungu, Newton N.; Bayenga, David Nkiyil; Kabuya, Roger K.; Kabeya Mukeba, Leonard; Kashala-Abotnes, Esperance

doi:10.30491/ijmr.2021.259668.1165

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

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors

Henoch K. Ciswaka ¹

Fils T. Hyute ¹

Newton N. Mupungu ¹

David Nkiyil Bayenga ¹

Roger K. Kabuya ²

Leonard Kabeya Mukeba ³

Esperance Kashala-Abotnes ⁴

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

10.30491/ijmr.2021.259668.1165

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.

Keywords

Systematic Review

COVID-19

Mental Health

Psychological Impact

Psychological Symptoms