Predictors of Loneliness, Mental Wellbeing, and Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Switzerland

TL;DR

This study explores how factors like anxiety, social isolation, and economic strain impacted loneliness, wellbeing, and stress in Switzerland during the pandemic.

Contribution

The study identifies general anxiety as the strongest predictor of mental health outcomes during the pandemic, alongside demographic and behavioral factors.

Findings

General anxiety since the pandemic's start was the strongest predictor of loneliness, reduced wellbeing, and stress.

Younger age, migration background, and strained relationships were linked to worse mental health outcomes.

Prolonged COVID-19 symptoms were strongly associated with reduced mental wellbeing.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic substantially affected population mental health. We examined predictors of increased loneliness, reduced mental wellbeing, and elevated stress in Switzerland.

Using the 2022 Swiss Health Survey, we ran weighted binary logistic regressions (weights representing 7,182,252 residents aged ≥15 years) to test sociodemographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and pandemic-related predictors of perceived change since before the pandemic; extended models added COVID-19 health variables. Predictors were entered in blocks.

Increased general anxiety since the pandemic’s onset was the strongest predictor across outcomes (OR range 3.25–11.31). Younger age, female gender, migration background, and sexual minority status were associated with higher burden. Living alone and strained family or friendship relationships also predicted greater loneliness, reduced wellbeing, and stress. Economic strain, increased alcohol/tobacco use, and higher workload were further associated with adverse outcomes. In extended models, prolonged COVID-19 symptoms were strongly associated with reduced wellbeing.

Pandemic-related burden reflected an interplay of anxiety, relationship strain, and economic adversity. Public health responses should prioritize early identification of anxiety and targeted support for high-risk groups, alongside measures that strengthen social connectedness and adaptive coping.

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