Post-COVID-19 distress and unhealthy behavior.

BACKGROUND:COVID-19 is one of the most devastating pandemics in history. It is important to understand post-COVID-19 mental health issues and unhealthy behaviors. AIMS:Investigate whether and how distress levels and unhealthy behaviors might differ across population segments after the end of a nationwide COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS:Using random sampling, this large-scale study analyzed post-COVID-19 distress and unhealthy behaviors of individuals in Wuhan vs. Beijing in China (which were differentially impacted by the pandemic). RESULTS:Higher percentages of individuals residing in Wuhan (vs. Beijing) experienced moderate or severe post-COVID-19 distress. Higher percentages of men (vs. women) experienced moderate distress. Larger percentages of people with (vs. without) children experienced a severe level of distress. Post-COVID-19, higher percentages of people decreased (vs. increased) smoking and drinking, but the opposite was true for unhealthy snacking. Importantly, higher post-COVID-19 distress predicted higher consumption in all three unhealthy domains. Men (vs. women) were more likely to increase smoking and drinking; younger individuals were more likely to increase drinking and unhealthy snacking. CONCLUSIONS:Some population segments were disproportionately susceptible to post-COVID-19 distress and unhealthy behaviors. Post-pandemic policies and interventions are needed to help people, especially the most vulnerable, improve their mental health and physical well-being.