Psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection in UK biobank (N = 104 201)

Wauye, V. M., Ho, F. K. and Lyall, D. M. (2023) Psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection in UK biobank (N = 104 201). Journal of Public Health, (doi: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad009) (PMID:37144429) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

Background: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, data on its psychosocial predictors are limited. We therefore aimed to explore psychosocial predictors of COVID-19 infection at the UK Biobank (UKB). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted among UKB participants. Results: The sample size was N = 104 201, out of which 14 852 (14.3%) had a positive COVID-19 test. The whole sample analysis showed significant interactions between sex and several predictor variables. Among females, absence of college/university degree [odds ratio (OR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–1.66] and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.16 95% CI 1.11–1.21) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 infection, while history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85 95% CI 0.77–0.94) with lower odds. Among males, absence of college/university degree (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.45–1.68) and socioeconomic deprivation (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07–1.16) were associated with higher odds, while loneliness (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78–0.97), irritability (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.83–0.99) and history of psychiatric consultation (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.75–0.97) were associated with lower odds. Conclusion: Sociodemographic factors predicted the odds of COVID-19 infection equally among male and female participants, while psychological factors had differential impacts.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ho, Dr Frederick and Lyall, Dr Donald
• Authors: Wauye, V. M., Ho, F. K., and Lyall, D. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Journal of Public Health
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 1741-3842
• ISSN (Online): 1741-3850
• Published Online: 12 April 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Public Health 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License