BMJ openMay 4, 2021

Depression, anxiety, and stress during COVID-19 in a New Zealand group

Longevity & Aging Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Apr 5, 2026

Abstract

and levels in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exceeded population norms (p<0.0001).

Younger individuals and those at greater risk of COVID-19 reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and .
Greater positive mood, lower feelings of loneliness, and increased exercise were linked to better mental health outcomes.
Smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with increased anxiety.
Pet ownership was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and stress were significantly lower in New Zealand compared to the UK after adjusting for age and gender differences.
The New Zealand sample reported lower perceived risk and worry about COVID-19 compared to the UK sample.

Simplified

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption to daily life. This study investigated , and in New Zealand (NZ) during the first 10 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated psychological and behavioural factors. It also compares the results with a similar cross-sectional study in the UK.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: NZ community cohort.

PARTICIPANTS: N=681 adults (≥18 years) in NZ. The cohort was predominantly female (89%) with a mean age of 42 years (range 18-87). Most (74%) identified as NZ European and almost half (46%) were keyworkers. Most were non-smokers (95%) and 20% identified themselves as having clinical risk factors which would put them at increased or greatest risk of COVID-19.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Depression, anxiety, stress, positive mood and engagement in health behaviours (smoking, exercise, alcohol consumption).

RESULTS: Depression and anxiety significantly exceeded population norms (p<0.0001). Being younger (p<0.0001) and most at risk of COVID-19 (p<0.05) were associated with greater depression, anxiety and stress. Greater positive mood, lower loneliness and greater exercise were protective factors for all outcomes (p<0.0001). Smoking (p=0.037) and alcohol consumption (p<0.05) were associated with increased anxiety. Pet ownership was associated with lower depression (p=0.006) and anxiety (p=0.008). When adjusting for age and gender differences, anxiety (p0.002) and stress (p0.007) were significantly lower in NZ than in the UK. The NZ sample reported lower perceived risk (p<0.0001) and worry about COVID-19 (p<0.0001) than the UK sample. = =

CONCLUSIONS: The NZ population had higher depression and anxiety compared with population norms. Younger people and those most at risk of COVID-19 reported poorer mental health. Interventions should promote frequent exercise, and reduce loneliness and unhealthy behaviours.

Key numbers

64%

Prevalence

Percentage of participants reporting symptoms.

53%

Prevalence

Percentage of participants reporting symptoms.

31%

Moderate-to-Severe

Percentage of participants with moderate-to-severe symptoms.

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Depression, anxiety, and stress during COVID-19 in a New Zealand group

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