The differential impacts of COVID-19 mortality on mental health by residential geographic regions: The Los Angeles Pandemic Surveillance Cohort Study

Objective This study examines the association between changes in mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 mortality across geographic areas and by race/ethnicity. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Los Angeles County between April and May 2021. The study used the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 to assess major depression risk. Participants’ home ZIP codes were classified into low, middle, and high COVID-19 mortality impacted areas (CMIA). Results While there were existing mental health disparities due to differences in demographics and social determinants of health across CMIA in 2018, the pandemic exacerbated the disparities, especially for residents living in high CMIA. Non-White residents in high CMIA reported the largest deterioration in mental health. Differences in mental health by CMIA persisted after controlling for resident characteristics. Conclusions Living in an area with higher COVID-19 mortality rates may have been associated with worse mental health, with Non-White residents reporting worse mental health outcomes in the high mortality area. Policy implications It is crucial to advocate for greater mental health resources in high COVID-19 mortality areas especially for racial/ethnic minorities.