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

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.