MENTAL HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND PREVENTIVE PRACTICES AGAINST COVID AMONG YOUNG ADULTS UNDER 30

Abstract

Introduction: Previous studies have shown negative effects of COVID-19 contention measures on young adults´ mental health. Objectives: For this reason, factors associated to developing mental health problems in young adults under 30 and preventive practices predictors have been studied. Methodology: An online survey has been designed. The sample was composed of 327 young adults. Data collection took place during the lockdown period. The measures used were: General Health Questionnaire and Psychological Capital Scale. Additionally, contention measures data about social distance, gloves use, mask use, hand hygiene and lockdown at home were collected. Results: The results have shown high distress on study participants. 99.6 % of the sample presented GHQ scores higher than 3 and 55.7 % higher than 6. To be a man was associated to poorer scores on mental health and lower compliance with preventive measures. Additionally, a higher psychological capital was associated to a better mental health. Conclusions: The results have pointed out to the need of caring of young people´ mental health during covid 19 pandemic. It is possible that programs addressed to promote psychological capital would improve mental health during the pandemic.