Household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study

by André J. McDonald, Hayley A. Hamilton, Tara Elton-Marshall, Yeshambel T. Nigatu, Damian Jankowicz, Susan J. Bondy, Samantha Wells, Christine M. Wickens

Household composition may be an important factor associated with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic as people spend more time at home due to physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. Adults living with children–especially women–may be particularly vulnerable to anxiety as they balance additional childcare responsibilities and homeschooling with work. The objective of this study was to examine the association between household composition and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore gender as an effect modifier.

Data were derived from seven waves of a national online survey of Canadian adults aged 18+ years from May 2020 to March 2021, which used quota sampling by age, gender, and region proportional to the English-speaking Canadian population (n = 7,021). Multivariable logistic and modified least-squares regression models were used.

Compared to those living alone, significantly greater odds of anxiety symptoms were observed among single parents/guardians (aOR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.41–2.84), those living with adult(s) and child(ren) (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.10–1.76), and those living with adult(s) only (aOR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.00–1.49). Gender was a significant effect modifier on the additive scale (p = 0.0487) such that the association between living with child(ren) and anxiety symptoms was stronger among men than women.

Additional tailored supports are needed to address anxiety among adults living with children–especially men–during the COVID-19 pandemic and future infectious disease events.