Perception of negative emotions and sleeping difficulties among adults in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction:
The restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic were supposed to prevent the spread of infections, but they may have contributed to increased negative emotions. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of negative emotions and sleeping difficulties and their determinants in the adult Polish population.

Material and methods:
A survey was conducted among 323 adult Poles using an Internet surveying technique, CAWI (computer-assisted web interview). Some of the questions came from standardized forms applied in surveys conducted by the Public Opinion Research Centre (CBOS). The relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and perceived emotions was investigated. The chi-square test was used to assess the relationships between nominal variables (p<0.05). One-dimensional logistic regression was used to determine the effect of demographic variables on perception of negative emotions. Unadjusted models (crude odds ratios) with one dependent variable were used: gender, age, place of residence, marital status, occupational activity, having children, and economic situation due to the pandemic.

Results:
Most frequently the respondents experienced lowered mood (51.5%), anger, irritation (41.2%), boredom (41.8%), and feelings of loneliness (39.3%). Almost one in four respondents experienced sleeping disorders. This was lower in the group of people who did not experience financial problems due to the pandemic (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-0.8). A protective effect of having children on feelings of loneliness (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9) and boredom (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8) was observed. Being professionally active reduced the risk of feeling angry (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.7). An increased risk of feeling lonely was associated with female gender (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.5-5.2).

Conclusions:
Most of the respondents experienced negative emotions during the pandemic. Having children and being professionally active had a protective effect against the occurrence of loneliness, boredom or anger. The lack of impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic situation was a protective factor against the occurrence of sleep difficulties.