Study Shows COVID-19 Pandemic Significantly Increased Mental Health, Malaria, and Heart Disease Burdens

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions to healthcare systems worldwide, leading to notable increases in non-COVID-related illnesses and deaths. According to a recent study published by The BMJ, mental health disorders, malaria among young children, and cardiovascular diseases in older adults were among the most affected conditions during this period.

Researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, encompassing 204 countries and territories, to assess the impact of the pandemic on 174 health conditions across different regions, age groups, and genders. They focused on indicators like incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which measure both the quality and quantity of life.

The findings revealed a 23% increase in new cases of depressive disorders among children aged 5–14 and a 14% rise in malaria-related deaths among children under five between 2020 and 2021. Notably, age-standardized DALY rates for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety increased by 12% and 14%, respectively, with women being particularly impacted.

Prevalence rates for heart disease also climbed, especially among individuals aged 70 and older, with ischemic heart disease reaching 169 per 100,000 and stroke 27 per 100,000 people. Malaria-related death rates increased by 12%, mostly affecting young children in Africa.

The study acknowledges limitations, including data quality disparities across regions, potential underreporting, and delayed diagnoses during the pandemic, which might influence the accuracy of these estimates. Nevertheless, it underscores the importance of strengthening health system resilience, expanding disease surveillance, and adopting integrated, syndemic-informed strategies to better prepare for future health emergencies.

Experts emphasize that future responses must go beyond infection control to address the long-term, indirect health impacts of pandemics. Recommendations include allocating resources for essential health services, reinforcing primary healthcare, and prioritizing vulnerable populations to ensure equitable, comprehensive health recovery.

Ultimately, integrating these insights into health policies could reduce the indirect toll of pandemics, making health systems more robust and fair in safeguarding population well-being amidst crises.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-mental-health-disorders-malaria-heart.html