Exploring the relationship of COVID-19-related stressors and depression subtypes among Canadian aging populations: A longitudinal followed a national cohort

Depression is a growing public health issue as the population aged 65 and older rapidly increases worldwide. The clinical heterogeneity of depression substantively hampers the development of etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and care. The prevalence of depression has dramatically increased in Canada and elsewhere since the outbreak of the pandemic. There is increasing recognition of the need to understand the psychological impact of Covid-19-related stressors on depression. However, to our knowledge, little is known about how Covid-19-related stressors influence depression subtypes. Additionally, because depressive symptoms vary from time to time, it is crucial to identify how depression subtypes change before and after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and whether the stability of depression subtypes is linked with exposure to Covid-19-related stressors. The study aims to understand the relationships between COVID-19-related stressors and depression subtypes in a national cohort of community-based middle-aged and older adults. The findings of the study will help to understand how Covid-19-related experiences influence different kinds of depression.