Factors predicting insomnia severity and suicidal thoughts for outpatients, healthcare workers, and the general population in Taiwan during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Insomnia and suicidal thoughts are two of negative impacts that have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying the factors that contribute to these psychological problems may help develop strategies to sustain mental health of the public.Aims: The present study examined the psychosocial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among different populations in Taiwan, and investigated the relationships between these psychosocial factors, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts.Method: Between September 2020 and May 2021, online questionnaires including psychometrically validated scales were distributed to outpatients (n = 205), healthcare workers (HCWs) (n = 500), and individuals in the general population (n = 1200) in Taiwan to collect the data. Multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to identify potential factors predicting suicidal thoughts and insomnia.Results: Trust in information sources was a significant predictor of suicidal thoughts among outpatients (β = -0.176) and the general population (β = -0.082), and fear of COVID-19 was a significant predictor of suicidal thoughts among HCWs (β = 0.136) and general population (β = 0.142). Resilience was a significant predictor of insomnia among all three populations (outpatients: OR = 0.819, 95% CI = 0.725-0.926; HCWs: OR = 0.803, 95% CI = 0.728-0.887; general population: OR = 0.829, 95% CI = 0.785-0.875).Conclusions: Trust in information sources, fear, and resilience were important factors for suppressing suicide and insomnia among the three study populations. Health policies that monitor psychological status and build resiliency of the public are recommended to help develop tailored strategies for different populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.