HRS study -- survey results

Why is this research being done?

We want to learn how people with mental health conditions are doing as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Our study has 2 phases (learn more here).

This phase was a national online survey of adults with psychiatric disabilities about their personal experiences, pandemic-related disruptions, emotional wellness, physical health, and what they were doing to stay well during the pandemic.

What do we hope to learn from the national web survey?

How are people with mental health conditions dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?
How has the pandemic interfered with the things they want to be doing?
What are their strengths and what things have they learned to help them restart their lives?
What needs and barriers are they facing in trying to get help or treatment?

Who responded to our survey?

Survey respondents were US residents aged 18 and older, with a psychiatric disability. Survey measures included self-rated physical and mental health, pandemic-related disruptions, coping and resiliency, number of psychiatric diagnoses, number of physical health conditions, access to mental health and medical services, recent mental health symptoms, substance use, and demographic information. Participants were asked if they had been vaccinated against COVID-19, and if not, their intention to become vaccinated. Those who reported being hesitant or disinterested were asked about their reasons and barriers to inoculation. The Qualtrics survey was available from March 26 to July 17, 2021.

833 adults completed our national web survey. Respondents came from across the US. The states shown in light green had the most respondents, followed by those in blue. States shown in brown had no respondents.

US map showing that web survey respondents came from all US states but 3. States that had the most respondents were Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. States that had no respondents were North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Graph showing that 20.7% of respondents were age 18-25 years, 52.4% were 26-35, 22.1% were 36-45, 3.8% were 46-55, and 1% were 56-65.

Graph showing that 59.69% were White, 26.59% Black/African American, 6.62% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 5.42% Asian, 1.56% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and .12% Other.

Graph showing that 38.06% of respondents were Latinx/Hispanic, and 61.94% were not.

Graph showing that 56.37% had a male identity, 43.03% female, and .6% were transgender, non-conforming, or other.

Preliminary results:
A look at COVID-19 vaccine intentions & behaviors

Most of our respondents reported being vaccinated or intending to become vaccinated.

Graph showing that 78.97% were COVID-19 vaccinated, 15.99% would probably or definitely get vaccinated, and 5.05% would probably not or definitely not get vaccinated.

Those who had not been vaccinated were more likely to be White, older, living alone, in poorer health, and lower income.

Graph showing barriers to vaccination, including 57.1% having concerns about a bad reaction, 53% about potential side effects, 24% about a shortage of vaccines, 22.3% about the inconvenience of getting vaccinated, and 21.1% about difficulty securing an appointment.

Those who did not plan to become vaccinated were more likely to belong to an historically marginalized community, screen positive for both depression and anxiety, and have a greater number of self-reported mental health conditions.

Keep checking back as we share additional survey results!

How will ongoing findings from this survey be helpful?

We’ll learn how a large group of people with mental health conditions across the country feels about their health, wellness, challenges, and successes during the pandemic. We’ll use these results to recommend services and policies that improve the lives of people in mental health recovery.

The study is a partnership between our Center, the Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey, the BU Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

What if I need help during COVID?

Painted wall with the words, You're Not Alone

We understand that this continues to be a difficult time for many people. If you would like someone to talk with, all U.S. states offer Warm Lines operated by trained staff.
Find a warm line.

If you are in a crisis, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in your state. Find the number for my state.

Our Center’s COVID-19 Wellness Toolkit

​What are we learning from our​Healthy restart Study?