Variations in the Association between Economic Distress and Anxiety by Availability of Emergency Cash Reserves: Findings from a Longitudinal Study

Objective: 1) to describe the extent that experience of economic distress is associated with incidence of anxiety, and; 2) modification of the mentioned association by availability of emergency cash reserves. Material and Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study using two phone-based surveys in the general population of Thailand in April and May, 2021. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and log-binomial regression analyses. Results: There were 1135 persons who met the inclusion criteria and participated in both surveys (non-participation at baseline=31.7%; loss-to-follow-up=420/1555=14.4%). The association between economic distress and anxiety was stronger among participants with no emergency cash reserves (Adjusted RR=2.05, 95% CI=0.86, 4.90) and more moderate among participants with emergency cash reserves (Adjusted RR=1.70, 95% CI=0.31, 9.43). Conclusion: The study results appeared to support our hypothesis despite lack of statistical significance. However, the lack of adjustment for other predictors of anxiety, and the lack of ability to generalize to other phases of the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered as caveats in the interpretation of our study findings.