Prevalence of Anxiety, Depression and Self-Care Behaviour during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the General Population

Sandhya  Gupta; Nikita  Agarwal; Priyanka Priyadarshini  Patel; Venkatarao  Epari

doi:10.5455/njcm.20211123021305

Authors

Sandhya Gupta Department of Physiology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Nikita Agarwal IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Priyanka Priyadarshini Patel IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Venkatarao Epari Department of Community Medicine, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/njcm.20211123021305

Keywords:

Mental health, Coping, Psychological problems, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Patient Health Questionnaire 9

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has affected not only physical health but also devastated mental wellbeing. The government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown limiting movement of the entire 1.3 billion populations. The impact of the pandemic on depression, anxiety and self-care behaviour among the general population was investigated.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was carried out with an anonymous questionnaire using validated instruments. Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to find the role of each variable in determining the relevant scores.

Result: The mean age of the 1052 participants was 30.52 (SD ± 13.42) years. The mean score of depression and anxiety was 5.96 and 5.27 respectively. Moderate to severe depression was noted among 18.68% and moderate to severe anxiety was noted among 16.1% of the respondents. Gender was a significant predictor of all three (depression, anxiety, and coping) scores, while the civil status predicted both depression and anxiety scores and age predicted only the depression score.

Conclusion: A considerable proportion of the surveyed population in our setting has manifested symptoms of anxiety and depression. Gender, civil status and age predicted various scores.

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