The Comparison of Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Coping Strategies among Malaysian Male and Female During COVID-19 Movement Control Period

Abstract

Covid-19, pandemic effected the global health, physically, socially and mentally. Currently the pandemic in Malaysia observed to be in control with movement strict precaution and preventions. This study is cross-sectional survey study to evaluate the responses of Malaysian Adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. To evaluate the Malaysian responses and effects on their psychological health and coping response, a cross sectional online survey was conduct on (N=716) adult participants age range 20 to 75 years (Mean 33.34), male (193) female (523) from various background and all district of Malaysia. Questionnaire Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Brief Coping Response Inventory (BCRI) was administer to evaluate the response through online Google form. Results revealed that there is significant gender differences in the score of psychological health related to, depression, anxiety and stress with coping response. Results, A Mann-Whitney U analysis indicated that there was a difference (Z = -2.013, p < .05) indicated that male stress score higher than female during the COVID-19 movement control period. Coping response showed higher significance with male as compared to females. Our findings revealed high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among both gender, with the differences in coping response towards the pandemic phase of COVID-19, during movement control period. As Mental health practitioner, there is great needs to address the mental health status and coping responses, for the wellbeing of adults during the unprecedented phase of COVID-19 pandemic.