A cross-sectional study to assess the quality of life, depression, anxiety and stress levels after 45 days covid-19 lockdown

Abstract

Rationale: The COVID-19 or the coronavirus is a highly contagious viral disease which spread from humans to humans through small droplets via Nose, Mouth, Cough, or exhales infected more than 3.76 million peopleacross 185 countries. Objective: We aim to assess the Quality of life, depression, anxiety, stress levels in the Indian population due to COVID-19 and to find out the demographic groups which need more attention for the prevention of mental illness. Methods: Participants were recruited through proliferative approach with aid of social media platforms and an online survey was conducted to assess knowledge about covid-19, Quality of life (WHQOL), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Statistical analysis by SPSS-2 was done and unpaired t-test was used to analyse the influence of lockdown on quality of life, depression and anxiety in the participants. Results: 847 participants filled the questionnaire 64.1% participants have some knowledge and 35.9% have full knowledge about COVID-19. We found a significant difference in the WHOQOL & DASS-21 between the male and female participants (p=0.0001) and age (18-39 years & 40-64 years) (p=0.0001). There was significant difference in the WHOQOL(p= 0.0002)& DASS-21(p=0.0001)with education level (bachelors and above or without bachelors) and occupation (government job/ private job) WHOQOL (p=0.0001) DASS-21(0.0001). There was no significant difference between the average monthly family income groups (p > 0.05). Participants of majority and other religious groups showed a significant difference in WHOQOL (p=0.0001) and DASS-21 score (p=0.0001). Conclusion: The government should focus on encouraging people for stress-free lifestyle by taking care of their livelihood, daily needs and social messages focusing on family support. Necessary measures need to be taken to increase awareness about covid-19 prevention and removing misconception regarding the association of the disease with any community.