An Evaluation of COVID-19 Impacts on Mental Health of Public in India

Abstract

Introduction: The global outbreak of the coronavirus infection, designated as a pandemic, has triggered widespread concern and psychological challenges across diverse populations. The pandemic has induced various mental health issues, impacting individuals of all ages, including children adapting to new learning methods, working professionals facing job insecurities, and the elderly coping with unique challenges. Recognizing the diverse mental health implications, this article focuses on assessing the impact of the pandemic on the mental well-being of the Indian population, utilizing a proposed COVID-19 Mentality Index.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the mental health effects of the pandemic on Indian individuals. Specifically, it aims to understand the nuances of mental health challenges experienced by different demographic groups, including gender, age, occupation, income, and the level of depression. The study also seeks to contribute to the development of a comprehensive understanding of the mental health landscape during these unprecedented times.

Methods: From November 2020 to January 2021 (over 92 days), an online survey was conducted among 1,130 Indian citizens. The survey aimed to capture a diverse sample across various demographic parameters. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitation that the survey was conducted exclusively on social media platforms, potentially introducing biases in the results. The proposed COVID-19 Mentality Index served as a tool to measure and assess the mental health impact.

Results: The research findings indicate a significant gender disparity in the mental health impact of the pandemic, with women in all age groups experiencing more pronounced effects compared to men. Notably, individuals aged 76-90 among women and 61-75 among men reported more substantial impacts on mental health. Geographically, those residing in urban areas exhibited higher confidence in discussing mental health issues with family members (86.74%) compared to semi-urban (75.56%) and rural areas (76.62%).

Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the mental health dynamics of the Indian population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The identified factors influencing mental health, including gender, age, occupation, income, and depression levels, can inform clinicians in implementing effective mental health interventions across India. The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental well-being in the Indian population during these challenging and unprecedented times.