IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH

: A novel coronavirus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China, at the end of 2019. Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was complete lockdown in the world which lead to a situation of socio-economic crisis and psychological distress among the population. Objectives: The main goal of the study was to study the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population. Methods: This was an observational study. The subject’s demographic details and responses were collected with the help of a standardized questionnaire. The collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel and appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed. Results: It was found that the Fear of Covid-19 (FCV-19) scores, on average, were increased among younger adults (16.15), older adults (17.78) and females (17.2). According to this study, the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was higher in younger adults (18-27 years) when compared to older adults. Female subjects had a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress when compared to the males. Conclusion: From this study, it is evident that there is a need for early strategies, programs and mental health policies to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health. People should be educated regarding the COVID-19 disease, its preventive measures and also the importance of mental health during the times of this deadly pandemic.