Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and National Lockdown on Mental Health among General Urban Indian Population: An Online based Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the urban Indian
population during the period of national lockdown imposed by the government of India to combat the
COVID-19 pandemic
Method: Total 278 participants were participated in an online, cross-sectional survey. Anxiety and depression
was assessed. Gender, age, occupation and average time spent on gathering information on COVID-19 was
assessed.
Results: less than 30 years of age and students showed higher prevalence of depression. Participants
spending more than three hours on COVID-19 information showed that 18.2%, 42.4% and 37.9% were
mildly, moderately and severely affected by anxiety symptoms, respectively and 19.7%, 47% and 24.2%
were mildly, moderately and severely affected with depression. Further, more than three hours of time spent
on COVID-19 showed strong association with mild, moderate and severe anxiety (p<0.001) as well as mild,
moderate and severe depression (p?0.01).
Conclusions: Participants, less than 30 years of age and students were found more likely to have anxiety
and depression symptoms. Participants who have been spending more than three hours on COVID-19
information were strongly affected with mild, moderate and severe anxiety as well as depression.