Background The COVID-19 pandemic essentially imposes psychological effects on people. As the pandemic progresses, people experience psychological trauma gradually, which can change over time. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among Bangladeshi people four months after the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among Bangladeshi citizens aged ≥18 years from June 1 to June 10, 2020. The participants completed an online questionnaire examining socio-demographic variables and COVID-19 related factors, along with the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21. A total of 1146 respondents have been included in the study. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, IBM Statistics version 22.0. Results The prevalence of moderate to the extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress was 47.2%, 46.0%, and 32.5%, respectively, with no significant gender differences. The prevalence of anxiety and stress was significantly higher in participants aged >30 than in participants aged 18–30 years. Daily follow up COVID-19 related news, having COVID-19 symptoms so far, having contact (direct or indirect) with COVID-19 infected person, and fear of infection were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions Sizable proportions of participants had depression, anxiety and stress four months after the COVID-19 outbreak in Bangladesh. The findings of this study underscores the need for strategies aimed at reducing these psychological sufferings in Bangladeshi people in the context of COVID-19.

Background The COVID-19 outbreak spillovers mental health burden where suicide is a common psychological public health issue that affects people all over the world. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with suicidal behavior among university students in Bangladesh after one year of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2100 Bangladeshi university students aged ≥ 18 years from April 29 to May 15, 2021. The survey questionnaire contained socio-demographic information, COVID-19 related physical and psychosocial factors (CRPPF), preventive response to psychological stress, and the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) scale. Descriptive statistics along with logistic regression were performed for statistical analysis. Results About 47.90% of the students were at risk of suicidal behavior, and female students were very likely to be at risk of suicidal behavior than their male counterparts (AOR= 2.28; 95% CI: 1.86 to 2.81). Keeping distance from friends or family (AOR= 1.66; 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.04), having relationship problems (AOR= 2.20; 95% CI: 1.79 to 2.70), feeling own selves as burden to families (AOR= 2.50; 95% CI: 2.02 to 3.11), and being stressed of lockdown (AOR= 1.56; 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.03) were highlighted as some of the significant factors associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior. Conclusion University students were exposed to several factors that impose the risk of developing suicidal behavior. Concerned authorities should design & implement appropriate strategies for ensuring suicidal prevention besides their mental well-being.

The present study aimed to explore perceptions and barriers regarding telemedicine services among Bangladeshi young adults. This qualitative study was performed through telephonic interviews where 20 young adults (cases) were taken for in-depth interviews, using a purposive sampling technique from July 1 to July 20, 2020. The verbatim transcriptions was used, and the thematic analysis was performed through manual coding. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of participants perceived telemedicine as it is a system through which we are able to get healthcare services by using the internet, mobile application, or just a phone call from health care providers. Participants had positive attitudes toward telemedicine. Low trustworthiness, difficulties in getting access to emergency diagnostic services, significant anxieties on the use of telemedicine complexity and observability, shortage of network and power supply, as well as financial complexities were acknowledged as significant barriers in terms of receiving telemedicine services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Concerned authorities, including governmental and private organizations, should take effective measures to make telemedicine services available, reliable, and affordable for all across the country.