The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created a situation of general distress. Although the focus has been initially more on the physical health during the pandemic, mental health concerns linked to the lockdown have quickly risen. This study aims to assess the effect of the COVID-19-related lockdown on Tunisian women's mental health and gender-based violence. An online survey was conducted, using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Facebook Bergen Addiction Scale (FBAS). We chose a female-exclusive social group on Facebook and used the snowball sampling method. A total of 751 participants originating from all the Tunisian regions completed the questionnaire. More than half of the participants (57.3%) reported extremely severe distress symptoms, as per the DASS-21. Those who had a history of mental illness and who were allegedly abused during lockdown were found to have more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Around 40% of women reported problematic social media use. Violence against women also reportedly increased significantly during the lockdown (from 4.4 to 14.8%; p < 0.001). Psychological abuse was the most frequent type of violence (96%). Women who had experienced abuse before the lockdown were at an increased risk of violence during lockdown (p < 0.001; OR = 19.34 [8.71-43.00]). To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the acute impact of COVID-19 on mental health and violence against women in Tunisia, Africa, and the Arab world. It may be a sound basis for developing a more effective psychological intervention aimed at women in these regions.

IntroductionDue to COVID-19 pandemic, the Tunisian government officially announced a lockdown on March 2020. This decision caused a significant change in the everyday life of Tunisians such as movement restriction revealing the psychosocial aspect of this crisis.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Tunisian women and its association with social media addiction.Methods This study was conducted using an online survey, between April 25 and May 6, 2020. Women were asked about sociodemographic information, lockdown conditions. The Facebook Bergen Addiction Scale (FBAS) was used to evaluate addiction to Facebook and social media. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used to evaluate depression, anxiety and stress.Results We included 751 participants. Scores of the FBAS ranged from 6 to 30 and the mean score was 16.49 (± 5.4). Forty percent (n = 300) of respondents might have facebook addiction, as per the scale. A significant positive correlation was found between Facebook addiction score and DASS scores of depression (p = 0.001, r = 0.43), anxiety (p = 0.001, r = 0.39) and stress (p = 0.001, r = 0.41).ConclusionsWomen who have higher rates of distress are more likely to have a problematic Facebook use during the COVID-19 pandemic which suggests that smartphone and internet use may be part of coping strategies implemented for the emotional distress secondary to this pandemic.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Introduction Sexual minorities have been coming out more than ever before. However, Tunisian laws and society are still not supportive of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights. To this day, Tunisian doctors are requisitioned to carry out anal tests as part of expert testimonies in cases of conviction for homosexuality. Objectives Assess Tunisian physicians’ attitudes and knowledge towards LGBT patients. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in October 2021, among 445 Tunisian physicians and medical students. Data were collected via an anonymous self-administered online questionnaire including sociodemographic data and the LGBT Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS). Results The overall LGBT-DOCSS score was quite good (4.47 ±0.85). The attitudes of Tunisian doctors were better than their knowledge (p=0.01; t=2.6), which was better than their clinical preparedness (p<10-3; t=25) in treating LGBT patients. Doctors who self-identify as sexual minorities and those who interacted with LGBT people in their daily lives, were less stigmatising, more able to treat them and had better knowledge of their needs. Those who had had sexology training (5%) had better LGBT-DOCSS score (p=0.013), better knowledge (p=0.045) and preparedness (p<10-3) in treating LGBT patients but did not appear to be less stigmatising than the rest of the group (p=0.9). Religiosity was associated with a more stigmatising attitude (p<10-3), but had no impact on knowledge or preparedness. Conclusions This study points to gaps, identified by doctors themselves when faced with an LGBT patient. A more inclusive health system requires better matching of health services to the needs of the whole population without discrimination. Disclosure No significant relationships.

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created a situation of general distress. Although the focus has been initially more on the physical health during the pandemic, mental health concerns linked to the lockdown have quickly risen.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic on Tunisian women’s mental health.MethodsAn online survey was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). We also collected sociodemographic information and mental health status.ResultsA total of 751 women completed the questionnaire. More than half of the participants (57.3%) reported extremely severe distress symptoms, and 53.1% had extremely severe stress symptoms as per the DASS-21. Those who had a history of mental illness were found to have more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.ConclusionsAs this study was the first one to evaluate the acute impact of COVID-19 on mental health in Tunisia, Arab world and in Africa, it may be a sound basis for developing an effective psychological intervention aimed at women in these regions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

IntroductionViolence against women is a public health problem worldwide. During humanitarian crises such as wars, violence expands mainly to the detriment of the most vulnerable groups.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the effect of the COVID-19-related lockdown on gender-based violence.MethodsThis study was conducted using an online survey, between April 25 and May 6, 2020. Women were asked about sociodemographic information, lockdown conditions, history involving exposure to violence before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and its types.ResultsThe number of included participants was 751. The age ranged from 18 to 69 years. Violence against women increased significantly during the lockdown (from 4.4 to 14.8%; p < 0.001). Psychological abuse was the most frequent type of violence (96%). Almost 90% (n = 98) of those who experienced violence during the lockdown did not seek assistance. Women who had experienced abuse before the lockdown were at an increased risk of violence during lockdown (p < 0.001; OR = 19.34 [8.71–43.00]).Conclusions Strengthening strategies to protect women during periods of crisis is urgent. However, a change in mentalities would take more time to set up. Violence against women necessitates a fundamental long-term struggle and practical intervention strategies.DisclosureNo significant relationships.