Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic among the Residents of an Urban Slum in North India

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety, and assess the knowledge, practice, and concerns regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the residents of an urban slum in Chandigarh, India. Materials and Methods Participants were screened using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scales. Results The mean (standard deviation) age of 200 enrolled participants was 33 (13) years with 83% (n = 166) being females. The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 3.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95–6.05) and 2.5% (95% CI: 0.34–4.66), respectively. Of total, 46% (n = 92) knew that COVID-19 can transmit through droplets and 30.5% (n = 61) were concerned that they might get infected with disease. Half of the participants (n = 100) believed that there was unnecessary worry regarding COVID-19 and 78% (n = 156) covered mouth while coughing or sneezing. Conclusion To cope with this critical situation, it is necessary to strengthen the awareness programs targeting the mental health issues of the people.

Depression in Women Migrants Living in Slums in North India

“… 1 In another study, in the general population in India, the rates of severe depression and anxiety were observed to be quite high during COVID-19. 5 Besides the short duration and methodological limitations of this study, 1 myriad factors may be responsible for an underestimate of the prevalence. By June 2020, the restrictions placed due to COVID-19 had been eased in India, awareness on the issue had increased, and people had started adjusting to the situation.…”

“…We have read the above-mentioned article with great interest. 1 Mental health problems have been on an upward incline globally. Among all mental health issues, depression is affecting the largest proportion of the population.…”

“… 4 The uncertainty, loss of income, fear of death, isolation, and amplified marginalization has mounted in the population, which has resulted in higher susceptibility for mental health problems among the poor and vulnerable populations. This above-mentioned cross-sectional study 1 estimates the prevalence of depression and anxiety in migrants living in a sample of slum areas.…”

“…In this survey, the prevalence of depression was found to be 3.5% (95% CI: 0.95–6.05) and anxiety 2.5% (95% CI: 0.34–4.66) in the participants who included 83% of women in the sample. 1 This survey was conducted over a span of 1 month from June 12 to July 11, 2020. 1 In another study, in the general population in India, the rates of severe depression and anxiety were observed to be quite high during COVID-19.…”

“… 1 This survey was conducted over a span of 1 month from June 12 to July 11, 2020. 1 In another study, in the general population in India, the rates of severe depression and anxiety were observed to be quite high during COVID-19. 5 Besides the short duration and methodological limitations of this study, 1 myriad factors may be responsible for an underestimate of the prevalence.…”