Psychological Distress, Anxiety, Family Violence, Suicidality, and Wellbeing in Pakistan During the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to draw the attention toward the implications of COVID-19 and the related restrictions imposed worldwide especially in Pakistan. The primary objective was to highlight the levels of psychological distress, anxiety, family violence, suicidality, and well-being due to COVID-19 and the secondary objective was to associate it to social demographic factors.Materials and MethodsIt is designed as a cross-sectional study by employing an online questionnaire in the English language and obtaining responses using a snowball sampling technique. We used three validated measures including Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) index and World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5).ResultsA sample of 420 participants was recruited from across Pakistan, with most participants were females (79%), students (89.8%) and belonging to Punjab (54%). Nearly one-fourth of the participants (23.8%) scored above the minimum value set for moderate or high psychological distress (K10 > 12). There was a higher prevalence of distress among females and resident of province Punjab. The majority of individuals reported that they were living with their family (94.5%) and more than half (52.6%) were neutral regarding their satisfaction with their living conditions. 40.5% believed that the lockdown has had a negative impact on their mental health. 31.4% have reported that they themselves have experienced abuse from a family member. 48.6% scored high on the GAD-7 scale and low wellbeing score was found among 80.2%. Students were found to be more vulnerable to mental illness and anxiety.ConclusionWith the lockdown restrictions, psychosocial distress has become prevalent in Pakistan.

Psychological aftermaths of Covid-19: a study of diagnosed and never diagnosed adults

“…A research from Pakistan also documented higher psychological distress and anxiety but low well-being among participants due to lockdown. 8 Another research indicated greater prevalence of distress among Indians during the pandemic. 9 The disease developed fear of being its victim, causing stress, helplessness, and stigma pertaining to the disease.…”

Maxillofacial trauma and its management presenting in tertiary care hospital in Lahore during Covid-19 pandemic

“…10,11 Also Covid-19 resulted in increased cases of domestic violence and assault in western countries. 3 They also suggest that women suffer more from maxillofacial injuries as a result of domestic violence with prevalence ranging from 34-73%. 9 All the others modes of injuries 7 (3.5%) were similar to other studies.…”

“…1 Being in direct contact with the virus health care workers suffered more from the stress than the general masses. 3,7 Various governments responded differently according to their own circumstances from partial to complete lockdowns. 1 It was advised to ensure at least the minimal protection i.e., N95 mask and an eye goggle.…”

“…Covid-19 pandemic was not just a simple respiratory disease but also an economic challenge for the entire world. 1,3 Pakistan was already facing many economic challenges even before Covid-19 pandemic and the economic dilemma soldered with poor financial and resource management escalated it. 1 There were some limitations in our study as it was conducted at a single center for a very short duration by only Maxillofacial Surgery Department.…”

“…1,2 SARS-CoV-2 virus infamously known as Covid-19 finally reached Pakistan with 2 confirmed cases on 26th February 2020. 1,3 On 11th March, 2020 WHO declared Covid-19 a pandemic and on 18th March country's first death by the SARS-CoV-2 virus was officially reported. 1 For an economically and politically debilitated, poor developing country with weak and struggling healthcare system, to accommodate the patients in its incapacitated healthcare facilities was a challenge.…”