Levels of Anxiety and Stress during Pandemic of COVID-19 among the General Population of Karachi, Pakistan

Shahnaz, S.; Zeb Un, Nisa Ali S. I.; ul Haq, I.; Akhtar, H.; Ali, I.; Fatima, R.; Khatian, N.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only the physical health, but mental health of general population. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the anxiety and levels of stress during COVID-among the population of Karachi. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted for the period of 8 months May 2020-December 2020, the required variables were collected on a questionnaire. Data was analyzed and descriptive statistics was applied using SPSS version 21 with 95% CI. Results: Out of 450 participants, 45.8% males, 54.2% females. The majority (39.1%) of patients were in group of 51-70 years of age. The levels of anxiety were categories in mild (21.5%), moderate ( 38.2%) severe (15.2%) and no anxiety (25.1%). The contributing factors in stress and anxiety were the fear (68.3%), panic situation by media (58.5%) and stress due to pandemic (64.2%). Conclusion: The pandemic of COVID-19 is a stressful situation which needs a proper management and counselling of community regarding the precautionary measures and guidance to control the psychological parameters.