An Evaluation of the Psychological Impact of Covid-19 and the Precautionary Measure of Social Isolation on Adults in the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Kandasamy, Geetha; Almaghaslah, Dalia; Almanasef, Mona; Vasudevan, Rajalakshimi; Easwaran, Vigneshwaran; Chinnadhurai, Maheswari

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak is worrying for people and society. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measure of social isolation on adults in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was carried out in the Asir region for a period of five months from May 2020 to September 2020 to assess the psychological response of the adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic using an anonymous online questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from previous research and involved three sections, namely sociodemographic data, patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the generalised anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7 Scale). A total score of ≥ 10 indicates depression and anxiety. Data was analysed using SPSS V.25. RESULTS Females had higher rates of COVID-19 depression than males. There was a significant correlation between age and home setting and anxiety, and a significant association between marital status and level of education and depression. There was a significant association between gender and depression and anxiety, while there was no significant association between occupation and income, and depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION The findings of the study clearly show that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among adults. Females had higher rates of COVID-19 depression and anxiety than males. The findings from this study show that implementing a strategy for the prevention and management of depression and anxiety is highly recommended to minimise the impact of these disorders.