OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 pandemic may cause emotional distress. We investigated the mental wellbeing and sexual health of women during the COVID-19 lockdown.

METHODS: Data on demographics, contact with people suspected of infection/infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus, use of stimulants, and perceived mental health during isolation were collected through the internet survey. Participants were asked to fill the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).

RESULTS: 1,644 women with a median age of 23 years (IQR: 21-27) filled the questionnaires of which 1,366 (83.1%) reported to live with partners. Regarding COVID-19 status, 54 (3.3%) were in quarantine, 29 (1.8%) had a history of contact with an infected person, and 24 (1.5%) reported death among friends/family. In 535 (32.5%) of the women, fear of infection had a negative impact on their mental health, in 944 (57.5%) fear of the heath condition of loved ones caused stress and depressed mood, in 805 (48.9%) media reports worsened the mental health, 719 (43.7%) felt lonely and isolated, and 400 (24.3%) reported more frequent use of alcohol/cigarettes due to the pandemic. Moderate and severe depression was found in 183 (11.1%) and 166 (10.1%), respectively. The mean FSFI score was 27.01±7.61; the median BDI was 11 (IQR: 5-18). During the pandemic, sexual activity was significantly less frequent and libido was significantly lower when compared to before the pandemic. BDI and FSFI scores were correlated significantly (r=-0.3261; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 lockdown setting was associated with a high occurrence of depressive symptoms and deterioration in sexual functioning in women.