OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of the general public in India

METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based study was conducted for a period of 20 days among general population of India. The study used PHQ-4 and IES-6 scales to measure depression/anxiety and distress respectively. Multiple binary logistic regression was used for exploring the relationship of the personal characteristics with the prevalence of psychiatric illness.

RESULTS: The study enrolled a total of 1257 individuals with representation from 29 states of India with a mean (SD) age of 29.3 (9.7). Based on the combined PHQ-4 scale, 13.9% (n=174) had reported a moderate-severe level of anxiety or depression. Regarding distress, nearly three-quarters (n=942) had exhibited clinical concern for distress and more than a half (n=670) met the threshold for probable diagnosis of distress. The study found individuals who lived alone, lived in shared accommodation, or who did not have chronic illness were reported a higher prevalence of anxiety or depression, and accommodation type was associated with the distress level in comparison with their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may be used to assist various a healthcare professionals and Government advisors to strategize targeted interventions as required for fighting this pandemic in India and across the globe, as COVID-19 posing a higher risk for a possible pandemic psychological illness.