DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AMONG INDIVIDUALS IN QUARANTINE IN RURAL INDIAAND EFFECT OF THE LIVED EXPERIENCE ON THEIR ATTITUDINAL PERCEPTIONS ABOUT COVID-19

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 crisis has increased the depression, anxiety and mental stress burden. Stressful situations and environments like quarantine can further exacerbate these conditions. We studied association of depression, anxiety, stress and the lived experience on outlook towards adherence to preventive practices. Methods: A simultaneous (Quant + Qual) mixed method study was carried out in 228 persons in facility based quarantine in a rural area of India. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21(DASS 21) and associated adherence behaviours to preventive measures were inquired into. Interviews about lived experiences and a Focus Group Discussion was conducted to gain quality insights. Results: Anxiety levels were higher with 19.7% reporting very severe anxiety, 11% reporting severe and 21.5% reporting moderate anxiety. Non adherence to wearing masks (37.3%) and social distancing (34.6%) elicited higher depression, anxiety and stress scores whereas non adherence to hand hygiene reported in 43.8% was not associated with signicant rise in anxiety scores. Conclusions: Quarantined individuals suffering from depression, anxiety and stress require counselling. This time should also be used as an opportunity to reinforce proper preventive behaviours found lacking among the quarantined as the experience makes them introspective and more amenable to change.