Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and National Lockdown on Mental Health among General Urban Indian Population: An Online based Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the urban Indian population during the period of national lockdown imposed by the government of India to combat the COVID-19 pandemic Method: Total 278 participants were participated in an online, cross-sectional survey. Anxiety and depression was assessed. Gender, age, occupation and average time spent on gathering information on COVID-19 was assessed. Results: less than 30 years of age and students showed higher prevalence of depression. Participants spending more than three hours on COVID-19 information showed that 18.2%, 42.4% and 37.9% were mildly, moderately and severely affected by anxiety symptoms, respectively and 19.7%, 47% and 24.2% were mildly, moderately and severely affected with depression. Further, more than three hours of time spent on COVID-19 showed strong association with mild, moderate and severe anxiety (p<0.001) as well as mild, moderate and severe depression (p≤0.01). Conclusions: Participants, less than 30 years of age and students were found more likely to have anxiety and depression symptoms. Participants who have been spending more than three hours on COVID-19 information were strongly affected with mild, moderate and severe anxiety as well as depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]