Impact of Coronavirus Disease and its Control measures on mental health in the United Republic of Tanzania.

Background: The Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to unprecedented hazards to mental health globally in different sectors with increased in anxiety, worries, stress, and fear in the communities. This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID 19 disease on mental health in the United Republic of Tanzania. Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in the districts of Chakechake, Mjini Magharibi, and Ilala in the United Republic of Tanzania. Qualitative study was done using a combination of key informant interviews, focus group discussions with health workers, and semi-structured interviews with community members and central and local government officials. Results: Findings have revealed that during the COVID19, people experienced different levels of stress, stigma, depression, and anxiety preceded by fear and worries. These were mainly due to restrictions on religious practice which interfered people's serenity hence causing psychological instability, fear of health-seeking and medical attention at the health facilities. Social isolation and stigma for health workers, fear, and panic of contracting and dying from the COVID-19, lack of medical supplies and heavy workload to health-care workers exacerbated mental health fear and stress. Government leaders and the community implemented coping mechanisms such religious guidance and inspiration, increasing the availability of medical products and workforce, and using local remedies for COVID19 prevention and treatment. Conclusion: Stress, stigma, depression, and anxiety during COVID 19 restrictions affected mental health. Ongoing psychological support in the community and for health workers who are the frontline soldiers should be one of the priorities to support coping with fear and worries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]