PSYCHO-SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF COVID-19 POSITIVE STATUS IN AN URBAN COMMUNITY

Yogesh R. Yadav* and Sundaram Kartikeyan

ABSTRACT

This descriptive study was conducted on 699 COVID-19 positive adults (females: 271; 38.77% and males: 428; 61.23%) who had tested positive for COVID-19 virus between April 2020 and August 2020 in a metropolitan locality in Maharashtra state, Western India. After explaining the purpose of the study, the prospective participants were assured that confidentiality and anonymity would be maintained and their informed consent was obtained. A pre-tested and pre-validated questionnaire was used for interviewing the participants, at their convenience. The mean age of respondents was 49.44 +/- 16.30 years and males were significantly more educated. Most responses indicated significantly greater psycho-social impact of COVID-19 pandemic on female respondents, as compared to that on their male counterparts. Outbreak-related stress can be mitigated by developing linkages between outreach and hospital services, including mental health services in the standard epidemic control protocols and informing the public about the various coping strategies for psychological effects. Effective communication by health personnel will eliminate impact of fake news in social media. Telemedicine can help in reducing visits to healthcare facilities.

Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pandemic, Psycho-social, Social media.