Physiological Response and Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic among Malaysian Citizens: A Cross-sectional Study
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.20.1.14
- Author:
Nalini Anukshi Gunawardana
1
;
Mohd Rohaizad Md Roduan
2
;
Eliani Ezani
3
;
Hasni Idayu Saidi
1
;
Noraina Muhamad Zakuan
1
;
Armania Nurdin
1
Author Information
1. Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, The National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor
3. Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Anxiety;
COVID-19 pandemic;
DASS-21;
Depression;
Mental health
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2024;20(No.1):100-111
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Studies have shown that staying at home for prolonged periods of crisis can pose a significant
challenge to individuals and affect their mental health. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the
susceptible subgroups among Malaysian citizens that are prone to mental health problems during the
lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with sociodemographic factors.
Methods: The mental health status was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale -21
(DASS-21) questionnaire. The survey link was distributed online between October and December 2020.
Results: Of 637 respondents, one-third experienced mild to extremely severe depression and anxiety
(31.1% and 35.1%, respectively). Female respondents (odds ratio = 1.516, 95% confidence interval (CI)
1.057-2.172) were 1.5 times more likely to experience mild to severe depression than male respondents.
Unmarried and divorced respondents were 2.1 times more prone to experience mild to severe depression
than married respondents. A significant association was also found between employment status and
age with depression symptoms among the respondents. For anxiety, a significant association was
observed between the age group with mild to severe anxiety symptoms. Marital status, age, and
employment status were socio-demographic factors significantly impacting stress levels. Conclusion: According
to our findings, females, individuals aged 18-30 years old, students, unmarried and divorced respondents
were more susceptible to mental health problems, suggesting that mental health support shall also be
provided for these vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Full text:11.2024my1718.pdf
