Analysis of the uncertainty among people due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 Pandemic could have resulted in uncertainty in the society over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, physical and mental health. Aim: To analyze the uncertainty developed among people and relate it with their anxiety due to the pandemic. Research Design: Data collected on-line using a questionnaire from 320 people using the snow ball non probability sampling technique. Tools used: 16 item Psychological Tool was used to measure uncertainty, which was scored using the Likert equal interval method. The responses to anxiety due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the anxiety experienced during the six months period before the pandemic were elicited through six-point responses ranging from very high to no anxiety. The data was analysed as frequency tables and through statistical techniques, namely, Descriptive statistics, t test, Quarter Method and Random Forest Technique. Results: Majority of the respondents either agree or strongly agree to twelve out of the 16 items / statements included in the questionnaire, when expressed as “I am sure”. 70.3 % of respondents have Uncertainty Score equal to 62.5 % to 78.1 % of the maximum possible score, indicating less uncertainty. Majority of the respondents reporting no anxiety, very less/ less anxiety and moderate anxiety due to the pandemic agree to the items depicting certainty, while no one reporting very high anxiety agrees to the items. There exists statistically significant difference between the proportion having certainty under different anxiety levels. Six items, which highly influence the creation of certainty (or reduction of uncertainty) of the respondents indicate their positive outlook about not getting worried, not feeling sick, ability to decide on what should be done under the pandemic, mental state not becoming worse, ability to recover from a negative mental state and overcome difficulties created by the pandemic. The belief of the respondents in / sufficiency of / correctness of, and existence of multiple meanings in the information available from Govt. and other sources about COVID 19 have not contributed significantly to uncertainty. The anxiety of respondents has gone up after the COVID 19 pandemic, when compared to the six months period before it. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents have only low to medium uncertainty due to the COVID 19 pandemic.  Even though the anxiety of the respondents has increased after the COVID 19 pandemic, when compared to the pre-pandemic stage, majority of them report only low to moderate pandemic induced anxiety. The items, which highly influence the reduction of uncertainty (or creation of certainty) of the respondents are found to be those which depict their positive outlook with respect to various aspects related to the pandemic. They respondents do not have much negative perceptions on the measures adopted by Govt. and other establishments to contain the pandemic. However, if the pandemic continues longer and increases in its severity, the future might throw up unforeseen situations, which people may not be prepared to face, making them more uncertain, anxious and mentally /physically affected.