A study to assess the level of depression during quarantine period of COVID-19 pandemic among general population in Chennai

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19, the recent public health crisis of global concern is challenging psychological capacity of the public to deal with the ongoing crisis (Wang et al., 2020). This is not applicable to individuals with COVID-19 only, but also those who are bound to be in quarantine for a long time during a lockdown. The outbreak of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) feels stressful and depression among people. Aim:  The main aim of the study is to assess the level of depression regarding quarantine during corona outbreak among a general population. Methods: Non-experimental cross-sectional research design was adopted with 100 participants who selected by purposive sampling technique at selected general population. The tool used for the study was Demographic variables and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI – II) scale was sent through the internet by self-made online web sheet to fill and resend the components of demographic variables as well as Beck Depression Inventory II questionnaire.  General populations are instructed to answer the appropriate options in demographic variables and BDI – II scale. Results: Out of 100 samples 7 (7%) members had normal depression, 41 (41%) members had mild depression, 36 (36%) members had Moderate depression,16 (16%) members had severe depression for Covid-19 pandemic quarantine. Conclusion: The present study assessed the level of depression during the quarantine period of a corona pandemic among general population in Chennai. The results revealed that the mean score was 22.33 + 9.95. From the findings of the study, the investigator concluded that although it is mandatory to follow quarantine to break corona chain, there is also a need to reduce depression levels to prevent mental crisis as well as depression related physical problems.