Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 222-230
Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Mental Health and Social Life of University Students of Delhi
Qutbudin Khan1, J. Swaminathan2
1PG Research Scholar, Dept. of Hospital Management, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi
2Assistant Professor, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi
Corresponding Author: J. Swaminathan
ABSTRACT
Background: Student mental health in higher education has been an increasing apprehension. The COVID-19 pandemic situation has brought this susceptible population into renewed focus.
Objective: Our study aims to conduct a timely assessment of impact of Covid-19 lockdown on mental health and social life of university students of Delhi.
Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to assess the concerns about COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on Mental health of the students of different courses who were studying at Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi in lockdown and precautionary measures taken against COVID-19.The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 by using simple descriptive analysis i.e. using frequency and percentage.
Results: The data collected from 400 respondents (male=200 and female=200) was analysed and presented as Washing hands after touching contaminated objects majority of the respondents (male=61.5%,female=58.5%) reported always. Always wearing a mask regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms, majority of the respondents (male=35.5%, female=39.5%) reported occasionally. Always covering mouth when coughing and sneezing, majority of the respondents (male=79.5%, female=82.5%) reported always. Always washing hands immediately after coughing sneezing or rubbing nose, majority of the respondents (male=43.5%, female=40.5%) reported occasionally. Always avoiding sharing utensils (e.g., chopsticks) during meals, majority of the respondents (male=33.5%, female=29.5%) reported occasionally.
Conclusions: Due to the long-lasting pandemic situation and onerous measures such as lockdown and stay-at-home orders, the COVID-19 pandemic brings negative impacts on higher education. The findings of our study highlight the urgent need to develop interventions and preventive strategies to address the mental health of college students.
Key words: COVID-19, Mental health, Student, lockdown.