Psychological Status and Behavior Changes Among Addis Ababa People During the Covid-19 Epidemic

Abstract

Fantaye Tiruneh, Reta Wakoya, Yawukal Chane, Mulualem Desta

Background: The outbreak of coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. The epidemic has brought not only the risk of being infected and death but also unbearable psychological impact like anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was investigating the psychological status and behavior changes of the public during COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods: None randomly selected 300 respondents were recruited voluntarily and completed questionnaire. We used the StateTrait Anxiety Inventory, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Symptom Checklist-90 to evaluate psychological status. We also investigated respondents’ behavior changes. Quantitative data were analyzed by t-tests or analysis of variance, and classified data were analyzed with chi-square tests. We describe the qualitative data by interviewing medical doctors who are working at referral hospitals and designated COVID-19 treatment center in Addis Ababa.

Result: More respondents had state anxiety than trait anxiety (46.7% vs. 30.0%). Mild, moderate and severe depression was found among 28.1%, 7.2% and 1.4% of respondents respectively and 27.4% had psychological abnormalities. Our analysis of the relationship between subgroup characteristics and psychological status showed that age, occupation, income level, knowledge about COVID-19, Place where the participants’ lives and confidence about overcoming the outbreak significantly influenced psychological status. Around 84.1% of respondents were avoided and significantly reduce going to public places than in previous years. 91.8 % of respondents reduced visiting families, relatives, friends and holyday-related activities during Eastern and Arafa.

Conclusion: COVID-19 not only causes physical health concerns but also results in a number of psychological problems. We need to pay more attention to public psychological stress, especially among young people as they are likely to experience anxiety, depression, and psychological abnormalities.

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