The second COVID-19 coronavirus wave and its implications for stress, anxiety, and depression among Indian adults

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the prevalence rates of stress, depression and anxiety and their sociodemographic factors linked with the Indian population following the second round of COVID-19 in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire. In total, 505 individuals participated through convenience sampling. To measure anxiety, depression and stress, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), a 21-statement self-reported questionnaire, was used.

Findings

Multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics associated with depression, stress and anxiety. Results indicated salary/allowances reduction and alcohol consumption were associated with depression. Multiple regression also indicated that salary/allowances reduction, smoking status and alcohol consumption were associated with stress. In addition, this research also showed that chronic disease, salary/allowances reduction, smoking status and alcohol consumption were associated with anxiety.

Research limitations/implications

During the second COVID-19 wave in India, various individuals were affected. Anxiety, depression and stress were common among Indians after the second wave of COVID-19. Along with other actions to restrict the development of COVID-19, the Indian Government and mental health specialists must pay close attention to the inhabitants' mental health. More large-scale studies on various occupations should be conducted, and new mental health factors should be included.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical insights related the sociodemographic factors and stress, anxiety and depression.

Citation

Sharma, P.K. and Kumra, R. (2022), "The second COVID-19 coronavirus wave and its implications for stress, anxiety, and depression among Indian adults", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-08-2022-0054