Mental Health Outcomes Among the Indian General Population Exposed to COVID-19 Lockdown Compared to Pre-Lockdown Conditions

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in January 2020 and a global pandemic in March 2020, necessitated stringent public health containment measures worldwide. In India, a nationwide lockdown was implemented from March 24, 2020, to mitigate community transmission. While effective in infection control, prolonged restrictions on mobility, social interaction, and economic activities raised concerns regarding mental health and psychosocial well-being. Public health emergencies of this magnitude are associated with adverse psychological outcomes, including stress, anxiety, depression, and functional disruptions.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on mental health status and daily lifestyle among the general population in India, with specific assessment of stress, anxiety, depression, mood disturbances, and coping strategies conceptualized through the optimism (persisting) and adaptation (shifting) framework. Demographic determinants of these outcomes were also examined.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the complete lockdown period (March–May 2020). A structured self-administered questionnaire was developed using validated constructs from the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Mood Disorder Questionnaire, and the Shift-and-Persist model. The survey was disseminated via digital platforms, yielding 90 completed responses. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Stepwise multiple regression was applied to identify demographic predictors, including age, gender, education, occupation, marital status, and housing characteristics.

Results: Disruption of daily routines was reported by 94% of participants, whereas 82% experienced improved family engagement. Financial strain was prevalent. Common psychological manifestations included sleep disturbances (46%), irritability (38%), anticipatory fear (>50%), and mental fatigue (~35%), with higher symptomatology among females. Higher educational attainment significantly predicted lower stress and anxiety levels and greater adaptive coping, while marital status predicted mood variability.

Conclusions: The lockdown exerted dual psychosocial effects, characterized by enhanced familial cohesion alongside substantial psychological distress, highlighting the necessity for targeted mental health strategies during large-scale public health emergencies.