Coping Strategy, Life Style and Health Status During Phase 3 of Indian National Lockdown for COVID-19 Pandemic—A Pan-India Survey

Abstract

The implementation of timely COVID-19 pan-India lockdown posed challenges to the lifestyle. We looked at the impact of lifestyle on health status during the lockdown in India. A self-rated scale, COVID Health Assessment Scale (CHAS) was circulated to evaluate the physical health or endurance, mental health i.e. anxiety and stress, and coping ability of the individuals under lockdown. This is a pan-India cross-sectional survey study. CHAS was designed by 11 experts in 3 Delphi rounds (CVR = 0.85) and was circulated through various social media platforms, from 9th May to 31st May 2020, across India by snowball circulation method. CHAS forms of 23,760 respondents were downloaded from the Google forms. Logistic regression using R software was used to compare vulnerable (>60 years and with chronic diseases) with non-vulnerable groups. There were 23,317 viable respondents. Majority of respondents included males (58·8%). Graduates/Postgraduates (72·5%), employed (33·0%), businessmen (6·0%), and professionals (9·7%). The vulnerable group had significantly (OR 1.31, p < 0.001) higher representation of overweight individuals as compared to non-vulnerable group. Regular use of tobacco (OR 1.62, p = 0.006) and other addictive substances (OR 1.80, p = 0.039) showed increased vulnerability. Respondents who consume junk food (OR 2.19, p < 0.001) and frequently snack (OR 1.16, p < 0.001) were more likely to be vulnerable. Respondents involved in fitness training (OR 0.57, p < 0.001) or did physical works other than exercise, yoga, walk or household activity (OR 0.88, p = 0.004) before lockdown were less likely to be vulnerable. Majority had a very good lifestyle, 94.4% never smoked or used tobacco, 92.1% were non-alcoholic, 97.5% never used addictive substances, 84.7% had good eating habits, 75.4% were vegetarians, 82.8% had “good” sleep, 71.7% did physical activities. Only 24.7% reported “poor” coping ability. Depression with somewhat low feeling were more likely to be vulnerable (OR 1.26, p < 0.001). A healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating, proper sleep, physical activeness and non-addictive habits supports better coping ability with lesser psychological distress among Indian population during lockdown.

Associations of psychological capital, coping style and emotional intelligence with self-rated health status of college students in China during COVID-19 pandemic

“…A recent study conducted in a large university of the Mid-Atlantic region in the United States showed that extraversion and avoidance coping style moderated the effect of COVID-19 stressful life events on mental health 57 . Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between positive coping style and less psychological distress in Indian population during lockdown 58 . Furthermore, when an individual has more psychological capitals during the grow-up, it is easier for him/her to take a positive coping style to nd solutions with more positive optimism when facing challenges 59 , promoting the individual's health.…”

Associations of Psychological Capital, Coping Style and Emotional Intelligence with Self-Rated Health Status of College Students in China During COVID-19 Pandemic

“… 57 Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between positive coping style and less psychological distress in Indian population during lockdown. 58 Furthermore, when an individual has more psychological capitals during the grow-up, it is easier for him/her to take a positive coping style to find solutions with more positive optimism when facing challenges, 59 promoting the individual’s health. In this study, we found that the psychological capital was a major effect on self-rated health with a statistically significant three-way interaction analysis.…”