COVID-19 and mental health challenges in Pakistan

Mumtaz, Muhammad

doi:10.1177/0020764020954487

Cited by 18 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…16 The implementation of lockdown policy and other social distancing create a more physical and psychological issues as some workers lose their jobs. 17 These mental health issues are also commonly found in vulnerable people such as, psychiatric survivors, health professionals, children, adolescents, elder people, specific ethnic groups, homeless, community members, and people who live in rural and remote areas. [18][19][20] Therefore, mental health interventions during the pandemic should focus on 6 vulnerable groups; i) confirmed COVID-19 patients; ii) suspected victims; iii) health professionals; iv) losed contact with confirmed wards; v) those who refused to get proper treatment; and vi) group of suspects in public areas.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…21 Furthermore, since spreading misleading information related to COVID-19 have the potential to cause distressful harm, several interventions should be provided such as emergency psychological crisis treatment, hotline assistance, online counseling service with mental health course, and outpatient consultation when needed. 17,18,22 However, these online mental health services were not often available in low-and middle-class sections of developing countries. Most people were not too familiar with the use of technology, resulting in it being such a challenging task for the government and health professionals, in a bid to make available mental health services for the community.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mental Health Policy: Protecting Community Mental Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Lestari

Setyawan

2021

Journal of Public Health Research

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Despite the growing interest in the treatment and management of COVID-19, communities still end up experiencing multiple stresses with mental health crisis, due to the pandemic. When this is not addressed, it causes stress in the long run, with further mental health damage in individuals and the communities. Furthermore, relevant policy related to the community mental health was identified as awareness in promoting mental issues, yet there are still failures recorded in the aspect of adequately addressing the well-being concerns. This study aims to support community mental health during the crisis, through useful information from relevant articles. It also explains some perspectives from literature reviews, case reports, with society responses from Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Proquest databases concerning recent community mental health issues, and government policy on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The inclusion criteria required articles that were peer-reviewed, by using i) English language March-September 2020; ii) Presented empirical studies related to COVID-19 (quantitative and qualitative); iii) Searched terms related to the general and community mental health, their policy, and COVID-19 pandemic. This study showed 19 articles related to community mental health issues or psychological wellbeing topics. The interventions provided to strengthen community mental health during the pandemic included emergency psychological crisis treatment, hotline assistance, online counseling service with mental care course, and outpatient consultation. Therefore, community mental health issues should be addressed with physical wellness. In addition, the community plays a key role in influencing stakeholders and governments, to increase the priority in supporting mental health.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental Health Policy: Protecting Community Mental Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Lestari

Setyawan

2021

Journal of Public Health Research

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“…Following the outbreak, the Pakistani government has tightened border controls and implemented social distancing measures; as numbers of cases locally and worldwide increased, the Pakistani government implemented a partial lockdown in early March 2020 across the country [16]. Jobs were affected, with many workers left without a job or furloughed as the economy ground to a halt.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 and Mental Health: A Study of Stress, Resilience, and Depression among the Older Population in Pakistan

et al. 2021

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Extending studies of the adverse effects of SARS-2 coronavirus on general health consequences, this research explores complexities related to the mental health of the elderly as a result of pandemic-related stress. The study addresses this issue by using resilience theory to examine the effects of fear and exposure related to COVID-19 and depression. Besides, our study examines the moderating effects of self-efficacy in order to provide an understanding of how the coping abilities of the elderly may mitigate the effect of stress levels on mental health during pandemics. Our model is tested by analysing the survey data collected from Rawalpindi, a metropolitan city in Pakistan. The main results of the study confirm the positive association of pandemic-related fear and exposure virus with depression. However, self-efficacy shows a negative direct effect on depression, and the findings also confirm the moderation effect of self-efficacy on the fear of COVID-19 and depression, but the moderation effect of self-efficacy on COVID-19 exposure and depression is not supported. Based on the outcomes, some severe geriatric care policies that could weaken the pandemic-related fear, exposure to the virus, and depression are recommended.

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“…Similarly, the religious scholars on media can be very helpful to motivate the masses and boost their morale to face crises. 32 Therefore, mass media can be used as an effective information platform that will convey timely health-related messages about pandemic and assist in reducing mental distress. 33 Alongside, community service workers can also assist the community by providing authentic health information and education that will lessen their anxiety level.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

When COVID-19 enters in a community setting: an exploratory qualitative study of community perspectives on COVID-19 affecting mental well-being

et al. 2021

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ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased level of anxiety and fear among the general population related to its management and infection spread. Considering the relevance of present circumstances, we explored perceptions and attitudes of community members towards their mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.SettingWe conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach, at two communities of Karachi, Pakistan.ParticipantsIn-depth interviews were conducted with community members including, young adults, middle-aged adults and older adults of both genders. Study data were analysed manually using the thematic analysis technique.Primary outcomeThe primary outcome is assessing community perception towards their mental well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 27 in-depth interviews were conducted, between May and June 2020. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of the general communities; (2) current coping mechanisms to adapt to the new reality and (3) recommendations to address the mental health of communities. Generally, community members underwent increased anxiety and fear due to the contagious nature of the virus. Alongside, social, financial and religious repercussions of the pandemic have also heightened psychological distress among community members. However, community members were able to point out some of the coping mechanisms such as getting closer to God, connecting with family, participating in mental health sessions and resetting lives by indulging in diverse activities. Simultaneously, they also recommended the need for remote mental health services for elders and continuous efforts by the government to address the mental health needs of the community.ConclusionCOVID-19-associated mental health consequences have hit every individual in society. The study finding has the potential to guide the development of context-specific innovative mental health programmes to overcome the pandemic repercussions.

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COVID-19 and mental health challenges in Pakistan

Cited by 18 publications

References 11 publications

Mental Health Policy: Protecting Community Mental Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Mental Health Policy: Protecting Community Mental Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 and Mental Health: A Study of Stress, Resilience, and Depression among the Older Population in Pakistan

When COVID-19 enters in a community setting: an exploratory qualitative study of community perspectives on COVID-19 affecting mental well-being

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