A cross-sectional study regarding respiratory etiquette and stress during novel coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Background: Lockdown helps in achieving the goal of reducing coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 virus infections but also causes loneliness increasing mental issues such as anxiety and depression. Even if all restrictions are lifted from June 8, we have to take proper precautions such as social distance, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to access respiratory etiquette, anxiety, and depression regarding COVID pandemic among participants after lifting the restriction of lockdown. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 260 participants during June–July 2020. Structured pro forma was used for data collection. General anxiety disorder-7 and patient health questionnaire-9 scales were used to assess anxiety and depression respectively. Google link was shared using purposive snowball sampling method. Consent obtained electronically through Google Forms. Results: Out of 260 participants, only 17.3% of participants always used mask. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was 50.4% and 44.6%, respectively. Significant association of anxiety and depression was observed with 31–45 age group, female, health-care professionals (HCPs), and those participants whose family members were COVID-19 positive. Conclusions: Lower respiratory hygiene etiquette after lifting of lockdown may be due to reduced fear of getting COVID-19 infection among the participants. Anxiety and depression level was associated with economic productive age group, female, HCPs, and those participants whose family members were COVID-19 positive.