Abstract
Background:The mental health impact of Covid-19 from the perspective of individuals experiencing psychological distress during lockdown period in marginalized, high-risk communities remains underinvestigated.Aims:This study aims to identify key factors related to psychological distress resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic across highly vulnerable districts in Guatemala.Methods:The Covid Care Calls (CCC) survey was administered to households in 11 districts in Guatemala to gather information about medical, mental health, and psychosocial status during the lockdown period; provide referral for care; and disseminate information on evidence-based protective measures to stem the spread of the virus. The 330 individuals participated the survey. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze survey data.Results:Most commonly reported mental health issues since the start of the pandemic were anxiety (46%), stress (36%), and exacerbation of pre-Covid-19 mental health conditions (19%). Depression and burnout were equally reported by 12% of participants. Only 2% reported issues with safety in the home. Concerns about catching the virus and economic worries were the most commonly reported sources of psychological distress.Conclusion:Results of this study indicate a high prevalence of anxiety, stress, and increased prior mental health symptoms resulting from the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in low-income, high-risk communities across Guatemala. Efforts focused on enhancing coping strategies as well as psychoeducation to address stigma and increase help-seeking for depression are particularly important.
Highlights
Research over the last several months of the Covid-19 pandemic has established significant negative mental health consequences related to the onset of the virus and subsequent quarantines and lockdown restrictions across the globe
While this growing body of research has identified the prevalence of mental health issues resulting from the pandemic and related sociodemographic characteristics associated with increased risk of experiencing mental health symptoms, far less studied are the unique factors contributing to the experience of psychological distress during lockdown periods
This study aims to fill that gap and identify the psychosocial factors contributing to psychological distress during the lockdown period among individuals residing in highly vulnerable communities across Guatemala
Summary
Research over the last several months of the Covid-19 pandemic has established significant negative mental health consequences related to the onset of the virus and subsequent quarantines and lockdown restrictions across the globe. Results indicated that among adults living in highly vulnerable communities characterized by high rates of extreme poverty, crime, familial and gang violence, moderate to high rates of anxiety and stress, and significant increases in pre-existing mental health symptoms were reported. While this growing body of research has identified the prevalence of mental health issues resulting from the pandemic and related sociodemographic characteristics associated with increased risk of experiencing mental health symptoms, far less studied are the unique factors contributing to the experience of psychological distress during lockdown periods.
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