Assessment of Mental Wellness Amongst the Faculty and Students of an Educational Institute in the State of Himachal Pradesh, India — Post Lockdown during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the mental health of human beingsworld wide. There is a lack of information pertaining to the mental wellness of students and faculty in dental institutions in India. This study aimed to assess the overall mental well being of students and faculty of dental institution after return to normalcy post-lockdown period during COVID-19. Material & Methods: A self reporting online questionnaire was designed by the authors after speaking with various therapists and mental health coaches. This questionnaire was anonymously filled out by 492 participants which included under graduate students, post graduate students, academic staff, paramedical and clerical staff in a dental institution. Results: Majority of the subjects felt the need for counseling in their work place (53.4%). A greater number felt they were getting insufficient sleep (48.3%) and (31.5%) of the participants experienced depression and anxiety which further affected their emotional well being and their day to day activities. One-fifth (16.8%) of the participants perceived that mental health affected their relationships and 20.1% observed that physical health restricted their day to day activities. Mental wellness of females was significantly more affected than males. Additionally marital status also influenced the mental wellness of the subjects. Conclusion: Literary evidence suggests that mental wellness is not given enough importance in our country in general. This study only proved the ramifications of COVID-19 on mental wellness and suggested the provision of counselling which could’ve protected the participants from slipping into a negative frame of mind.