Comparative Study Analyzing Prevalence of Anxiety among Different Professions Using GAD-7 Scale during COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Abstract

COVID 19 pandemic is sweeping across the globe, causing adverse societal and economic consequences affecting mental health. Studies have documented increased prevalence of mental disorders including anxiety. Because of paucity of studies accessing mental disorders, we conducted a comparative study analyzing prevalence of anxiety among different professions using GAD-7 scale during COVID-19 pandemic in India. We conducted this study using completely voluntary anonymous GAD-7 Questionnaire by distributing hard copies and e-copies among > 20 years of age Indians, understanding English and willingness to participate after taking informed consent and ethical committee approval. Prevalence of anxiety among total study population of 4333 was 80.5% including 79.3% medical profession group, 85.1% business group, 79.8% teachers, 78.8% students and 82.4% non-medical profession group. Higher overall prevalence of mild anxiety was observed among all profession groups. Prevalence of mild anxiety was higher in male group and moderate anxiety in females and the difference was statistically highly significant. Results show significantly high prevalence of anxiety among all professions, gender and age groups in Indian population. Globally, COVID-19 pandemic has catastrophic effect on psychosocial and mental health. Our study analyzing prevalence of anxiety among different professions during COVID-19 pandemic in India found significantly high prevalence of anxiety among all professions, gender and age groups, necessitating increased focus on multilevel India specific mental health interventions and strategies for curbing and preventing mental health problems and need for further research.