COVID -19 and Stress Management

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID19 pandemic is causing panic, depression and especially stress. People are living between hopes of finding a solution to their health and socio-economic problems that this virus has managed to disrupt and feelings of hopelessness where there is no clarity about the end of this crisis. This study aims to find out how well the Moroccan population is coping with stress during the pandemic and how they are doing. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive and analytical observational study carried out using an online questionnaire that collects declarative and quantifiable data. The questionnaire was developed based on the world health organization recommendations for coping with stress. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS software. Results: A total of 219 participants were recruited in the study, 51.8% of the participants were unable to manage their stress and only 48.2% were able to do so. The means most practiced by the participants during the pandemic were: prayer or meditation 63.7%, staying busy (reading....) 60.5%, keeping social contacts 60.4%, having clear information about the pandemic 58.6%, keeping a stable diet 52.7%, seeing the positive sides of the containment 51.8%. Conclusion: the study allows evaluating the practices and means of coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Much remains to be done to understand the effects of this global crisis on mental health and to inform clinical assessment and intervention.