Mental health of Tunisian women during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created a situation of general distress. Although the focus has been initially more on the physical health during the pandemic, mental health concerns linked to the lockdown have quickly risen.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic on Tunisian women’s mental health.MethodsAn online survey was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). We also collected sociodemographic information and mental health status.ResultsA total of 751 women completed the questionnaire. More than half of the participants (57.3%) reported extremely severe distress symptoms, and 53.1% had extremely severe stress symptoms as per the DASS-21. Those who had a history of mental illness were found to have more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress.ConclusionsAs this study was the first one to evaluate the acute impact of COVID-19 on mental health in Tunisia, Arab world and in Africa, it may be a sound basis for developing an effective psychological intervention aimed at women in these regions.DisclosureNo significant relationships.