Study on Anxiety and Loneliness among General Population in a City of South India

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of corona virus disease 2019 prompted people to face a distressing and unexpected situation. In particular, restrictions due to the quarantine increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety. The risk of contamination and the experience of social distancing changed people’s behaviors and deeply impacted individual feelings, daily habits, and relationships.Objectives: The objectives of the study are to know the prevalence of anxiety and loneliness among generalpopulation and to study factors associating anxiety and loneliness in Tumkur city.Materials & Methods: This Cross sectional study was conducted in Tumkur, Karnataka state. Study subjects were general population of age 18 yrs to 65 yrs. Study duration was from June 2020 to January 2021. 374 subjects were selected by purposive sampling.Results: In our study, 374 subjects were examined ranging from age 18-65 years situated in, Tumkur. Out of 374 subjects 176 (47.1%) subjects had minimal anxiety followed by mild anxiety in 97 (25.9%) subjects and moderate anxiety in 64 (17.1%) subjects. 9.9% of the subjects had severe anxiety.Conclusion: Mild to moderate anxiety and loneliness was seen among general population. Thus by propercommunication by using the social network, video calling people can stay connected and thereby reducing the anxiety and loneliness during these tough times.