Categorical Analysis on Mental Health Status of the people of Kerala during the COVID-19 Pandemic using the Proportional Odds Model

ABSTRACT

Background: Covid-19 pandemic forced people to get confined to social isolation and maintain social distancing which affected their mental health. The study aims at understanding the impact on the mental health status of people in Kerala, based on their demographic profile and the psychological issues faced during the Covid-19 lockdown. Methodology: The study included 700 respondents from various districts of Kerala telephonic and mailed questionnaires for the period of December 2020 - May 2021. Ordered logit model is used for the econometric analysis using R software. Results: The overall mental health status of an individual is affected by various reasons which are taken as various categories for the analysis. As a result of log odds estimated, Covid-19 patients are more disposed to mental health issues. Male respondents had a positive impact on mental health issues and unmarried people of all gender are disturbed with lockdown distress. Almost all occupational categories taken into account are more or less shaken with the pandemic except those with proper job security including Government and PSU workforces. Psychological, physical well-being is affected by the pandemic lockdown overall mental health system of people of Kerala. Conclusion: Covid-19 pandemic have affected the overall mental health of the people regardless of age and profession which can be more or less solved by the individuals themselves through yoga, meditation, exercise, reading books, gardening, cooking, virtual contacts with friends and family, getting enough sleep, etc. which helps tocan keep the mind relaxed and stable.