Prevalence of Depression and its associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic in adult population of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT

Background: COVID-19 pandemic started in India on 30th January 2020. A nationwide lockdown was enforced from 24th March onwards, and most citizens were confined to their homes causing many psychosocial problems. Objective(s) To find the prevalence of depression and its associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s) A community based crosssectional study, conducted among the adult population of urban Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Information was collected using a predesigned questionnaire with a sample size of 396 consenting individuals. Result(s) Of the 396 participants, 99 (25%) had depression;with mild, moderate, and severe depression found in 20.45%, 3.53% and 1% individuals, respectively. Females were affected more than males (32.1% vs 18.2%). Prevalence of depression was 50% among individuals living alone, 34.7% among unemployed people, and 30% among individuals whose income was reduced during the lockdown period. Individuals who were quarantined due to positive/suspected COVID-19 infection had a 45.5% prevalence of depression. Individuals who were divorced or separated, had an increased prevalence of depression [OR 9.2, (95% CI 1.2-73.7)]. People who practiced meditation during the lockdown period had lesser prevalence of depression [OR 2.87, (95% CI 1.1-7.7)] than those who did not. Conclusion(s) The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major psycho-social impact on people. The findings from this study can help identify vulnerable individuals and prevent and/or reduce the morbidity of depression in future, both in India and other parts of the world. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.