Panic and generalized anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic among Bangladeshi people: An online pilot survey early in the outbreak - PubMed (original) (raw)
Panic and generalized anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic among Bangladeshi people: An online pilot survey early in the outbreak
Md Saiful Islam et al. J Affect Disord. 2020.
Abstract
Background: Precisely how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health worldwide is currently poorly understood. The study aimed to assess panic and anxiety among individuals in the general Bangladesh population early in the COVID-19 outbreak.
Methodology: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from March 29 to April 06, 2020, involving 1311 community-dwelling individuals aged between 13 and 63 years and residing in Bangladesh. After providing informed consent, participants completed an online survey assessing socio-demographic variables and using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) to assess panic and anxiety symptomatology, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results: Estimates of panic and generalized anxiety were 79.6%, and 37.3%, respectively. Factors statistically predicting panic were being older (more than 30 years), having higher education (above bachelor), being married, and living with a joint family. Factors statistically predicting generalized anxiety were being female, being older (more than 30 years), having higher education (above bachelor), being married, being a non-governmental employee.
Limitations: As this study employs the cross-sectional and self-reported measures, causal inferences cannot be indicated. Sampling biases may have influenced estimates of panic and generalized anxiety.
Conclusion: Sizable proportions of respondents reported panic and generalized anxiety in the setting of COVID-19. The findings suggest the need for additional surveillance of panic and generalized anxiety through longitudinal assessments. Evidence-based intervention programs and supportive services to address panic and generalized anxiety appear important for Bangladeshi individuals during this stage (and likely later stages) of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords: Anxiety; Bangladesh; COVID-19; General population; Panic.
Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare that they have no potential conflict of interest for the publication of this article. Dr. Potenza has consulted for Opiant Therapeutics, Game Day Data, the Addiction Policy Forum, AXA and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals; has received research support from Mohegan Sun Casino and the National Center for Responsible Gaming; has participated in surveys, mailings or telephone consultations related to drug addiction, impulse-control disorders or other health topics; has consulted for and/or advised gambling and legal entities on issues related to impulse-control/addictive disorders; has provided clinical care in a problem gambling services program; has performed grant reviews for research-funding agencies; has edited journals and journal sections; has given academic lectures in grand rounds, CME events and other clinical or scientific venues; and has generated books or book chapters for publishers of mental health texts. The other authors report no disclosures.
References
- BBC. (2020). Coronavirus: “Public Holiday” Extnded in Bangladesh for 7 days, Banned from Going out after 6 pm. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/bengali/news-52241434.
- Bdnews24.com. (2020). Bangladesh in Virtual Lockdown as Coronavirus Fight Flares. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2020/03/25/bangladesh-in-virtual-lockdow....
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Older Adults. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/older-a....
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