COVID-19 pandemic impact on mental health and quality of life among general population in Pakistan

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial impact during the current epidemic situation of COVID-19 in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A total of 1,149 respondents were recruited in the study. Mental health status and psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak were measured by impact of events scale–revised (IES-R) instrument and depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21), respectively. Findings Results of IES-R revealed moderate or severe psychological impact in 13.05% respondents (score > 33). DAAS score revealed that severe and extremely severe depression (score: 21–42), anxiety (score: 15–42) and stress (score: 27–42) were reported in 6.35%, 6.87% and 2.78% respondents, respectively. Higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were recorded in female gender, student, medical professionals, farmer and daily wages employed, exhibiting significant (p < 0.05) association with psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Majority of respondents received increased support, shared feeling and family care. Originality/value Mild to moderate psychological impact on mental health status was recorded in this study, which enables further planning and opportunities for health authorities to design psychological interventions for the improvement of negative psychological impact of COVID-19 epidemic in vulnerable groups.