Poll 3: The impact of COVID-19 on individual mental health
The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Ministry of Health, among other health bodies recommend social distancing as one of the precautionary measures against coronavirus. While social distancing has helped to curb the spread of the coronavirus, reduced contact with one’s family, friends and other support systems has a negative effect on mental health. This coupled with the ever-looming threat of contracting the virus and changes in routine has greatly affected the state of mind of many.
In the poll question below, we asked the general public what has caused them the greatest stress and had the most impact on their state of the mind.
Episode: Coronavirus and Mental Health
How has the present lockdown affected your state of mind?
- It has not affected my state of mind
- I am worried about increased violence in my home or community
- I feel lonely due to isolation
- I feel hopeless about the situation we are in
Results and Discussion
Feelings of hopelessness
34% of men respondents reported that feelings of hopelessness had the most impact on their state of mind. This was 1 point higher than reported by female respondents. Even though the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Uganda are low when compared to many African countries and are significantly lower on the global scene with no deaths reported, the numbers of confirmed cases keep rising each day.
How this appears to the general public that have done their very best to follow the presidential guidelines is that the spread of the pandemic cannot be controlled despite their best efforts.
Worries about the increasing violence
22% of women and 25% of men reported that worries about increase in violence both at home and in the community had a big impact on their state of mind. Between 30 March and 28 April 2020, a total of 3,280 cases of gender-based violence were reported to police (Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development). This can, in part, be attributed to the lockdown that has interrupted the livelihood activities of many Ugandans resulting in stress. frustration and great financial pressure. The relationship between stress and violent behaviour has been well documented (Compas, B.E. ,2006; UNICEF,2015 )
Loneliness due to isolation
22% of both women and men reported feeling lonely due to the isolation caused by social distancing. Ugandans are culturally social people; meeting friends and family is part of the daily routine for many. Social interactions tend to serve not just as entertainment but also stress relievers and emotional support sessions. Feelings of isolation could be more pronounced for people with disabilities, especially those with physical and visual impairments whose movements were restricted even before the lockdown.
No significant effect on mental health
23% of women reported to be unaffected (psychologically) by the lockdown in comparison to 19% of men. Traditional gender roles are still prevalent in many Ugandan homes with men expected to provide financially and women taking care of household duties. The financial burden caused by the lockdown and its effect on the family’s economic standing almost entirely falls on the man. One of the biggest stressors in these times is negated on the side of the woman; a possible explanation as to why more women reported being less affected.
