COVID-19 Related Mental Health Burdens: Impact of Educational Level and Relationship Status Among Low Income Earners of Western Uganda

Background: The imposed COVID-19 lockdown is taking a toll mental health, with low-income earners considered particularly affected. The study aimed to investigate level of education and relationship status on awareness of mental healthcare and explore how these factors inuence mental health among low income earners in Western Uganda. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken among low-income earners in South Western Uganda. Data were collected from two hundred and fty-three (253) participants using a structured closed ended questionnaire. Anxiety, anger and depression were assessed using a modied generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger’s State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) item tools respectively. Result: Most respondents were single male individuals with secondary level. Respondents with tertiary level of education and those with partners had higher score (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness on mental healthcare. Respondents with primary education level and individuals that were single had higher score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those living with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression. Individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r 2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r 2 =1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r 2 =10.1%). The group of single individuals had a negative correlation with awareness on mental healthcare, anger and depression (r 2 =1.9, 0.8 and 0.3% respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r 2 =3.9%). Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status inuence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. Therefore, we advocate for new approaches in mental healthcare awareness programs equipped with robust strategy, which will focus on improving optimal mental health among these set of people.

level of education and those with partners had higher score (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness on mental healthcare. Respondents with primary education level and individuals that were single had higher score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those living with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression. Individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r 2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r 2 =1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r 2 =10.1%). The group of single individuals had a negative correlation with awareness on mental healthcare, anger and depression (r 2 =1.9, 0.8 and 0.3% respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (r 2 =3.9%).
Conclusion: It is evident that education and relationship status in uence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. Therefore, we advocate for new approaches in mental healthcare awareness programs equipped with robust strategy, which will focus on improving optimal mental health among these set of people.

Background
The world is now battling with a new type of virus that was identi ed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention as the causative agent of pneumonia-like infection which present with cough and high fever rst reported amongst patients in Wuhan city of China by the end of 2019 [1]; the virus, initially named 2019 nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO) was later renamed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses [2]. In mid-February 2020, WHO announced an epidemic disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 as coronavirus disease 2019 . While respiratory distress syndrome was initially reported as the primary pathology in patients with COVID-19, several systems have since been implicated including the nervous system [3]. As at 6th of August 2020, over 18.6 million con rmed cases and 702 642 death were reported globally. In Africa, 848 053 con rmed cases and 15 252 deaths were reported in WHO corona disease situation report [4].
While the extent of the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa remains unknown, its impact on the socioeconomic and mental health status is palpable. As for other coronaviruses, mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression and peritraumatic stress) have been reported during this COVID-19 crisis [5]. The pandemic impacts on the physical human health, social and political patterns a positive feedback that characteristically and indirectly inhibit the social, economic and political wellbeing of communities, societies and nations. As the pandemic progresses, it is likely that mental health burden will increase as measures taken by the African governments to mitigate the spread of the SARS-COV-2 virus, such as shelter-in-place order, banning public gatherings, closure of schools and social distancing have a great impact on the lives of low income earners, earning $1,025 or less per month [6]. Strategies put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 expose low income earners to experience situations that could be a predisposing factor to poor mental health outcomes, such as isolation and job loss [7].
Public health emergencies can have psychological effects on college students, expressed as anxiety, fear, and worry; economic effects, and effects on daily life, as well as delays in academic activities, have been positively associated with anxiety and social support was negatively correlated with the level of anxiety [8]. Not only is education affected within this shelter-in-place and physical isolation, intimate relationship and effective relationships among individuals are also affected.
The pandemic combined with social distancing is creating very stressful situations, and a fairly high number of people are exhibiting mental health symptoms such as fear, irritability, depression or anxiety; unavoidable in the face of a perceived threat. he fear of contracting the virus, negatively in uences a rather well functioning romantic relationships as individuals have been recorded to have increased aggression, panic and hostility towards their partners. Previous studies have found a strong association between separation or divorce and an increased risk of depression, nevertheless, it is also asserted that marital relationships have noticeable bene cial effects on the mental health of couples [9,10]. Effective communication, support and responsiveness are some factors that can help a relationship thrive during times of crisis and as well as enable partners maintain a stable mental health status. In a study by Steele et al. [11], it was observed that there is an association between educational status and anxiety and or the use of mental health services. In that study, individuals with higher education accessed mental health services more readily than those less likely to be recognised as educated. Similarly, a cross-national investigation of 12-month and lifetime prevalence of mental disorders were investigated among college students. The results showed that a signi cant number of the population studied have mental disorders which were substance abuse, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and behavioral disorders. In this case, anxiety disorders were the most prevalent among the college students [12]. In another study, students in higher education had a tendency not to complete their tertiary education as a result of mental health challenges; poor mental health was signi cantly associated with school dropouts among students [13].
Mental healthcare awareness has attracted widespread attention over the years. Higher levels of education are associated with increased access to a wide range of information, higher employment accessibility, improves health and promotes inter-personal and intra-personal well-being [14]. Lopez et al. [15] stated that, individuals who have attained some level of college education have a signi cantly higher knowledge of mental healthcare than their counterparts with low levels of education.
This study aimed to determine the effect of education level and relationship status on levels of awareness of mental healthcare and mental status among low income earners in Western Uganda. This data would be of value in guiding policy makers to evolve strategies focused at social transformation guided by effective mental health education and supporting low income earners towards resilience during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study site and design
The study was a cross-sectional descriptive study, aimed at investigating the implications of education level and relationship status on level of awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. The present study deployed simple random sampling technique.

Study population
Low income earners between 18 and 65 years of age living and or working within Ishaka municipality in Bushenyi district of Western Uganda who gave their consent to be part of the study were recruited. Those outside the age required for the study and those who had not consented to participate in the study were excluded from the study. Low income earners were individuals who depend on day to day business activities for their livelihood such as "boda" riders (cyclist), mobile money stand attendants, traders and the like.

Data collection method and tool
A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents who met the inclusion criteria for the study. The questionnaire had questions covering ve different areas of the study; sociodemographic (age, educational status and relationship status), awareness on mental healthcare, anxiety, anger and depression. Awareness of mental health care was assessed using simple questions.
Anxiety was assessed using a modi ed generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) item tool. Anger was assessed using a modi ed Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2). Depression was assessed using a modi ed Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Responses from the different components of the questionnaire were assigned scores. A Google format of the questionnaire was used to minimize physical contact and also maintain social distancing according to the guidelines by WHO and Ministry of Health in Uganda. Respondents who could not understand the questions clearly had the questions interpreted in local language for them by team members who can communicate effectively in the local language. In the end 280 potential respondents were approached, out of whom 27 of them declined. Therefore, the sample size is 253.

Data management and organization
The data obtained from the survey was entered into Microsoft excel (2016)  For questions on awareness level, every correct response was assigned (1) and incorrect response was assigned (0). The scores of the multiple options for the modi ed GAD, and STAXI-2 were obtained by assigning one (1) mark per response. While BDI had four (4) options graded as 3, 2, 1 and 0 (for indifferent). For speci c graded questions (Yes, sometimes, or No), scores; 2, 1, 0 were assigned and all questions in this form were cumulated (per row) and the averages were obtained by summing all scores (qt) and dividing the number of questions (n) for each section. This scoring and grading system allows for both linear and uni/multivariate logistic regression analysis. On the other hand, the obtained scores for each individual in the different segment was then converted to percentage, so as to get the mean percentage score for awareness, anxiety, anger and depression.

Data Analysis
The data was transferred to Graphpad Prism version 6 and Minitab® 18.1 (Minitab, Inc. 2017) for analysis. The relationship between educational status and relationship status with awareness, anxiety, anger and depression level we examined using Spearman Rho correlation, then all signi cant correlates were regressed using system-assisted regression model. All analyses were performed at 95% con dence level and p-values less than 0.05 were taken to be signi cant.

Results
The majority of our respondents were male 150/253 (59.3%) who had attained secondary education level 104/253 (41.1%) and were single 137/253 (54.2%). Respondents with tertiary level education and those with partners exhibited higher scores (71.7% and 70.28% respectively) for awareness. Respondents with primary education level and single individuals had a higher mean score (46.98% and 43.72% respectively) for anxiety. Respondents with primary education level and those leaving with partners had higher mean score (56.44% and 56.21% respectively) for anger. Respondents with no formal education and those who had lost partners had higher mean score (32.11% and 30.50% respectively) for depression (Fig. 1).
Educational status was observed to in uence depression as age increases. The individuals without formal educational and primary education were observed to have a negative correlation (r2 = 47.4 and 6.4% respectively) with awareness on mental healthcare, and the no formal group had positive correlation with anger and depression (r2 = 1.9 and 0.3% respectively), while other groups were negatively correlated (r2 = 10.1%) ( Table 2; Fig. 2). In comparing the age associated chances across the relationship status group, it was observed that the lost-partner group had older individuals and were more aware, but also more depressed as age increased when compared to the single groups which has a negative correlation (r2 = 1.9%) with awareness on mental healthcare, positive correlation (r2 = 3.9%) with anxiety and negative correlation with anger and depression (r2 = 0.8 and 0.3% respectively) (Table 2; Fig. 3).

Discussion
Awareness on mental healthcare is intrinsically linked with increased utilization of mental healthcare services. This study showed an increased awareness on mental healthcare with increase in age among the separated (divorced/widowed) and those living with a partner (Married) but decreased in singles group (never married) (Fig. 3). The increase in awareness on mental healthcare is likely due to the fact that being married (either previously or currently) is bene cial to mental health and in uences awareness on mental health care [16][17] [18], as such may have in uenced the level of awareness on mental health care in these groups compared to the single individuals group. There was increase in awareness on mental healthcare with increase in age among people who had attained tertiary and secondary level of education compared to those who had primary and no formal education in the present study (Fig. 2). This means that educational level signi cantly contributed to mental healthcare awareness in this study. Primary level of education alone did not provide the needed exposure to respondents in terms of knowledge on certain aspects of life such as mental health care, thereby making it no different from respondents who had no formal education in terms of awareness on mental healthcare.
Our ndings show that anxiety score increased among low income earners who were single individuals compared to those with partners (married) and those that had lost their partners (separated/widowed) ( Fig. 1). Single people experienced more anxiety during the COVID-19 lockdown in Western Uganda compared to those who are living with a partner or had once been in a marital relationship. Intimate relationships tend to provide an avenue for people to express and manage personal distress, which may help alleviate anxiety [19]. Marriage is associated with psychological bene ts that make the partners happier and healthier [20][21] [22]. Zaider and colleagues reported that in marital relationships the wives were more vulnerable to anxiety than husbands and those wives often perceived that their husbands were the ones who alleviated or appeased their anxiety [19]. A study on "Singlism" observed that participants recruited in the study described married people as happy, ful lled, stable, reliable, kind, giving and loving, while on the other hand, single people were described as unsuccessful and ugly [23], thus portraying the pressures and expectations on single people which may contribute to anxiety over their relationship status, especially in a lockdown. In addition, people who are single have been reported to negatively evaluate other singles as being more at risk and unstable [24]. Anxiety scores were decreased in those who had formal (primary, secondary and tertiary) and no formal education groups ( Fig. 1 & Fig. 2); having either educational or no educational exposure did not in uence anxiety among low income earners in Western Uganda during the lockdown.
Anger score increased with age in respondents who had no formal education and primary education level when compared to those who had secondary and tertiary level of education. This trend is in line with the study done by Boylan and Ryff [25], who reported that educational status was linked to higher angercontrol. The lack of formal education and low education may have been the reasons the no formal education and primary education level groups experienced an increase in anger score during the COVID-19 lockdown in Western Uganda. We also observed that the group without formal education had an increased depression score which increased with age while the primary, secondary and tertiary education groups had decreased depression scores. This is supported by Bjelland et al. [26], who reported that low education levels were signi cantly associated with depression. Another study by Ross and Mirowsky [27], stated that education is a resource that is an integral part of a person, rather than being an external part of a person. Mirowsky and Ross [27], postulated that education precedes and actually in uences social economic status indicators such as occupation and income.
This study also showed an increase in depression score with an increase in age in lost partner group when compared to partner and single groups ( Fig. 1 & Fig. 3). This is in line with previous studies that reported separation or divorce to be associated with increased risk of depression, although, there are inconsistencies as to whether the increase is higher among women [28,29,9]. Being previously married (lost partner/separated) was associated with increased risk of depressive disorders; thereby supporting the fact that getting married was more protective against depression and alcohol use [30], and may be the reasons behind the increase in the depression score in separated groups when compared to partner and singles group in our study. An initial increase in anger score was observed among the separated groups but later decreased with age. This may be a con rmation to the fact that the separated group experienced more depression because anger is one of the ways most people express depression [31].

Conclusion
This study aimed to determine the effect of education level and relationship status on levels of awareness of mental healthcare and mental status among low income earners in Western Uganda. It is evident that education and relationship status in uence awareness on mental healthcare and mental health state among low income earners in Western Uganda. This data would be of value in guiding policy makers to evolve strategies focused at social transformation guided by effective mental health education and supporting low income earners towards resilience during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We advocate for new approaches in mental healthcare awareness programs equipped with robust strategy, which will focus on improving optimal mental health among this group of individuals.

Supplementary Files
This is a list of supplementary les associated with this preprint. Click to download. AnnQuestionaireMentalhealth.docx