AUTHOR=Archibong Victor , Usman Ibe Michael , Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Aigbogun Eric Osamudiamwen , Josiah Ifie , Monima Ann Lemuel , Ssebuufu Robinson , Chekwech Gaudencia , Terkimbi Swase Dominic , Owoisinke Okon , Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis , Adeoye Azeez , Aruwa Joshua Ojodale , Afodun Adam Moyosore , Odoma Saidi , Ssempijja Fred , Ayikobua Emmanuel Tiyo , Ayuba John Tabakwot , Nankya Viola , Onongha Comfort , Henry Sussan , Matama Kevin , Yusuf Helen , Nalugo Halima , MacLeod Ewan , Welburn Susan Christina 

TITLE=Anxiety, Anger and Depression Amongst Low-Income Earners in Southwestern Uganda During the COVID-19 Total Lockdown

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.590458

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.590458

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> Low-income earners are particularly vulnerable to mental health, consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions, due to a temporary or permanent loss of income and livelihood, coupled with government-enforced measures of social distancing. This study evaluates the mental health status among low-income earners in southwestern Uganda during the first total COVID-19 lockdown in Uganda.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken amongst earners whose income falls below the poverty threshold. Two hundred and fifty-three (<italic>n</italic> = 253) male and female low-income earners between the ages of 18 and 60 years of age were recruited to the study. Modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) tools as appropriate were used to assess anxiety, anger, and depression respectively among our respondents.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Severe anxiety (68.8%) followed by moderate depression (60.5%) and moderate anger (56.9%) were the most common mental health challenges experienced by low-income earners in Bushenyi district. Awareness of mental healthcare increased with the age of respondents in both males and females. A linear relationship was observed with age and depression (<italic>r</italic> = 0.154, <italic>P</italic> = 0.014) while positive correlations were observed between anxiety and anger (<italic>r</italic> = 0.254, <italic>P</italic> &lt; 0.001); anxiety and depression (<italic>r</italic> = 0.153, <italic>P</italic> = 0.015) and anger and depression (<italic>r</italic> = 0.153, <italic>P</italic> = 0.015).</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> The study shows the importance of mental health awareness in low resource settings during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Females were identified as persons at risk to mental depression, while anger was highest amongst young males.</p>