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. 2021 Dec 9:9:590458.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.590458. eCollection 2021.

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

Victor Archibong  1 , Ibe Michael Usman  2 , Keneth Iceland Kasozi  3 , Eric Osamudiamwen Aigbogun Jr  2 , Ifie Josiah  2 , Ann Lemuel Monima  1 , Robinson Ssebuufu  4 , Gaudencia Chekwech  5 , Swase Dominic Terkimbi  2 , Okon Owoisinke  6 , Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy  7 , Azeez Adeoye  2 , Joshua Ojodale Aruwa  2 , Adam Moyosore Afodun  8 , Saidi Odoma  9 , Fred Ssempijja  2 , Emmanuel Tiyo Ayikobua  10 , John Tabakwot Ayuba  2 , Viola Nankya  11 , Comfort Onongha  11 , Sussan Henry  11 , Kevin Matama  9 , Helen Yusuf  12 , Halima Nalugo  13 , Ewan MacLeod  3 , Susan Christina Welburn  3   14
Affiliations

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

Victor Archibong et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: 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. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken amongst earners whose income falls below the poverty threshold. Two hundred and fifty-three (n = 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. Results: 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 (r = 0.154, P = 0.014) while positive correlations were observed between anxiety and anger (r = 0.254, P < 0.001); anxiety and depression (r = 0.153, P = 0.015) and anger and depression (r = 0.153, P = 0.015). Conclusion: 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.

Keywords: COVID-19 hits poor harder; COVID-19 outcomes; COVID-19 response in Africa; hunger and COVID-19; psychosocial impacts of COVID-19; socio-economic impacts of COVID-19; women dangers in COVID-19.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Description of the study area. The study was conducted in Uganda (A) which is an East African country. In particular, the surveyed participants where located in Bushenyi Municipality (B), covering a total of 10 market areas (C). Market areas visited included: Kizinda market area, Kizinda open market, African village market area, Ishaka business area, Ishaka open market, Bassajja market, Kampala International University (KIU), KIU open market, Lagos market area, and Abuja market areas (C).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage score difference for awareness, anxiety, anger, and depression between male and female.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Composite score difference for awareness, anxiety, anger, and depression between the different age groups.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Scatter plot of Sex influence on age associated changes in awareness, anxiety, anger, and depression.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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