PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO LOCKDOWN DUE TO CORONA VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN MAHARASHTRA STATE, INDIA

Siddhi Lalit Kankariya; Gajare Rupali; Parag G. Kasliwal; Sundaram Kartikeyan

Volume : IX, Issue : VI, June - 2020

PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO LOCKDOWN DUE TO CORONA VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN MAHARASHTRA STATE, INDIA

Siddhi Lalit Kankariya, Gajare Rupali, Parag G. Kasliwal, Sundaram Kartikeyan

Abstract :

This cross–sectional descriptive study using snowball sampling technique was conducted in the state of Maharashtra in Western India, using Google forms during the lockdown due to the corona virus epidemic during April–May 2020. A pre–tested and pre–validated questionnaire was administered to 440 adult respondents (239 females: 54.32% and 201 males: 45.68%) to determine the socio–demographic profile and psychological responses of the respondents to the lockdown. The average age of female and male respondents was 23.82 +/– 8.22 years and 23.02 +/– 7.68 year, respectively, without significant (Z=1.053; p=0.291) gender difference. Significant gender difference was observed in educational status, occupation and leisure activities. As compared to females, significantly higher percentage of males experienced difficulty in concentrating on work or studies, worried about the future and experienced monotony and restlessness. Since lockdowns can be imposed as preventive measures in future also, the general public ought to be taught helpful tips to reduce stress.