Randomized study of prevalence of anxiety and depression in covid hospital by had’s scale

Introduction: The corona virus disease (COVID 19) pandemic is having a profound effect on all aspects of society including mental health and physical health. Effect is not only on public but also on health care workers. Aims and Objectives: Extensive research studies has shown that emotional distress echoed in populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We planned to explore the psychological effects of covid 19 on medical and non- medical people working and attending COVID hospital i.e NRIIMSSangivalasa, Visakhapatnam. The reason for selecting the HAD’S scale is to know Anxiety and Depression in these groups. It is a randomized prospective study. Onceprevalence is identified, the next aim is to identify the cause of anxiety and depression. There is a need for addressing how mental health consequences for vulnerable groups can be mitigated under pandemic situations. As it is already established that the mental health effects physical health and it is difficult sometimes to differentiate. Methodology: This study was a randomized prospective survey that used convenience rapid sampling (social distancing norms) among Health care workers, pregnant women and their attenders.The survey questionnaire was sent through instant messaging applications. Data collection was conducted from 1st July- 15thSeptember 2020.Total number of subjects surveyed are 300, among which health care workers 150, pregnant women 70, attenders 80. Results are tabulated using HADS scale. Results: The prevalence of anxiety (29.6%) is more than depression (25%)among all the 3 groups. Among 3 groups, anxiety is more in pregnant women (31.4%), when compared to health care workers(30%) and in attenders(27.5%).Whereas depression is seen in 38 health care workers (25.3%), 17 of pregnant women (24.28%), 20 of attenders of the pregnant women (25%). Conclusion: Uncertainty and anxiety prevailed in the society during the pandemic,also increasing the level of stress and fear of social isolation in pregnancy and new mother. This is the reason to have a basic study of population attending antenatal OP and who delivered in NRIIMS. Antenatal OP visits can be taken as advantage for educating and counselling to prevent postpartum psychosis. Identification of early signs of psychological diseases, anxiety and depression among health care workers, pregnant women and attenders.