Abstract summary 

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

Authors & Co-authors:  Archibong Victor V Usman Ibe Michael IM Kasozi Keneth Iceland KI Aigbogun Eric Osamudiamwen EO Josiah Ifie I Monima Ann Lemuel AL Ssebuufu Robinson R Chekwech Gaudencia G Terkimbi Swase Dominic SD Owoisinke Okon O Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis NE Adeoye Azeez A Aruwa Joshua Ojodale JO Afodun Adam Moyosore AM Odoma Saidi S Ssempijja Fred F Ayikobua Emmanuel Tiyo ET Ayuba John Tabakwot JT Nankya Viola V Onongha Comfort C Henry Sussan S Matama Kevin K Yusuf Helen H Nalugo Halima H MacLeod Ewan E Welburn Susan Christina SC

Study Outcome 

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