Psychological distress, fear and coping among Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257304
• Publication Date: 2021-09-10T17:50:14Z
• Authors: Ahmed Suparno Bah...; Shalimar Abdullah; Mohammad Farris I...; Mohammed Shahjaha...; Sheikh M. Alif; Farhana Sultana; Masudus Salehin; Sheikh Mohammed S...; Wendy Cross; Muhammad Aziz Rahman
• Keywords: Pandemic; Cross-sectional study; Psychological Distress

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has enormously affected the psychological well-being, social and working life of millions people across world. This study aimed to investigate distress, fear coping strategies as a result its associated factors among Malaysian residents. Methods Participants were invited an online cross-sectional survey from Aug-Sep 2020. assessed distress using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, level Fear Brief Resilient Coping Scale. Univariate multivariate logistic regression analyses conducted adjust for potential confounders. Results mean age (±SD) participants (N = 720) was 31.7 (±11.5) years, most them females (67.1%). Half had income source, while 216 (30%) identified themselves frontline health or essential service workers. People whose financial situation impacted due (AOR 2.16, 95% CIs 1.54–3.03), who drank alcohol in last four weeks (3.43, 1.45–8.10), patient (2.02, 1.39–2.93), higher levels (2.55, 1.70–3.80) more likely have distress. self-isolated exposure (3.12, 1.04–9.32) moderate very high (2.56, 1.71–3.83) fear. provided care family member/patient with suspected case be moderately highly resilient compared those did not. Conclusion Vulnerable groups individuals such patients financially during should supported their mental wellbeing. Behavioural interventions targeted reduce impact drinking crisis period.