Mental Health Status in Home Quarantine: A Cross-sectional Study on the Adolescents of the Southern Part of Bangladesh

Background with objective

Mental health is considered a crucial factor in ensuring a good quality of life. This study aims to analyze the mental health status of Bangladeshi adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the mortality rate among adolescents is lower compared to the elderly, their struggles are often overlooked. Therefore, this study seeks to assess their mental well-being and how they are adapting to the "new normal," where prolonged school closures have confined them indoors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to May 2022 using a self-reported online questionnaire that included the DASS-21 scale, along with socio-demographic, lifestyle, and academic factors to collect data. A total of 322 adolescents (aged 12–19) participated, with a mean age of 16 years (SD = 1.84). Descriptive analysis, along with bivariate and multivariate linear regression, was performed to examine the associations between variables. Statistical analyses were conducted using Windows-based computer software, specifically the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 20).

Results

The study analyzed data from 384 adolescents, with an average age of 16 years, to assess sociodemographic factors, home quarantine behaviors, and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Males accounted for 54.97% of respondents, and most were urban residents (87.27%). A significant portion of students (66.46%) belonged to families with fewer than four members, and the majority of their parents had higher education qualifications. When it comes to fathers worked in public or private services (55.28%), while mothers were primarily homemakers (68.63%).

The most common household income range was 20,000–40,000 BDT per month. Regarding quarantine behaviors, 66.15% played indoor games, while 25.16% engaged in outdoor activities. Around 37.58% studied for over three hours daily, whereas 5.28% did not study at all. Notably, 63.66% used the internet for over three hours daily, primarily for social networking (85.09%) and entertainment (83.85%). Additionally, 77.33% engaged in hobbies, and 80.75% participated in household chores. Over half of the adolescents (58.39%) slept for at least six hours, while 1.86% reported sleepless nights. A significant portion (58.70%) experienced dietary changes, and 50.31% reported reduced communication with friends. Most students (84.47%) attended online classes, and 41.30% did not want schools to reopen. Regarding mental health, 67.08% exhibited depressive symptoms, with 16.15% experiencing severe depression. Anxiety affected 49.38% of participants, and 40.68% reported stress. Factors significantly associated with depression included being a college student, excessive entertainment-based internet use, food habit changes, and reduced social interaction. Anxiety was notably higher among older adolescents (18-20 years) and females. These findings highlight the psychological and behavioral impacts of home quarantine on adolescents.

Conclusion

The key findings of this study indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant adverse impact on adolescents' mental health. Our results suggest that the government should prioritize adolescent mental health while addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic.