Status of mental health and its associated factors among the general populace of India during COVID‐19 pandemic

The COVID-19 is an international public health emergency and threatens psychological resilience. Here we assess the general health status of the public in India during the COVID-19 outbreak. A population-based cross-sectional study conducted using a General Health Questionnaire and the relationship between mental health and sociodemographic factors were analyzed. The mean score for the general health of citizens was 24.18. About 40.63% of the elderly and 40.18% of the female population was under severe physiological distress. The prevalence of psychological stress among the general population was higher than expected. Hence, there is a need to intensify awareness about the pandemic and should provide mental health management programs.