Levels of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the Initial Stage of Movement Control Order in Malaysia: A Sociodemographic Analysis

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, many have lost their source of income, causing them to be socially isolated and consequently limiting their participation in social events. This has led to the occurrence of mental health illnesses and has impacted the level of life satisfaction. This study assessed the effect of the introduction of movement control orders (MCOs) in Malaysia during the initial phase of the COVID-19 epidemic. Between 1 April 2020 and 30 May 2020, a Google form containing a questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information and the effects of MCO on mental health was made available to the public via email and a social media forum, and 762 responses were collected. Those who took the initiative to fill out the responses were therefore categorized as survey participants. City-dwelling Chinese-ethnic women between the ages of 18 and 25 who have mild to severe symptoms of sadness, anxiety, and stress were at the highest risk for developing mental health disorders, according to the study. The firms should be accorded appropriate consideration, acknowledgement, focus, and financial support. The goal of mental health programs for affected individuals should be to create a society free of the mental health difficulties, which can grasp the soul and mind and, eventually, improve the quality of life.

Keywords

• mental health
• movement control order
• COVID-19