When COVID-19 Enters in a Community Setting: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Community Perspectives on COVID-19 Affecting Mental Well-Being

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly resulted in an increased level of anxiety and fear among the general population related to its management and infection spread. Due to the current unprecedented situation the normal routine life of every individual has been hindered which may cause florid mental distress. Considering the relevance of present circumstances we explored perceptions and attitudes of community members towards COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their mental well-being. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach, at two communities of Karachi, Pakistan. In-depth interviews were conducted with community members including, young adults, middle-age adults, and older adults of both genders. Study data was analyzed manually using the conventional content analysis technique. Results: A total of 27 in-depth interviews were conducted, between May and June, 2020. Three overarching themes were identified: (I) Impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the general communities; (II) Current coping mechanisms to adapt to the new reality; and (III) Recommendations to address mental health of communities. Generally community members underwent increased anxiety and fear due to the contagious nature of the virus. Alongside, social, financial and religious repercussions of the pandemic have also heightened psychological distress among community members. However, community members were able to point out some of the coping mechanisms such as getting closer to God, connecting with family, participating in mental health sessions and resetting lives by indulging in diverse activities. Simultaneously, they also recommended the need of remote mental health services for elders and continuous efforts by the government to address mental health needs of the community at larger scale. Conclusion: COVID-19-associated mental health consequences have hit every individual in the society. The study finding has the potentialto guide the development of context-specific innovative mental health programs to overcome the pandemic repercussions.