Psycho-social Impact of COVID-19: Methodological challenges in Researching Virtually

Abstract Background: Observing the possibility of various psycho-social and emotional issues stemming from the pandemic and lockdown, we have planned an online study with repeated measures. The study aimed to observe the changes and impact of the lockdown and unlock the community's lifestyle and psycho-social well-being. The present article discusses the results of the study and the methodological challenges.Methods: This was an observational study. Information was collected on a semi-structured questionnaire using Google Forms. The study was done two different times; 1) during the lockdown; 2) after the unlock. After getting ethical clearance, the questionnaire (Google form) was distributed amongst people using social media platforms. The investigators also requested their contacts to further disseminate the forms in their circles. Data were analysed applying SPSS-24.Results: A total of 324 responses were obtained during the lockdown. However, the follow-up questionnaire after the unlock had only 159 responses. An equal proportion of males and females took part in the study during the lockdown, but females outnumbered males after the unlock. Participants felt changes in their daily routine habits, physical and mental activities, household tensions and daily expenditures due to the lockdown.Discussion and conclusion: The study reveals that individuals during the lockdown have struggled with various negative emotions. The excessive drop-out of the online study and the limited number of responses from participants were the major methodological challenge.