Exploring Mental Health during the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in Mumbai: Serendipity for Some Women

Lisa R. Roberts, Shreeletha Solomon, Solomon J. Renati and Susanne Montgomery
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Lisa R. Roberts: School of Nursing, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
Shreeletha Solomon: Department of Psychology, Martin Luther Christian University, Shillong 793006, Meghalaya, India
Solomon J. Renati: Department of Psychology, Veer Wajekar Arts Science and Commerce College, University of Mumbai, Mumbai 400032, Maharashtra, India
Susanne Montgomery: School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-17

Abstract: Background : This study explored how low-income women already distressed by reproductive challenges were affected during the initial lockdown conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mumbai, India. Methods : Women with reproductive challenges and living in established slums participated in a longitudinal mixed-methods study comparing their mental health over time, at pre-COVID-19 and at one and four-months into India’s COVID-19 lockdown. Results : Participants ( n = 98) who presented with elevated mental health symptoms at baseline had significantly reduced symptoms during the initial lockdown. Improvements were associated with income, socioeconomic status, perceived stress, social support, coping strategies, and life satisfaction. Life satisfaction explained 37% of the variance in mental health change, which was qualitatively linked with greater family time (social support) and less worry about necessities, which were subsidized by the government. Conclusions : As the pandemic continues and government support wanes, original mental health issues are likely to resurface and possibly worsen, if unaddressed. Our research points to the health benefits experienced by the poor in India when basic needs are at least partially met with government assistance. Moreover, our findings point to the critical role of social support for women suffering reproductive challenges, who often grieve alone. Future interventions to serve these women should take this into account.

Keywords: COVID-19; global pandemic; maternal and reproductive health; psychosocial health; India (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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