Prevalence and associated factors for elevated fear and depressive symptoms among the private service holders in Bangladesh during the Covid‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The ongoing public health emergency has created incredible fear of getting the infection and a terrible psychological burden among all levels. The pandemic has severely affected private job holders' economic status and lifestyle factors in Bangladesh. Here we aimed to assess fear and depressive symptoms among private job holders in Bangladesh during the Covid‐19 pandemic and associated risk factors. METHODS: We conducted this online cross‐sectional survey between January 15, 2021, and March 15, 2021, among 510 private job holders aged above 18 years. We followed the convenience sampling method for data collection. We assessed sociodemographic factors and two psychometric parameters. We applied the Fear of Covid‐19 Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 to assess increased fear and depressive symptoms, respectively. Chi‐square test, independent sample t‐test, and binary logistic regression analysis were performed for data analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of increased fear and depressive symptoms were 86.27% and 42.16%, respectively. Factors associated with increased fear among private job holders during COVID‐19 were economic class, obesity, on‐time salary, company's downsizing policy, salary reduction, home office, and transportation facilities. However, depressive symptoms were associated with marital status, education level, residence area, the organizational practice of health safety rules, company performance, on‐time salary, health insurance, downsizing, salary reduction policy, organization type, transportation, and mental health support at work. The present study also noticed some interrelations among the above factors with mental health issues. CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, we recommend actionable items to improve the mental health of private job holders in Bangladesh due to the ongoing pandemic. Authorities can develop mental health support programs and efficient Covid‐19 response systems. The policymakers and regulatory bodies might take some initiatives to promote mental health in the private sector in Bangladesh.