Mental health of Tunisian women during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created a situation of general distress. Although the focus has been initially more on the physical health during the pandemic, mental health concerns linked to the lockdown have quickly risen. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic on Tunisian women’s mental health. METHODS: An online survey was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21). We also collected sociodemographic information and mental health status. RESULTS: A total of 751 women completed the questionnaire. More than half of the participants (57.3%) reported extremely severe distress symptoms, and 53.1% had extremely severe stress symptoms as per the DASS-21. Those who had a history of mental illness were found to have more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. CONCLUSIONS: As this study was the first one to evaluate the acute impact of COVID-19 on mental health in Tunisia, Arab world and in Africa, it may be a sound basis for developing an effective psychological intervention aimed at women in these regions. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.