Influence of mental health on the well-being status among Malaysian adults before and during COVID-19 pandemic

Cheah, Whye Lian and Leh, Shii Law and Alexander, Lourdes Samy and Bee, Seok Chua and Ching, Sin Siau and Mimi, Fitriana and Suzanna, Awang Bono and Vighnarajah, S. and Wah, Yun Low (2022) Influence of mental health on the well-being status among Malaysian adults before and during COVID-19 pandemic. Psychology, Health & Medicine.

PDF Influence of mental health on the well-being.pdf Download (448kB)

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the well-being of individuals worldwide. Due to the scarcity of information in the Malaysian context, this study aimed at investigating the changes in well-being before and during the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia and its association with mental health status. This cross-sectional study was part of a Malaysian non-probabilistic online survey on psychosocial well-being in Malaysia, under the Personal and Family Coping with COVID-19 Global South Research Consortium. A total of 543 respondents (≥18 years old) were recruited using snowball sampling. A validated self-administered questionnaire for assessing sociodemographic characteristics, well-being, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness was circulated on social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp) and emails. Paired samples t-test, chi-square test, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied during data analysis. Results revealed significant changes in the mean scores of well-being, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness before and during MCO (p < 0.05). When comparing with no change in the well-being group, changes in boredom were less likely to be observed in the decreased well-being group (Adj OR = 0.874; p = 0.003) but were more likely to be observed in the group with increased well-being (Adj OR = 1.110; p = 0.002). The findings indicated that the pandemic did not necessarily create adverse effects. Instead, a different perspective is offered, which can be used as a public health strategy to help individuals cope with their mental health needs more positively.

Actions (For repository members only: login required)

View Item