AUTHOR=Lemuel Ann Monima , Usman Ibe Michael , Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Alghamdi Saad , Aigbogun Eric Osamudiamwen , Archibong Victor , Ssebuufu Robinson , Kabanyoro Annet , Ifie Josiah Eseoghene , Swase Dominic Terkimbi , Ssempijja Fred , Ayuba John Tabakwot , Matama Kevin , Onohuean Hope , Kembabazi Stellamaris , Henry Rachael , Odoma Said , Yusuf Helen , Afodun Adam Moyosore , Assaggaf Hamza M. , Kairania Emmanuel , Aslam Akhmed , Okon Owoisinke , El-Saber Batiha Gaber , Welburn Susan Christina 

TITLE=COVID-19-Related Mental Health Burdens: Impact of Educational Level and Relationship Status Among Low-Income Earners of Western Uganda

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=9

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.739270

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.739270

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> The study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental health with the level of education, relationship status, and awareness on mental health among low-income earners in Western Uganda.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 253 participants. Anxiety, anger, and depression were assessed using a modified generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), Spielberger's State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2, and Beck Depression Inventory item tools, respectively.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> The majority of our respondents were male (<italic>n</italic> = 150/253, 59.3), had a secondary level of education (104/253, 41.1), and were single (137/253, 54.2). No formal education and primary education (<italic>r</italic><sup>2</sup> = 47.4% and 6.4%, respectively) had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care. In addition, no formal education had a positive correlation with anger and depression (<italic>r</italic><sup>2</sup> = 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively). Singleness in this study had a negative correlation with awareness of mental health care, anger, and depression (<italic>r</italic><sup>2</sup> = 1.9, 0.8, and 0.3%, respectively), and a positive correlation with anxiety (<italic>r</italic><sup>2</sup> = 3.9%).</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> It is evident that education and relationship status influenced awareness on mental health care and mental health state among low-income earners in Western Uganda during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Therefore, policymakers should strengthen social transformation through the proper engagement of low-income earners in this COVID-19 era.</p>