Abstract

The adolescents and teens have had considerable effects on their mental health due to the global pandemic of COVID-19. In this present study, we have demonstrated their mental health post pandemic highlighting psychological effects associated with the epidemic. We used the convenience sampling method and questionnaires, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire, and were distributed to participating 229 individuals. Among all the risk factors, the factors significantly affecting mental health were lack of exercise, screen-time, male gender, age range. Male respondents had significantly higher levels of anxiety and mental health disorders compared to the female respondents. It was observed that 7(3%) who had no exercise or only less than 1 hour of exercise daily were suffering with severe depression. 11 (4.8%) individuals had severe problems with psychological distress and the majority of children were assessed with moderate to severe levels of anxiety. The results showed severe levels of anxiety and stress among respondents who had 2 to 5 hours and 6 to 9 hours of screen time. The results showed that a major proportion of individuals who had severe levels of anxiety, depression and distress belonged to the 15-18 years. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 had a major psychological impact on teenagers and adolescents. This calls for better interventions specially formulated to cater to the psychological health of teenagers and adolescents.

Key words: Adolescent, COVID-19, Post pandemic, Psychological impact, South India