Mental health among Sportspersons of Manipur during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased mental health issues among the general population. Sportspersons, in particular, face unique challenges due to the restrictions imposed during the outbreak of the disease. In addition to financial issues and COVID- 19 infection, they experience difficulty in continuing daily sports training and in participating sports events. Such issues have resulted in increased mental health problems among the population.

Aim: The current study explored the COVID- 19 related specific experiences and mental health (depression, anxiety and stress) of sportspersons.

Methods: Through purposive sampling method, 90 sportspersons participated in the study. DASS- 21 was used to assess the mental the health status. COVID- 19 related specific experiences and socio- demographic details were also explored. Descriptive statistics, t-test and one way ANOVA were used for analyzing data.

Results: Findings showed that training and practice of sports were considerably affected during the pandemic. Moderate symptoms of depression (18.9%) and anxiety (12.2%) were observed among sportspersons. Financial hardships during the pandemic were found to have a significant relationship with symptoms of anxiety (p= 0.02).

Conclusion: Sportspersons represent the nation in various international events and are important asset of a country. It is imperative to understand their unique psycho- social challenges and mental health issues to help develop effective policies and programs, which will further help promote mental health and well -being of Sportspersons. Financial constraints is a major issue as well as a risk factor for mental health among sportspersons during the pandemic. In addition to providing psychological aid, policies should also aim at providing financial assistance, especially to struggling sportspersons.

Key words: COVID- 19 pandemic, anxiety, depression, stress, sportspersons, mental health