A survey of psychological distress among Bangladeshi people during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies conducted on the psychological impact of infectious outbreaks have found heavy psychological burdens among general population with more severe affect in the current pandemic. The main aim of this study is to examine the level of psychological distress during COVID-19 in Bangladesh and explore factors associated with higher psychological distress. METHODS: An internet-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to April 2020 in Bangladesh among adults 18 years old and above using structured online questionnaires distributed through emails and other social media throughout Bangladesh with an overall response rate of 34%. Modified version of the Covid19 peritraumatic distress index (CPDI) was used to measure distress. Univariate and Bivariate analysis was used to estimate prevalence of CPDI symptoms…