psychological impact of the covid-19 outbreak on mental health among iranians

Background: the coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) pandemic and its consequences may impact individuals’ mental health. objectives: the present study aimed to investigate the psychological status of individuals during the covid-19 outbreak in iran following the government’s social distancing plan. methods: data from 1,524 people were collected using a cross-sectional web-based survey via social media. demographic variables and psychological status were evaluated using the general health questionnaire, stress response inventory, and brunel mood scale. results: individuals reported that their mental health functioning decreased during the pandemic. four factors were associated with increased stress: (1) fear of getting sick; (2) indefinite quarantine duration; (3) impaired daily activities; and (4) reduced social communication. one-third of the participants reported physical symptoms (32.7%), 47% anxiety, 72% social dysfunction, and 28.3% depression. approximately half of the participants (52.2%) reported mental health disorder symptoms. detrimental mental health characteristics were higher among females, younger people, and single people. conclusions: health policies should be implemented to help reduce the psychological burden during and after the iranian government’s social distancing plan, especially among females, single people, and younger people.