COVID-19-related issues on tele-counseling helpline in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: To provide a brief description of COVID-19-related issues presented by callers to a tele-counseling helpline in Bangladesh.

Method: Counselors who receive calls write brief descriptions of each call. These descriptions were coded and analyzed.

Results: Eighty-six percent of callers displayed anxiety and/or sleeplessness; these callers also displayed a range of issues including family/interpersonal problems, financial difficulties, physical health concerns, mental illness, and difficulty managing quarantine.

Conclusion: These findings indicate the mental health challenges faced in Bangladesh due to lockdown and can inform future interventions.

Keywords: Bangladesh; COVID-19; mental health; quarantine; tele-counseling.