Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Rural Population in Iran

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused anxiety and fear in humans, has negatively affected the mental health of millions of people. This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 disease on mental health of Iranian rural households. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 375 rural households from October 2nd to 29th, 2020. Data was gathered using the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to evaluate the factors associated with mental health. High rates of paranoid ideation disorder (64.6%), interpersonal sensitivity (59.5%), and hostility (48.1%) were recorded among the Iranian rural population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Females tended to show more symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Additionally, gender, the number of children, amount of loans, loss of a family member or friend due to COVID-19, worry about food insecurity, exposure to news about COVID-19, and access to medical centers were significant predictors of mental health. These findings indicate the need for public policies centered on mental disorders in rural areas during the COVID19 pandemic and the need for measures to protect vulnerable groups in the rural population.