Quality of life and mental health due to COVID-related lifestyle changes and sociodemographic characteristics among Asian Indians

Purpose: To examine quality of life (QoL) and mental health among Asian Indians in Southwest and Central-west Florida by COVID-related lifestyle changes, and demographic characteristics. Methods: QoL was assessed using SF-12 questionnaire while mental health/healthcare was assessed using the household pulse survey. Face-to-face interviews and self-administered online surveys were conducted among 151 participants in 2021–22. F and Chi-square statistics were used to examine the differences in QoL scores and mental health/mental healthcare by sociodemographic factors and COVID-related lifestyle changes. Results: Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were lower for those who experienced changes in work expectations (p 0.041), sleep (p 0.002), exercise (p < 0.001), meditation (p.004) and connecting with family (p 0.007) and among those with family testing COVID positive (p.012). Mean Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores were lower for caregivers (p.008). PCS scores were lower for certain income groups (p 0.006), retired (p 0.004), older age groups (p 0.002). Lower MCS scores with college education (p.005), those who were students (p <0.001), younger age groups (p < 0.001). Those who helped with homeschooling felt anxious (p 0.049), couldn’t stop worrying (p 0.046) and took medications (p < 0.001). Participants’ families who tested COVID positive were anxious (p = 0.019) and worried (p = 0.015). Those with greater work expectations sought counseling (p = 0.009) and those who connected more with their family were anxious (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The pandemic affected QoL, especially the mental component and increased anxiety and worrying. Mental health services for younger individuals, those with caregiving responsibilities and facing increased job demands must be prioritized.