Positive impacts of COVID-19 Lock down in Bangladesh: An online investigation.

Background: This research focuses on the positive impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on society and the environment, despite acknowledging the widespread negative effects of the pandemic and lockdown measures. The research was aimed at pinpointing and evaluating the beneficial results stemming from these measures. Method: Data for the study was collected through an online survey distributed via Google forms to adults over the age of 18 across the country. A total of 1230 participants completed the survey, mostly from rural areas (61.7%), providing valuable insights for analysis. The questionnaire encompassed personal, family, and cohesive social data, along with information on the environment and biodiversity. The study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to analyze the data and examine correlations between variables. Results: The findings indicated that the COVID-19 lockdown had positive implications for individuals and society, leading to increased health consciousness, improved family relationships, and constructive social attitudes. Moreover, restrictions on access to natural tourist destinations and parks during the lockdown contributed to positive changes in biodiversity. These results highlight the importance of adopting appropriate measures during pandemics to foster personal and social well-being, as well as the preservation of natural environments and biodiversity. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for further research to promote sustainable living in similar situations. By understanding the data appropriately, individuals can play a constructive role in future pandemics, leading to positive outcomes for both society and the environment.

Financial and Mental Health Concerns of Impoverished Urban-Dwelling Bangladeshi People During COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the physical, mental and financial health of many individuals. Individuals living in impoverished crowded settings may be particularly vulnerable to COVID-19-related stressors. How substantially marginalized groups like impoverished urban-dwelling individuals have been impacted during this pandemic is poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the associated factors of financial concerns and symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the COVID-19 pandemic among impoverished urban-dwelling individuals residing in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2020 using face-to-face interviews in six disadvantaged neighborhoods ("slums") in Dhaka. Individuals were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of questions assessing socio-demographics, lifestyle, financial well-being relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, depression, and PTSD. Results: Four-hundred-and-thirty-five individuals (male = 54.7%; mean age = 45.0 ± 12.0 years; age range = 18-85 years) participated. Most (96.3%) reported that their household income decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors associated with decreased household incomes included female gender, primary education, joblessness, food scarcity and depression. Depression symptoms were linked to female gender, joblessness, divorce, living in a joint family, excessive sleep and smoking. Low incomes, excessive sleep, joblessness and food scarcity were positively associated with PTSD symptoms. In contrast, less sleep appeared protective against PTSD. Conclusions: Public health initiatives, in particular mental health services that target stress and biocentric approaches that consider how humans interact with multiple facets of nature, should be introduced to mitigate against potential financial and psychological effects of the pandemic on impoverished urban-dwelling individuals in Bangladesh.