The mental health of working women after the COVID-19 pandemic: an assessment of the effect of the rise in sexual harassment during the pandemic on the mental health of Pakistani women using DASS-21

Introduction The mental health of South Asian women has been observed to be in regression lately, with sexual harassment as one the major factors accounting for deterioration, especially who leave their homes frequently work and study. COVID-19 pandemic not only augmented distress general female population but rise violence against is being consistently reported around globe. Based on this background, we adopted a two-pronged strategy assess whether working students aged 18–55 experienced 18 months after lifting lockdowns. Secondly, using well-validated psychometric test, DASS-21, evaluated psychiatric outcome change those women. Study design study was designed quantitative, cross-sectional survey-based research. Methodology A total 303 participated Personal interviews through specifically questionnaire test DASS-21 were administered state students, between 55 years old. mean age participants 37 ± 2.8. further categorized into two main groups limited frequent interactions based varying levels frequency leaving home interacting male strangers daily routine. Data analyzed correlation limited/frequent interaction scores sub-scores depression, anxiety stress, other sociodemographic variables investigated Chi-square whereas psychosocial predictors multiple linear analysis matching 1:1 propensity score-matched pair method covariates. Results Overall, approximately 50% our changes behavior that could life interactions, 33.66% relatively more post-pandemic than before it. This observation significantly correlated ( χ 2 = 5.71, p < 0.01). 34% scored >60 DASS21-total score, 29.04% >21 depression scale. Alarmingly, >40% group extremely severe range depression. Moreover, analysis, out all analyzed, extent everyday strangers, an increase fear crimes, self-perceived during found highly statistically significant DASS 21 also sub-scales anxiety, stress. Conclusion In Pakistan, cases post–COVID–19. An predictor negative form