ANXIETY AMONG LOW-INCOME FAMILIES DURING THE PANDEMIC COVID-19

Abstract

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the country in March 2020 led to changes in various sectors including the education, economic, tourism and so on. Concerns due to the recession as well as the increase in the number of cases has a significant impact on the community, especially in low -income families. The B40 group is made up of households earning less than RM 4,300.00 a month. This study was to identify the level of anxiety among low-income families (B40) using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire instrument. There are two sections in the questionnaire: Section A (Demographic) and Section B (DASS-21). A total of 128 respondents involved in this study included B40 groups throughout the Pahang state district. The findings showed anxiety among the B40 groups during the COVID-19 (min = 1.872), the second highest mean after stress. Therefore, the authorities need to take appropriate initiatives so that mental health levels among the B40 can be improved and reduce the statistics of mental illness in Malaysia.