COVID-19-related issues on tele-counseling helpline in Bangladesh

Abstract

To provide a brief description of COVID-19-related issues presented by callers to a tele-counseling helpline in Bangladesh. Counselors who receive calls write brief descriptions of each call. These descriptions were coded and analyzed. Results: Eighty-six percent of callers displayed anxiety and/or sleeplessness; these callers also displayed a range of issues including family/interpersonal problems, financial difficulties, physical health concerns, mental illness, and difficulty managing quarantine. These findings indicate the mental health challenges faced in Bangladesh due to lockdown and can inform future interventions.