Abstract

Abstarct The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced life in all aspects. The epidemic has brought not only the risk of death from infection but also unbearable psychological pressure. However, this needs new attitudes and behaviors that could shape our life; amongst the top ones are the capacity to learn through problem based learning (PBL). PBL is a method of finding a sound or practical solution to a certain problem through the process of conducting research. The PBL approach creates more critical thinking, problem solving, self-managed learning, adaptability, communication, interpersonal skills, and teamwork. Objectives of this study is to assess the psychological impact of COVID 19 pandemic on youth population of Mysore city and to find whether there is any association between the psychological stress and change in behavior of the study population. Finally to determine the need for enforcing problem based learning for the youth population. Methods: This is a cross sectional study using a semi structured online questionnaire (Google form). The convenience sample of youth aged between 15-29 years (National Youth Policy) from various disciplines contacted through their emails and WhatsApp. Participants’ stress levels are being assessed using the Impact of Event Scale. Descriptive statistics used. Mean, and standard deviation and proportions used to estimate the results. Regression analysis used to assess the association between stress variables and change in behavior (outcome variable). Results and conclusion: Around 13% of participants had severe stress due to the pandemic. The greatest fear was that important others or loved ones would get COVID-19 infection because of the participant and restricted mobility in my country because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Participants agreed that they avoided crowded places (82.5%) and washed their hands frequently (92.5%).

Keywords: COVID 19 pandemic; Psychological impact; Problem based learning