DEMONSTRATING THE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES ON MENTAL HEALTH DURING INFLATION

This study investigates the correlation between financial difficulties resulting from inflation and mental health among Bangladeshi residents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 327 residents from different parts of Bangladesh between October and November 2022. A self-reported online questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, financial, and psychometric measures (to assess depression, stress, and anxiety) was considered to accumulate information from participants. A non-parametric analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with mental health consequences. The chi-square test reveals that the levels of depression, stress, and anxiety were notably higher among the participants who reported female and lower monthly family income. However, the causal relationship between variables cannot be justified due to the cross-sectional study performed with a convenience sampling method. The study points out the contributing factors to poor mental health, which are the result of financial and economic difficulties during the period of inflation. These implications would prompt governments, healthcare providers, and financial institutions to contemplate comprehensive solutions that tackle both economic and mental health issues during inflationary periods.