*2.6. Negative Mental Health Impact (NHI)*

Participants were asked to share their opinion on the six validated questions about negative mental health impacts of the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period; these questions had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.88 [15]. The stress of work, financial burden, stress from home, fear due to the COVID-19 pandemic, apprehension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and helpless feelings due to the COVID-19 pandemic were tested in this section. The categorical responses recorded were either yes (score 0) or no (Score 1). A total score of ≥3 was termed as the cutoff score for considering the presence of negative health impact due to pandemic.
