Mental wellbeing and perception of health in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in the general population

Purpose This study was aimed at evaluating mental wellbeing and health perception in the general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and at highlighting the correlation between them and selected variables. Design and Methods This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in 374 individuals, who were remotely administered two scales (Perception of Health Scale [PHS] and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale [WEMWBS]) and a demographic and clinical questionnaire. Findings PHS mean score was 53.24 +/- 7.69 and the total WEMWBS score was 52.95 +/- 10.75. A positive statistically significant correlation was found between PHS and WEMWBS (p < 0.05). Gender, marital status, and education levels conditioned mental well-being in a statistically significant. Suffering from a chronic disorder, COVID-19 symptoms, or having a family member affected by COVID-19 infection influenced the health perception. Practical Implications Exposing the factors affecting the health and mental wellbeing perceptions of individuals, especially during the pandemic period, can guide policymakers.