Personality factors as correlates of aggression in COVID-19-infected individuals’ postrecovery – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect not only on physical health but also on one’s psychological health. Global research reveals that one-third of those affected with COVID-19 experience sequelae of psychiatric symptoms, commonly seen as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. No clear data exist from India on aggression in COVID-19-infected patients during the postillness phase. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of aggression and personality factors associated with aggression in post-COVID individuals. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary institute in South India. One hundred and thirty-four patients, inpatients and outpatients, who recovered from COVID-19 were recruited based on purposive sampling. The data from patients were collected using semi-structured proforma with 59 questions on domains such as sociodemographic profile with clinical parameters, occupational factors, aggression, and personality profile. Standardized rating scales such as the Brief Aggression Questionnaire and Modified Overt Aggression Scale were used to assess aggression, while the Big Five Inventory-10 was used to assess personality profile. Results: About 17.9% of the study population had positive scores in one or more of the six components of aggression. Those with aggression had a significantly longer duration recovery period when compared to nonaggressive individuals (P < 0.001). Those with aggression had significantly lower mean scores of agreeableness when compared to the other group (P = 0.01). Conclusion: With the fourth wave of COVID-19 on the horizon, psychological issues as a part of COVID sequelae need to be acknowledged. Clinicians should emphasize liaison with psychiatrists during follow-up of COVID-19 patients, to screen for any psychiatric symptoms postillness, thereby enhancing the chances of early detection and management.