Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Quarantined Patients in a Newly Developing Country: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background The corona virus disease (Covid-19) has plunged countries across the world into crisis. Patients with COVID-19 under quarantine conditions represent a unique stratum of patients who are liable to extreme pressure due to the ramifications of COVID-19 infection in terms of physical, social and psychological wellbeing. The present study aimed to highlight the necessary measures needed to address anxiety, depression and other psychiatric symptoms for COVID-19 patients including coping strategies when placing patients under quarantine conditions. Methodology A cross-sectional quantitative study, Socio-demographic data were collected using three validated scales: PHQ-9, anxiety, and stress level. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression were performed to analyse the data. Results A total of 102 participant given the answer of the questionnaire. The mean age of study subjects 29.9± 10.2 years, the prevalence of depression was 79.4%, anxiety was 67.7% and the mean of stress level was 25.6± 17.9. Depression was significantly associated with anxiety Coef. 3.14 (95% CI: -0.05,6.32); p=0.05 and stress level Coef. 0.16 (95% CI: 0.07,0.26); p=0.001 both. Conclusion: Covid-19 may reinforce symptom severity and psychosocial stress in individuals with mental disorders. In times of pandemics, special support is needed to assist people with mental disorders and to prevent symptom deterioration. Keywords: COVID-19; Pandemic; Mental Health; Depression; Anxiety; Stress Level. What is already Known about the topic? • Rigorous research examining the stress, anxiety, and depression levels among COVID-19 patients • Research found that patients during the early stages of the pandemic experienced a higher prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression. What this paper adds • The potential risk factors related to COVID-19 and people suffering from existing MNS disorders • The participants who are divorced or widowed reported more depression levels as compared to a single or married • Professional patients were more likely to report depressive symptoms than nonprofessionals and office workers Implications The findings of this paper suggest that healthcare planning should incorporate mental health screenings in vulnerable communities, to raise public awareness about psychological instabilities and it should be thought about maintaining social emergencies in the future.