The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the Mental Health of Patients with Primary Immune Deficiency and Their Parents

Abstract

: Since the start of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, people have had to cope with significant mental pressure regarding this mysterious infection. The rapid spread of syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide has led to immense anxiety and depression among people, especially in the immunocompromised population and their close relatives. This study aims to evaluate the mental health of patients with primary immune deficiency (PID) and their mothers during the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 among pediatric patients with PID and their family members. Thirty PID patients and their mothers were investigated using the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. The results showed that mothers of younger PID patients experienced higher levels of anxiety (P-value = 0.019). Additionally, PID patients who did not comply with quarantine measures had significantly higher anxiety levels (P-value = 0.02). The results indicate mild to moderate anxiety in PID patients aged 12.1 ± 1.46 years during the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, there was mild anxiety observed in mothers of PID patients. Non-compliance with quarantine measures significantly contributed to higher anxiety scores in both groups, emphasizing the importance of staying home and adhering to restricted social interactions to improve mental health.