The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health among Individuals infected with Corona virus, in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, October-December 2020

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Mansour Alharbi (PI), Abdulelah Alhudeathy, Refan Alwabel, Manar Alharbi, Munira Alnasser, Sarah Altorbak

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic symbolizes many overwhelming stresses. Such as loss of family members, friends, or colleagues, financial uncertainty; and isolation from others, mostly in those who live alone. That's why the physician must sort out demoralization from depression.


Aim: This study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among individuals infected with Corona virus, in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.


Materials and Methods : This is a cross-sectional study conducted among individuals infected with Corona virus in Qassim region. A pre-designed questionnaire was distributed among all the individuals infected with COVID-19 using available communication methods provided by the COVID-19 committee. A total response of 800, when applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 580 participants have met the criteria. The questionnaire contains socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, anxiety, panic disorder and depression. The collection of data was during the period from October to December of 2020. All statistical data were calculated using SPSS version 21.


Results: A total of 580 COVID-19 patients were enrolled. The most common age group was 20 – 29 with 52.6% were males. The prevalence of patients with anxiety was 14.0% while the prevalence of depression 20.7% and those with panic disorder was 43.1%. In multivariate regression model. Those who developed symptoms at the time of diagnosis were the independent factors associated with both anxiety and depression while family income negatively affected by the pandemic was the independent factor associated with anxiety, depression and panic disorder.


Conclusion: Impact of COVID on mental health was high. Panic disorder in people infected with COVID-19 found to be higher than anxiety and depression, lastly panic disorder provided greater negative effect with their mental health. These results require more investigation and further research, in addition patient who was infected with COVID-19 should be reviewed with the psychiatrist.


 

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