Depression, Stress and Anxiety in Patients Recovering from COVID -19 Pneumonia after Hospitalization: Experience at Almoosa Specialist Hospital

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] pandemic has created an environment in which many determinants of mental health are affected. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of depression, stress, and anxiety symptoms in adult patients discharged and recovering after hospitalization for COVID -19 pneumonia, at Almoosa Hospital. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 [DASS21] assessment instrument was used to measure distress along the three axes of depression, anxiety, and stress and distributed one month after discharge and recovery. Medical records were reviewed to collect information on medical details.Results: Of the 466 respondents, 53.2% were female, with an average age of 54.20 years. Mental health problems were noted in 130 [27.9%] patients with anxiety symptoms, 79 [17%] with stress symptoms, and 63 [13.5%] with depression symptoms. Patients with mental health problems [depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms] were found to have significantly higher D-dimer levels than patients without these symptoms. The severity of depressive symptoms was found to be significantly associated with decreased oxygen saturation and increased length of stay in the intensive care unit [ICU]. Conclusion: Patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia have high rates of mental health problems. Significantly higher D-dimer levels were found in patients with mental health problems. The severity of depressive symptoms was associated with decreased oxygen saturation and increased ICU length of stay. Early recognition and appropriate management of mental health problems are needed.

Keywords

• anxiety
• stress
• covid-19
• emotional wellbeing
• depression, saudi arabia
• mental health