A follow-up study to evaluate psychological impact among patients admitted for COVID-19 treatment to a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a pandemic caused by a novel virus. It is associated with higher infectivity and mortality, which has led to a rise in psychological problems. This study is an attempt to assess and compare the psychological impact among patients admitted with COVID-19 infection during and after hospital stay. Materials and Methods: The study was an observational follow-up study involving patients diagnosed and admitted to a tertiary care COVID-19 designated center using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test result. They were assessed once during the hospital stay and again within 15 days of discharge. Along with the socio-demographic details, they were administered a depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21) scale. The data were analyzed using the R language. Results: A total of 154 participants were assessed twice on the DASS-21 scale. Participants expressed significant financial problems and fear of COVID-19 both during admission and after discharge. There was a significant reduction in DASS-21 scores of DASS-21 after discharge. Scores were more reduced among those below 25 years; females; unmarried; higher education; employed; joint family setting and those without children. Conclusions: In the current study, the psychological impact is reduced after successfully being treated for COVID-19 infection. There is a need to focus on early and continuous psychological interventions to patients along with the COVID-19 specific treatments.

Keywords

• covid-19 treatment
• follow-up study
• psychological impact