Short-Term and Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Quality of Life and Psychological Outcomes in Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Omar W Althomali,1,* Junaid Amin,1,* Daria Hussain Shaik,1 Wael Alghamdi,2 Ahmed Abdelmoniem Ibrahim,1,3 Hisham M Hussein,1,4 Raheela Kanwal1 1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, 2440, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, AlBaha University, AlBaha, 1988, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Physical Therapy, Cairo University Hospitals, Giza, Egypt; 4Department of Basic Sciences for Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Junaid Amin, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, 2440, Saudi Arabia, Tel [phone], Email [email protected]: Prior research has revealed notable declines in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and substantial psychological impacts among individuals infected with COVID-19. However, there is a noticeable gap in studies addressing the enduring long-term effects of COVID-19 on HRQoL and psychological well-being.Objective: The current study investigated and compared short and long-term effects of COVID-19 on HRQoL and psychological outcomes among the Saudi population.Methods: The Arabic version of the SF-36 questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL while Anxiety and depression were evaluated by the Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression Scales (HDRS). Participants (n=292) were categorized into three groups: the “never-been-infected” group (n=134), the “one-year infected group” (n=43), and the “more than one year infected” group (n=115). Descriptive statistics were presented using numerical values and frequencies. To compare the groups, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used.Results: Most SF-36 domains exhibited lower values while HAM-A and HDRS values were higher in individuals infected during last year compared to those who never infected. Social functioning subscale of the SF-36 showed a significant difference between the groups (F (2.289) = 6.094, p = 0.01) and the effect size was d = 0.95. Pairwise comparison showed a significant reduction in the social functioning component of SF-36 in “one-year group” compared to both groups “never-been-infected” group (mean difference − 13.58 (4.40– 22.76) p < 0.01) and “more than one year infected” group (mean difference − 10.80 (1.44– 20.16) p = 0.02). HAM-A and HDRS scores showed mild levels of anxiety (< 17 score) and depression (8 to 16 score) in all groups.Conclusion: The influence of COVID-19 on psychological well-being and HRQoL is significant regardless of whether individuals infected with the virus. Overall, the consistent presence of mild anxiety and depression across all groups highlights the need for a holistic approach to mental health.Plain Language Summary: In this study, we looked at how COVID-19 infection affected the quality of life and mental well-being of people in Saudi Arabia in both the short and long term. We used surveys to measure quality of life, anxiety, and depression among 292 participants, categorizing them based on whether they had never been infected, were infected within the last year, or were infected more than one year ago. The results showed that individuals who were infected in the last year had lower scores in various aspects of quality of life and higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who had never been infected.Although mild levels of anxiety and depression were found in all groups. The study suggests that there is an impact on mental health in individuals even one year post-infection compared to never infected individuals. This highlights the importance of ongoing mental health support for individuals who have experienced the virus. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health care that considers both those who have been infected and those who have not.Keywords: anxiety, COVID-19, depression, quality of life, SF-36

Keywords

• anxiety
• covid-19
• depression
• quality of life
• sf-36