Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment (Mar 2021)
Assessment of Psychological Distress and Associated Factors among Hospitalized Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic at Selected Hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia
Abstract
Solomon Hambisa,1 Jafer Siraj,2 Gebremeskel Mesafint,3 Mohammed Yimam4 1Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 3Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 4Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Brehan University, Debre Brehan, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Solomon HambisaDepartment of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, PO Box 19, Ambo, EthiopiaEmail [email protected]: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at three selected hospitals in southwest Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Tepi General Hospital, and Gebre Tsadik Shawo General Hospital, southwest Ethiopia from May 10 to August 10, 2020. Sample size was computed using a single-proportion formula, and systematic sampling was employed to recruit study participants. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Psychological distress was assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, which has been validated in Ethiopia. SPSS 21.0 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated to characteristize the study population. Predictors of psychological distress were identified by logistic regression analyses.Results: Among the 337 study participants enrolled, about 41% were aged 25– 34 years. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 57.9% (95% CI 52.8%– 63.5%). Being female (AOR 3.69, 95% CI 2.08– 6.55), having high (AOR 5.45, 95% CI 2.35– 12.66) and medium perceived life threat (AOR 3.37, 95% CI 1.75– 6.48), poor (AOR 3.97, 95% CI 1.70– 9.29) and moderate social support (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.36– 7.41), and current khat use (AOR 4.16, 95% CI 1.67– 10.35) were statistically associated with psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic at P value < 0.05.Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological distress was high among hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings highlight the need to develop psychological support strategies to improve mental health and psychological resilience.Keywords: psychological distress, SARS-CoV2, hospitalized patients, Southwestern Ethiopia
