OCCURRENCE OF PSYCHIATRIC CO-MORBIDITY AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED AMONG OVID-19 PATIENTS

Abstract

Objectives: The occurrence of psychiatric co-morbidity and factors related to psychiatric comorbidity among COVID-19 patients in hospital setting.

Study Design: Cross sectional research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Multan, from Apr 2020 to May 2020.

Methodology: A purposive sample of 81 in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was gathered from Combined Military Hospital Multan. Psychometric tests Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale and Multi dimensional Scale of Perceived-Social-Support were administered to assess study variables. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to find relationship between variables. Linear Regression was analyzed to gather causal relationships between study variables.

Results: The results of current study indicated that among eighty one COVID-19 patients 21% of participants were having symptoms of depression, 31 patients (38%) were experiencing symptoms of anxiety, 36 patients (44%) were facing stress and 54% COVID-19 patients reported to have lack of social support respectively. Perceived-social support significantly negative correlated with depression, anxiety and stress. Moreover, stress significantly positively predicted whereas social support significantly negatively predicted depression and anxiety.

Conclusion: Psychiatric co-morbidity especially the occurrence of anxiety and stress was high and perceived social support was less amongst patients suffering from COVID-19. The findings of the study highlighted the need of thoughtful efforts to be put by health department and government organizations to prevent impending psychological catastrophe that emerged over the lives of COVID-19 sufferers.