Patients infected with COVID-19 are vulnerable to mental health problems.
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The prevalence of depression was 43.1% (95%CI: 39.6%−46.6%) in clinically stable patients with COVID-19. Patients with depression had lower QOL than those without.
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Regular screening and appropriate treatment of depression are warranted for patients with COVID-19.
Abstract
Introduction
High risk of mental health problems is associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study explored the prevalence of depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) and its relationship with quality of life (QOL) in clinically stable patients with COVID-19.
Methods
This was an online survey conducted in COVID-19 patients across five designated isolation hospitals for COVID-19 in Hubei province, China. Depression and QOL were assessed with standardized instruments.
Results
A total of 770 participants were included. The prevalence of depression was 43.1% (95%CI: 39.6%-46.6%). Binary logistic regression analysis found that having a family member infected with COVID-19 (OR=1.51, P= 0.01), suffering from severe COVID-19 infection (OR=1.67, P= 0.03), male gender (OR=0.53, P<0.01), and frequent social media use to obtain COVID-19 related information (OR=0.65, P<0.01) were independently associated with depression. Patients with depression had lower QOL than those without.
Conclusion
Depression is highly prevalent in clinically stable patients with COVID-19. Regular screening and appropriate treatment of depression are urgently warranted for this population.
