Prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder among patients discharged from COVID-19 isolation ward: Its association with medical comorbidities and length of hospital stay – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common pathological consequence of a variety of traumatic events. The core symptoms of PTSD, according to the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), include persistent intrusion symptoms, persistent avoidance of stimuli, negative alterations in cognition or mood, and marked changes in arousal and reactivity, all of which are related to the traumatic event experienced. Aim: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of PTSD in coronavirus disease 2019 patients 1 month after discharge from the corona isolation unit at a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional analytical study. The study population were individuals over 18 years of age who tested positive and had been discharged from the corona isolation ward after recovery. They were interviewed by telephone, 1 month after discharge and enquired about demographic details and the questions from the PCL-5 checklist, after obtaining their consent. Results: PTSD prevalence was 43%. A significant association (P < 0.05) was obtained between PTSD and age (>55), female gender, and number of initial symptoms (≥3). Linear correlation was obtained between length of stay (>14 days) and PCL-5 scores. Diabetes and hypertension had a significant association with PTSD. Conclusion: Telemental health programs should be launched to screen for psychological problems, and on positive screening, mental health professionals can help reduce the patient distress level by providing stress coping skills and brief cognitive behavioral therapy. Integrated, holistic care and technology hold hope to address the bidirectional effect of physical and mental illnesses.