Covid-19 related isolation and risk of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients presenting to tele-clinics at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi

J Pak Med Assoc. 2024 Feb;74(2):374-377. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.9021.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the psychological impact of isolation on individuals with Covid-19 and determine the experiences of people in isolation. All adults with Covid-19 who reported to the infectious disease tele-clinic were included in the study; participants were sent the survey form via email. The email was sent to 146 people and 47 responses were received. IES-R questionnaire was submitted to all individuals on Day 7 of quarantine, along with a qualitative questionnaire. The mean score on IES-R for all the respondents was 18.77. Out of 47 participants, for 6 (12.8%) PTSD was a clinical concern, 3 (6.4%) participants had a probable diagnosis of PTSD, and 6 (12.8%) participants scored high enough to suppress immune function. The majority of participants reported stress due to confinement in an isolated space and interruption in daily routine, specifically work-related routine. Praying, meditation, and having social support helped the participants cope with the isolation.

Keywords: Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Covid-19, Social Isolation, Mental Health..

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Social Support
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tertiary Care Centers