Mental health in hospitalised COVID 19 patients in quarantine during second wave in a south Indian private teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Covid 19 lockdown measures were taken all of a sudden during the devastating second wave in India, when there was a considerable loss and suffering in the country. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic has led to unprecedented hazards to mental well-being globally. Purpose: To assess the prevalence and evaluate risk factors of depression, insomnia or sleep disturbances and suicidal ideation among covid 19 positive patients admitted in covid wards with mild-to-moderate disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 635 hospitalised patients who were covid-19 positive were requested to fill an online quality of life pre-validated questionnaire comprising of 4 sections – the sociodemographic information section, health care assessment related to depression symp-toms, insomnia assessment and assessment of suicidal ideation. The survey comprised of pre-validated questions on sociodemographics, knowledge of covid 19, fear of covid 19, insomnia, feeling of sadness, depression, feeling of rejection and suicidal ideation among the covid 19 positive inpatients in quarantine due to mild or moderate covid 19 disease. Results: The prevalence of depression and insomnia or sleep disturbances after being diagnosed as covid 19 positive and hospitalized was nearly 40% and 28.8%, respectively, among the inpatients. Depression was significantly observed in female group (p < 0.001), unmarried or separated individuals (p < 0.001), housewives (p < 0.001) and patients with comorbidities (p < 0.001). Insomnia was more likely to be present in elderly covid positive patients (p < 0.001) and separated or divorced group of participants (p < 0.001). The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 5% of the total covid 19 positive patients participated in this study, and it was significantly observed among separated or divorced patients, cancer patients, patients from suburban residence and among graduates (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Covid 19 is associated with major psychological impact among the patients suffering from thus warrants counselling.