The psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak among the fever patients in the lockdown zone

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, which not only impact physical health but psychological health. This research aims to analyze the psychological impact of residents with a fever (> 37 °C) during the COVID-19 outbreak in one community. Methods: There were 105 participants surveyed online from 7th March to 21st March 2022. Collected the data included the socio-demographics, health status, COVID-19 knowledge and concerns and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) ratings. Results: Among those participants, the IES-R mean score was 24.11 (SD = 6.12), and 30.48% of respondents reported a moderate to the severe psychological impact. Female gender; youth age; single status; other specific symptoms; concerns about family members, and discrimination were significantly associated with the greater psychological impact of the COVID-19 event (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In the lockdown zone, about one-third of the residents have an obvious psychological impact after fever. The factors identified can be used to make effective psychological support strategies in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak.