Assessment of psychological distress pattern & its correlates among people receiving COVID-19 vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: There is a possibility that vaccinated people may experience lesser psychological distress due to the sense of safety felt by them against getting the COVID-19 infection as compared to those who are not vaccinated. However, there is a paucity of research examining the mental health status of this important sub-group of population. Thus, the present study was aimed to examine the pattern of psychological distress and its correlates among people receiving COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccine at a tertiary care hospital. Psychological distress and COVID-19-related anxiety were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale-7, respectively. RESULTS: The study comprised 728 individuals with a mean age of 44.8 yr. Moderate levels of depression, anxiety and stress were reported by about 50, six and 15 per cent of the participants, respectively, as assessed on DASS-21. Generalized linear model and quantile regression analyses revealed COVID-19-related anxiety, and being a healthcare worker or front-line worker as significant correlates of psychological distress. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: About half of the study participants receiving COVID-19 vaccine reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression. Strategies focusing on alleviation of COVID-19-related fear and anxiety might be effective in improving the symptoms of psychological distress.