Psychological effect of mild to moderate COVID-19 on hospitalised patients

BACKGROUND: Widespread outbreaks of COVID-19 are associated with symptoms of psychological distress in the patients. Apart from physical and economic, this disease has taken a huge mental and emotional toll on the patients, their caretakers, family and the health care workers. AIM: To assess the psychological impact on hospitalised patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All adult patients above the age of 18 years with RTPCR confirmed diagnosis of COVID 19 admitted in our COVID Hospital were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. Patients requiring ICU were excluded. They were assessed with a self made Socio demographic proforma, Depression, anxiety, stress scale (DASS 21) and Psycho Social Assessment (PSA) score for COVID-19. RESULTS: 40 % of the patients showed significant psychological impact which was predicted using the scales. In this study, female gender, being a student, presence of physical symptoms, comorbid illnesses, contact history were associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression. Further results will be presented heneforth. CONCLUSION: Social isolation, hospitalisation, financial insecurity, and being more susceptible to COVID-19 infections are associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Psychological crisis interventions targeting the high risk populations with heavy psychological stress should come up to reduce the negative psychosocial impact on public mental health.