Prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder among COVID-19 Survivors: A 6-Month Follow-up Study in a Few Referral Hospitals of Tehran, Iran

Sayedeh Elham  Sharafi; Mohammad Hossein  Pourgharib Shahi; Venus  Vatankhah

doi:10.18502/jimc.v8i1.17064

Sayedeh Elham Sharafi Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohammad Hossein Pourgharib Shahi Sports Medicine Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Venus Vatankhah Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v8i1.17064

Keywords: COVID-19, Hospitals, Stress disorder

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has significantly impacted individuals globally, leading to heightened levels of stress and psychological distress. COVID-19 hospitalized patients experience social exclusion, physical pain, and survival anxiety. This study aims to screen recovered COVID-19 patients for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and assess its correlation with psychosocial factors for six months.

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cohort study, 401 patients aged 18-80 years were hospitalized in hospitals related to Tehran University of Medical Sciences due to COVID-19 from March 1 to May 31, 2021, and were followed for six months. Recovered patients completed electronic PCL-5 and demographic questionnaires to be screened for PTSD and other psychiatric comorbidities. The data were analyzed utilizing multivariate logistic regression models.

Results: Based on the PCL-5, PTSD was diagnosed in 6.4% of the samples. 10.2% of the samples received a subthreshold PTSD diagnosis. 46.2% of the samples with a PTSD diagnosis had a positive past psychiatric history. Results demonstrated that a previous positive psychiatric diagnosis has a statistically significant relationship with PTSD (p<0.05). This research did not reveal any significant association between PTSD symptoms and demographic features.

Conclusion: PTSD and subthreshold PTSD rates in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge are significant. A positive past psychiatric history was recognized as a contributing factor contributing to the onset of PTSD. COVID-19 survivors should be screened for PTSD during follow-up examinations.