Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Quarantined Adults and Related Risk Factors during COVID-19 Pandemic during August and September 2020 in North Oman Region.
Quarantine is by definition separating and may cause or worsen mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Few studies have evaluated the associated risk factors with these disorders during COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: We estimated the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and identified associated risk factors among quarantined Omani adults in north Oman between 1st August and 30th September 2020.
Methodology
We conducted a cross-sectional study among Omani citizens aged 18 years and older who quarantined for at least 10 days due to travel or contact with infected persons. We used convenience sampling and respondents self-reported data on socio-demographics, chronic diseases, quarantine status, lifestyle, COVID-19 infection status, and anxiety and depressive symptoms using an electronic questionnaire distributed by WhatsApp. We assessed anxiety and depressive symptoms using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results
We found that of 567 participants, 263 (46%) and 380 (67%) reported elevated anxiety and depressive symptoms respectively. Higher proportions were observed among age group from 26 to 45 years (anxiety 85 %, depression 83 %). Among female respondents, 74 % reported anxiety and 66% had depressive symptoms, while 26 % of males reported anxiety and 34 % reported depressive symptoms. Among married adults 82 % reported anxiety and depression symptoms. Among participants with confirmed COVID-19, 52% had anxiety and depressive symptoms. Among quarantined for 10-14 days, 58% reported anxiety and depression symptoms.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight significant psychological vulnerabilities among quarantined during COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to address mental health support of such groups like psychiatric hotlines.