Previously submitted to: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (no longer under consideration since Jan 22, 2021)
Date Submitted: May 29, 2020
The psychological effects of quarantine and factors influencing its compliance during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross sectional study from Nuh, Haryana (India)
ABSTRACT
Background:
COVID-19 has caused pandemic during 2019-2020 which results in illnesses ranging from the usual flu to serious respiratory problems even leading to mortality. Recent literatures have suggested that the health (psychological) impact of quarantine is wide-ranging, substantial, and can be long lasting.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to assess mental health status (psychological distress) of experienced quarantine and compliance to quarantine during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Methods:
The study included 543 subjects (adults aged 18 years or more) sent on quarantine at home or state-run facilities which included ‘Flu corner’ screened patient and health care staff working in COVID-19 outpatient and wards. Psychological impact was assessed using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Categorical data were presented as percentages (%) and bivariable logistic regression was applied to find out association and it was considered significant if the p value was less than 0.05.
Results:
The doctors and nursing staff were among two fifth of the subjects (40.1%), and only 11.6% of quarantined subjects were complaint with all protective measures. The mean score obtained on Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) subjects was 18.69±4.88, whereas 152 subjects (27.9%) had score 20 or more and it has significant association with the elderly age group, female gender and workplace as exposure setting (p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Given the developing situation with coronavirus, policy makers urgently need evidence synthesis to produce guidance for the public. Thus, outcomes of this study will definitely help authorities, administrators and policy makers to put quarantine measures in a better way.
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