ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We investigated the impact of isolation on sleep quality and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: An online survey was conducted on 353 (88 isolated and 265 not isolated) individuals from May to June 2020. Subjective sleep quality was determined using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and psychological distress measured using the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10). RESULTS: The mean age of the isolated group was 28.6 years versus 27.5 years for the non-isolated group, with male participants accounting for 37% in both groups. The mean PSQI score was 8.5±3.6 and 8.4±3.5 for the isolated and non-isolated groups, respectively (P= 0.92). The mean K-10 score was 27.6± 9.4 and 25.3± 9.5 for the isolated and non-isolated groups, respectively (P= 0.04). Poor sleep (PSQI ≥6) was reported in 235 (66.6%) and psychological distress (K-10 ≥20) in 244 (69.1%) participants. Isolation was not associated with poor sleep (OR: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.41-1.3), P=0.29), but was statistically significant with psychological distress (OR: 2.12 (95% CI: 1.10-4.08), P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Poor sleep and psychological distress symptoms were highly prevalent in our study population. Isolation may influence psychological distress but not sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.