RESUMEN
Background: COVID-19 is a pandemic that has been widespread throughout the world. The disease and the measures employed to contain its spread have a detrimental effect on the mental health of individuals. Countries across the world have applied variable combinations of quarantine and social distancing measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. This project aims at identifying the susceptible groups for the development of depression and stress due to COVID-19-associated containment measures. This evaluation will help in prioritizing efforts to ameliorate the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on psychological health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey that included questions on the demographics and COVID-19 experience. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was evaluated using the PHQ-9 survey, whereas stress levels were detected using the perceived stress scale (PSS). Data regarding demographics as well as exposure to COVID-19, working at home and the financial impact of the pandemic were collected. Results: Data were collected from 1541 participants from the MENA region. Depressive symptoms were detected in 54.2% of the participants, and the average stress score was 18.4±0.8. Adjusting for demographics and other variables, younger participants were more likely to report depressive symptoms and higher stress scores. Additionally, younger age, female gender, the coexistence of depressive symptoms, negative effects on monthly income, and ability to do work were found to be independent predictors of higher stress scores. Conclusion: Young individuals are more likely to develop depression symptoms and stress. Thus, there is a need for prompt measures to alleviate COVID-19-associated effects on this group.
RESUMEN
We assessed whether stroke severity, functional outcome, and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke differed between patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and those without. We conducted a prospective, single-center cohort study in Irbid, North Jordan. All patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke and SARS-CoV-2 infection were consecutively recruited from October 15, 2020, to October 16, 2021. We recorded demographic data, vascular risk factors, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, stroke subtype according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment Criteria (TOAST), treatments at admission, and laboratory variables for all patients. The primary endpoint was the functional outcome at 3 months assessed using the modified Rankin Score. Secondary outcomes involved in-hospital mortality and mortality at 3 months. We included 178 patients with a mean (standard deviation) age of 67.3 (12), and more than half of the cases were males (96/178; 53.9%). Thirty-six cases were coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related and had a mean (standard deviation) age of 70 (11.5). When compared with COVID-19-negative patients, COVID-19-positive patients were more likely to have a higher median NIHSS score at baseline (6 vs 11; P = .043), after 72 hours (6 vs 12; P = .006), and at discharge (4 vs 16; P < .001). They were also more likely to have a higher median modified Rankin Score after 3 months of follow-up (P < .001). NIHSS score at admission (odds ratio = 1.387, 95% confidence interval = 1.238-1.553]; P < .001) predicted having an unfavorable outcome after 3 months. On the other hand, having a concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection did not significantly impact the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes (odds ratio = 1.098, 95% confidence interval = 0.270-4.473; P = .896). The finding conclude that SARS-CoV-2 infection led to an increase in both stroke severity and in-hospital mortality but had no significant impact on the likelihood of developing unfavorable outcomes.