Left alone outside: A prospective observational cohort study on mental health outcomes among relatives of COVID-19 hospitalized patients.
Psychiatry Res
; 307: 114328, 2022 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1556983
ABSTRACT
Hospitalization due to COVID-19 bears many psychological challenges. While focusing on infected patients, their relatives are being largely neglected. Here, we investigated the mental health implications of hospitalization among relatives, over a one-month course. A single center study was conducted to assess relatives of COVID-19 patients during the first month from their admission to the hospital, and elucidate risk and protective factors for mental health deterioration. Ninety-one relatives of the first patients to be hospitalized in Israel were contacted by phone and screened for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) at three time points (25-72 hours, 7-18 days, and one month). We found that anxiety and depression decreased significantly during the first month from their admission. Risk factors for deteriorated mental health at one month included feelings of mental exhaustion, financial concerns, and social disconnection. Being an ultra-orthodox was a protective factor for anxiety and depression but not for PTSS. Our findings emphasize the importance of addressing the mental health status of close relatives and adjust support for the unique setting of COVID-19.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Etiology study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Psychiatry Res
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
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