Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder among the General Population of Karachi during COVID-19 Pandemic and its Associated Factors

ABSTRACT

Objective: Coronavirus pandemic has spread globally. It has affected people mentally and economically. These types of pandemics often lead to post-traumatic stress traumatic syndrome among people. Research data is needed to know the PTSD due to the coronavirus pandemic among the general population. Materials and methods: This study is cross-sectional. Data was collected in 3 days from the general population of Karachi through an online questionnaire regarding age, gender, education, profession, precautionary measures, awareness related to COVID, satisfaction related to COVID, Health information awareness. IESR scale was used to assess post-traumatic stress syndrome. A total of 241 respondents were involved. Results: Moreover, 11.2% had partial PTSD, 4.1% had PTSD and 34.9% had PTSD high enough to suppress the immune system. Among the respondents majority belong to age group 20 to 30, female, student, undergraduate, were aware of COVID, tested positive for COVID, knew someone tested positive for COVID, applied precautionary measures, avoided going out, worried about your family members getting COVID, satisfied with health information available and were aware of health information available. Age group 20 to 30, Male gender, matric education level, housewives, tested positive for COVID, applying precautionary measures, applying social distancing, having present physical symptoms, worrying about your family members getting COVID, was associated with high IESR score and PTSD (p<0.05). Awareness related to COVID-19 and avoiding going out was associated with low IESR scores and were protective factors related to PTSD(p<0.05). Tested positive for COVID, presence of past physical symptoms, satisfaction with health information available, and awareness of health information available were not significantly associated with IESR score and PTSD (P>0.05) Conclusion: During the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic more than half of the respondents reported partial to severe PTSD. Age group 20 to 30, Male gender, matric education level, housewives, tested positive for COVID, applying precautionary measures, applying social distancing, having present physical symptoms of COVID, worrying about your family members getting COVID are the vulnerable groups which need urgent attention related to PTSD. Awareness related to COVID-19 and avoiding going out are protective factors related to PTSD hence these factors can be considered by higher authorities to make psychological policies.