Screening of personality profile and aggressive intent in pooled analysis of COVID-19 survivors - An Analytical, Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Background: A bidirectional relationship was seen between COVID 19 survivors and psychological issues. Global research shows 1 - 7% of patients infected with COVID had aggressive behaviour in acute as well as post illness stage. In general population, people with higher extroversion scores were associated with lesser social distancing, thereby high chances of infection. No clear data exists from India to comment on personality profile or aggressive intent among COVID survivors. Aim: The current study aimed to assess the personality profile and aggression intent among COVID-19 survivors in patients from Telangana. Methodology: This study is conducted in hospital out-patient or in-patient setting of KIMS, Narketpally, Nalgonda, Telangana in patients of COVID-19. A total of 157 COVID-19 patients were recruited based on convenient sampling. The data from patients was collected using standardized objective semi-structured proforma which contains clinical and sociodemographic profile, Big Five Inventory, Assessment of Aggressive Intent (which includes six components). Results: Among the study population, 18.5% of them had positive scores in one or more of the six components of aggression. On personality assessment, patients with aggression had significantly lower mean scores on agreeableness (p value 0.003) and significantly higher mean scores on neuroticism (p value 0.049). Conclusion: COVID survivors, along with medical complications, have a risk of having psychological disturbances like aggression. Clinicians should be aware and screen for these psychological issues when the patient comes for follow-up. Early intervention and management of aggression can help in improving the patient's quality of life.