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Self-Perceived Stress During the Quarantine of COVID-19 Pandemic in Paraguay: An Exploratory Survey.
Torales, Julio; Ríos-González, Carlos; Barrios, Iván; O'Higgins, Marcelo; González, Israel; García, Oscar; Castaldelli-Maia, João Mauricio; Ventriglio, Antonio.
  • Torales J; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
  • Ríos-González C; Research Department, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Caaguazú, Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay.
  • Barrios I; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
  • O'Higgins M; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
  • González I; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
  • García O; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay.
  • Castaldelli-Maia JM; Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, Fundação do ABC, Santo André, Brazil.
  • Ventriglio A; Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Front Psychiatry ; 11: 558691, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2199276
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Any viral pandemic is a global health and mental health issue. The World Health Organization and mental health associations have warned that the current COVID-19 pandemic will lead to a drastic increase of stress-related conditions and mental health issues globally. Materials and

Methods:

An online web-based survey has been launched from 10 to 15 April 2020 in Paraguay in order to collect information regarding the stress related to the quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been spread through social media ("WhatsApp," "Twitter," and "Facebook"). Two thousand two hundred and six Paraguayan citizens, over 18 years of age, completed the survey voluntarily. Socio-demographics as well as ratings at Self-perceived Stress Scale have been collected and analyzed.

Results:

Two thousand two hundred and six subjects (74.12% men) aged between 18 and 75 with an average of 34 ± 11 years old completed the survey. 12.42% (276 subjects) of sample reported a preexisting diagnosis of mental disorder, and 175 participants (7.93%) reported an increase of preexisting symptoms with the onset of COVID-19 quarantine. 41.97% of them had anxiety and 54.38% did not receive any specific treatment. The general population rated 18.10 ± 5.99 at Self-perceived Stress Scale, which indicates a moderate level of self-perceived stress. Significant association was found between higher levels of stress and female sex, being single, or reporting preexisting mental disorder, above all anxiety and depression (p < 0.01). In fact, in 63.87% of mentally ill subjects (n = 175), the quarantine has worsened symptoms of preexisting mental disorders.

Conclusion:

This study suggests a stressful impact of COVID-19 pandemic, with the majority of participants reporting a moderate level of self-perceived stress. We suggest mental health services to provide a phone-based or web-based support to the general population in order to contrast the psychological impact of the pandemic. This approach may improve the accessibility to mental healthcare services in Paraguay, especially in times of social distancing.
Keywords

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study Country/Region as subject: South America / Paraguay Language: English Journal: Front Psychiatry Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Fpsyt.2020.558691

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Type of study: Observational study Country/Region as subject: South America / Paraguay Language: English Journal: Front Psychiatry Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Fpsyt.2020.558691