RESUMO
The influence of the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on mental health was poorly understood. The present study aimed to exam sleep problems and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in Chinese immediately after the massive outbreak of COVID-19. A total of 2027 Chinese participated in the present study. Wuhan-expose history, sleep quality and PTSS were measured with self-rating scales. Results showed that there were significant differences of PCL-5 and of sleep quality scores in different data-collection dates (ps<0.05). There were significant differences of PCL-5 scores (t=-2.93, p<0.05) and latency onset of sleep ({chi}2=9.77, p<0.05) between participants with and without Wuhan-expose history. The interaction effect of Wuhan exposure historyx sleep quality significantly influenced PCL-5 (ps<0.05). These results indicate that keeping good sleep quality in individuals with high infectious risk is a way to prevent PTSS.
RESUMO
BackgroundTo exam the prevalence of and risk factors for acute posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese people shortly after the COVID-19 outbreak. MethodsAn online questionnaire survey was conducted between 30 January and 3 February, 2020. The survey included two self-administered questionnaires: one was designed to require participants personal information (gender, age, education background), current location, recent epidemic area contact history, the classification of population, and subjective sleep quality; the other was the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). ResultsA total of 2091 Chinese participated in this study. The prevalence of PTSD among the Chinese public one month after the COVID-19 outbreak was 4.6%. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that gender (p < 0.001), epidemic area contact history (p = 0.047), classification of population (p < 0.001), and subjective sleep quality (p < 0.001) could be regarded as predictor factors for PTSD. LimitationsFirst, the majority of participants in this study were the general public, and confirmed or suspected patients being a small part. Second, the measurement of PTSD might be vulnerable to selection bias because of an online self-report study, such as participants recruitment. Third, the prevalence of PTSD in this study was estimated by an online questionnaire rather than a clinical interview. ConclusionsThe results revealed that some Chinese showed acute PTSD during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, comprehensive psychological intervention needs further implementation. Furthermore, females, people who having recent epidemic area contact history, those at high risk of infection or with poor sleep quality deserve special attention.
