Psychological evaluation and perception of risk in primary caregivers of in-patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The surge of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases during the second wave of the pandemic has presented newer challenges such as psychological distress in caregivers which could be due to the burden of caregiving and uncertainties that prevailed due to the pandemic. Methods: Risk perception and psychological distress were evaluated using COVID-19 Pandemic mental health Questionnaire in the consenting caregivers of COVID-19 bronchopneumonia affected in-patients at a tertiary hospital. The scores were tabulated and analyzed using Chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: Out of 92 participants, 60 (65.2%) were below the age of 40 years. Majority, were males (73.9%), belonged to the Hindu religion (91.3%), married (82.6%), educated up to college (62%), and from urban background (69.6%). Younger participants (<40 years) tended to disagree about the severe consequences of COVID-19 on their health (p = .008). Participants who studied up to college had lesser fear of infecting others (p = .016). Married participants had lesser fear of getting infected (p = .006). Non-essential service providers had lesser fear of contracting infection (p = .014), infecting others (p = .048), and death of people close to them (p < .001). Younger participants (<40 years) felt less burdened by quarantine (p = .005), worries about contracting infection (p = .006), and by the thoughts that it would be better to be dead (p = .025). Male participants tended to worry less regarding health (p = .007) and expressed lesser concerns over personal safety (p = .050). Participants, with less worries of being infected, the likelihood of being infected and infecting others, had lesser upsetting dreams about the pandemic (p < .001, .001 and .006 respectively). Conclusion: Primary caregivers of patients admitted with COVID-19 bronchopneumonia experience significant psychological distress. Lesser risk perception and psychological distress were noted in young, married males from urban background with graduate degree involved in nonessential services with no preexisting psychological co-morbidities. Population with one or more risk factors needs psychological evaluation which will ensure comprehensive care of the affected family.