Assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress in COVID-19-positive patients with chronic illness – A comparative study

Abstract

Background: The physical, social, and emotional difficulties posed by chronic illnesses can result in depression, anxiety, and stress, which are common mental health conditions. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 virus, which causes the novel respiratory illness COVID-19, has had a significant impact on the global population, especially those who already have underlying chronic illnesses. In this study, we tried to evaluate the psychological stress, depression, and anxiety experienced by COVID-positive patients with and without chronic health conditions, while they are quarantined as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among COVID-positive patients and to compare the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among COVID-positive patients with and without chronic illness in a district in North Kerala. Materials and Methods: This observational and cross-sectional study was carried out in a district in the northern state of Kerala, India. A study population of 251 individuals who had positive COVID tests participated in the study. Out of this group, 117 people had chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, while the remaining 134 people were without any chronic illness. An online questionnaire including sociodemographics and depression, anxiety, and stress scale -21 was used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress among the participants. Results: COVID patients with chronic illnesses experienced severe depression at a rate of 77.8% compared to 20.1% in those without any chronic illness. Patients with chronic illnesses who tested positive for COVID-19 also experienced severe anxiety in 77.8% of cases, compared to the 23.8% of really severe cases of anxiety among COVID patients who do not have any chronic illnesses. Moderate stress levels were observed in 76.06% of COVID patients with chronic illness when compared to 22.4% in those with no comorbidities. Conclusion: According to the study’s findings, people with chronic illnesses experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who do not have those conditions. The existence of such a high prevalence and severity of psychological issues among quarantined patients with COVID-19 underscores the need for serious attention to the mental health status of these patients.