Influence of the Risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Stigma and Social Support on Quality of Life of COVID-19 Survivors

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD risk), social stigma, and social support on the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors.Methods: Data were collected from 180 survivors who were discharged from hospital for COVID-19 from September 1 to December 31, 2021. Structured questionnaires were used to assess variables. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 27.0, with independent t-test, one way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchial multiple regression.Results: Subjects' quality of life was correlated with PTSD risk (r=-.52, p<.001), social stigma (r=-.16, p=.029), and social support (r=.26, p=.001). The Factors influencing the quality of life were gender (β=.26, p=.001), occupation (β=-.24, p=.001), PTSD risk (β=-.48, p<.001), social support (β=.19, p=.004), and explanatory power were approximately 37% (F=14.03, p<.001).Conclusion: This study found that PTSD risk in COVID-19 survivors lowered their quality of life, and social support increased their quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to develop various intervention programs to improve the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors by reducing PTSD risk and provide a social support system.