The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic poses a threat to societies’ mental health. A study was conducted to examine the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and identify the factors contributing to psychological impact in the Philippines.
A total of 1879 completed online surveys were gathered from March 28-April 12, 2020. Collected data included socio-demographics, health status, contact history, COVID-19 knowledge and concerns, precautionary measures, information needs, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) ratings.
Results showed that the IES-R mean score was 19.57 (SD=13.12) while the DASS-21 mean score was 25.94 (SD=20.59). In total, 16.3% of respondents rated the psychological impact of the outbreak as moderateto-severe; 16.9% reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms; 28.8% had moderate-to-severe anxiety levels; and 13.4% had moderate-to-severe stress levels.
Female gender; youth age; single status; students; specific symptoms; recent imposed quarantine; prolonged home-stay; and reports of poor health status, unnecessary worry, concerns for family members, and discrimination were significantly associated with greater psychological impact of the pandemic and higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05).
Adequate health information, having grown-up children, perception of good health status and confidence in doctors’ abilities were significantly associated with lesser psychological impact of the pandemic and lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05).
The highlights of the study were:
• Students report moderate-to-severe psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Timely and adequate health information has protective psychological effect.
• Health care workers are less likely to be psychologically affected.
• Home quarantine is associated with depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.
The study concluded by saying that during the early phase of the pandemic in the Philippines, one-fourth of respondents reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and one-sixth reported moderate-to-severe depression and psychological impact. These identified factors can be used to devise effective psychological support strategies. Read the full text here.
Michael L. Tee, Cherica A. Tee, Joseph P. Anlacan, Katrina Joy G. Aligam, Patrick Wincy C. Reyes, Vipat Kuruchittham, Roger C. Ho
