Perceived Stress of Quarantine and Isolation During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Survey

Abstract

Aims: Understanding of the perceived stress and coping strategies adopted by people is important for contemplating the consequences of a pandemic on mental health of people globally. In this study, we intended to assess the perceived stress status under quarantine/isolation globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This is a multicentre, multinational cross-sectional study that recruited isolated/quarantined individuals suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 to assess the psychological impact of the quarantine/isolation experience by answering a survey distributed online.Results: The study was conducted across 63 participating countries, gaining 1,871 valid responses. There was a higher proportion of female participants in the Moderate to High Perceived Stress Scores (MH-PSS) group compared to the Low Perceived Stress Score group (66.0 vs. 52.0%) and a higher proportion of individuals whose marital status was single had MH-PSS (57.1%). Also, individual's religion (Christian, Hindu, and Muslim), no formal education level, being exposed to a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient, being forced to be quarantined/isolated, uncomfortable feeling during quarantine period may significantly increase the risk of MH-PSS (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Many factors can predict stress in COVID-19 pandemic including female sex, being single, religion, no formal education, involuntary quarantine, location and reason of quarantine/isolation, and place of exposure.

Analyzing Predictors of Control Measures and Psychosocial Problems Associated with COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Eight Countries

“…More recent research on the virus has found COVID-19 to be associated with changes related to precautions to avoid COVID-19 infection, distress, behavioral changes, fears and concerns, and effects on opinions and beliefs and these changes are consistent with our findings [ 38 ]. In particular, other studies publishing that stress related to COVID-19 tends to be highest among females who do not have formal education are also consistent with our findings [ 39 , 40 ]. In terms of age and educational level as significantly predicted by our study, recent literature also suggests that education level, age, sex, and social condition had a significant association with knowledge about COVID-19 [ 41 ].…”

An evaluation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy delivered remotely during the Covid–19 pandemic

“…They found a statistically significant positive association between the number of days in quarantine and increased perceived stress levels. A significant positive association was also found between perceived stress levels and being exposed to a suspected or a confirmed positive case of Covid-19 [16].…”

“…Consequently, the potential for harm from protective policies is apparent. Tien-Huy et al (2021) [16] conducted a global survey across 63 countries to assess the impact of quarantine/ isolation on the psychological well-being of individuals (n = 1871). They found a statistically significant positive association between the number of days in quarantine and increased perceived stress levels.…”

Acute-Onset Psychosis Following Prolonged Hospitalization for COVID-19 Pneumonia

“…HIV infection has also been implicated in the development of apathy, depression, anxiety, mania, and psychosis in long-term patients [ 9 ]. Lim et al estimated the percentage of patients infected during previous coronavirus epidemics (eg, SARS and MERS) who then developed psychotic symptoms to be 0.7%, though they noted that many positive cases were likely confounded by glucocorticoid-induced psychosis [ 5 ]. Of the few published cases of COVID-19-induced psychosis, the presentation of symptoms has been variable, ranging from relatively mild confusion and paranoia [ 6 ] to severe agitation and complex hallucinosis – 1 patient was reported to have developed intracranial hematomas secondary to severe self-harm by repeatedly hitting his head against a wall [ 7 ].…”

“…The sudden onset of COVID-induced psychosis appears to be independent of other manifestations of psychophysical distress that typically present with more insidious presentations and are related to pandemic-related social isolation and distancing measures, including depression [ 2 ], PTSD [ 3 ], and increased subjective stress and anxiety [ 4 ]. While COVID-induced psychosis has so far proven to be a self-limited condition that resolves gradually within weeks following treatment with low-dose antipsychotic medications [ 5 – 7 ], it remains a relatively rare and incredibly distressing phenomenon for unsuspecting providers and family members of patients recovering from COVID-19. In this case report, we present a 23-year-old man who developed acute mania, delusions of grandeur, and auditory and visual hallucinations after an extended hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia.…”