The psychological symptoms of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease (2019) in China: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aims To determine psychological symptoms of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 in China and to explore the influencing factors. Design A cross‐sectional study. Methods A convenience sample of 296 mild coronavirus disease 2019 patients were recruited from a Fangcang hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Province, from 3–5 March, 2020. Participants were assessed using a sociodemographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, and Symptom Check List 90. The binary logistic regression was utilized to explore the influencing factors of psychological symptoms of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019. Results In total, 296 of 299 patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 participated in the study (response rate: 99.0%). The findings revealed that 12.8% patients with mild symptoms have mental health problems; the most common psychological symptoms are phobic anxiety (58.4%), paranoid ideation (50.7%) and psychoticism (40.2%). Female patients [OR = 3.587, 95% CI (1.694–7.598)] and those having physical symptoms currently [OR = 2.813, 95% CI (1.210–6.539)] are at higher risk, while those in the middle duration of hospitalization [OR = 0.278, 95% CI (0.121–0.639)] protect against mental‐health problems. Conclusions The minority of patients with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 were still suffering from psychological symptoms. Healthcare providers are recommended to pay particular attention to screening these high‐risk groups (women, those in the initial stages of hospitalization and those with physical symptoms currently) and implement targeted psychological care as required. Impact This study found that most patients of coronavirus disease 2019 in Fangcang hospital exhibited normal mental health at par with the general Chinese norm and the minority of them were suffering from psychological symptoms. The findings can provide a reference for healthcare providers to screen high‐risk psychological symptoms groups and implement targeted psychological intervention for patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Mental health needs of the COVID-19 patients and staff in the Fangcang shelter hospital: a qualitative research in Wuhan, China

“…The emotional and psychological results are consistent with the previous researches (Bo et al ., 2020; Zhu et al ., 2020; Kang et al ., 2020 a ; Li et al ., 2020; Zhang et al ., 2020 b ). Due to social isolation, perceived danger, physical discomfort, fear of cross-infection, and uncertain future, patients with COVID-19 often experience anxiety, depression, stigma, worry, insomnia, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, which cause harm to their social functioning and quality of life, and even lead to mental disorders (Rogers et al ., 2020).…”

“…Since the FSHs are greatly different from the designated hospitals on patient populations and environments, it is necessary to explore the mental health status of the patients and staff in FSHs. The previous quantitative studies (Dai et al ., 2020; Gu et al ., 2020; Li et al ., 2020) focused on psychological symptoms of the participants, but did not include their experiences, feelings, needs, or the effects of some external factors. Therefore, in the study, mental health needs are defined as all self-reported thoughts and needs that may be related to mental health.…”

The Experiences of Community‐dwelling older adults during the COVID‐19 Lockdown in Wuhan: A qualitative study

“…Suicidal ideation was also reported among Chinese older adults (Wand et al, 2020). Meanwhile, mental pressure and psychogenic disease were observed in other study populations or different crises (Cheng et al, 2004; Hamm et al, 2020; Li et al, 2020). These data suggested that both material help and psychological help are needed during public crises.…”

Caring for Psychological Distress of Patients With COVID-19: A Mixed-Method Cross-Sectional Study

“…The more severe the patient’s disease, the more significant the psychological distress, which is consistent with previous studies. Li et al (2021) found that compared with patients who have no significant physical symptoms, patients with physical symptoms are more worried about the progress of the disease. Therefore, for patients with COVID-19 of different severity, it is critical to perform routine psychological state observation and meet the necessary life needs.…”