Investigating posttraumatic stress disorder among COVID-19 recovered patients: A cross-sectional study

During the 21st century, pandemics have emerged frequently and become more challenging. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is among the most prominent examples. A considerable public health issue following the pandemic is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). COVID-19-recovered patients are highly susceptible to developing PTSD. Earlier epidemic studies showed a high prevalence of trauma-exposed people as a result of infectious diseases. This research aimed to quantify the estimated prevalence of PTSD and its contributing variables among COVID-19-recovered patients in Bangladesh.

This was a cross-sectional research carried out through an e-survey comprising 326 individuals (69.0% male; mean age = 37.97 ± 13.02 years; age range = 18-76 years) and conducted between September 2020 to January 2021. The online survey included a section for gathering participant's informed permission as well as sections on key demographics and way of life, and social supports during the suffering period from acute COVID-19, as well as a PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to examine PSTD. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed. The prevalence estimates of PTSD ranged between 36 and 41% based on three predefined cut-offs. As per multiple linear regression analysis, PTSD was much more common among those who took part and reported being middle-aged/older adults (≥40 years), having lower S.E.S., and who slept more (>9 h/day). In addition, PTSD was negatively associated (p <0.05) with the social support of family members/friends/relatives, and colleagues in working settings; while positively correlated with health care providers. The current investigation revealed a considerably higher level of PTSD among COVID-19-recovered patients. The findings suggest extending the mental health services, other covariates, and immediate intervention among national and international COVID-19 recovered patients.