The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on COVID-19 Survivors and Their Families

Exploring the Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on COVID-19 Survivors and Their Families

Patients with COVID-19 diagnoses are treated under isolation in hospitals and with high-stress level. Currently, there is little information on the mental health implications of exposure amongst COVID-19 survivors and their family members. Research exploring the psychological impact amongst survivors of exposure to COVID-19 is desperately needed to understand the effects, mental health toll, and support required in survivors of COVID-19. This study aims to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on COVID-19 survivors and their family members.

Since the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported, it has been rapidly transmitted and has aroused enormous global attention. Infected patients may develop severe and even fatal respiratory symptoms such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute respiratory failure, ending up in intensive care. Patients with COVID-19 diagnoses are treated under isolation in hospitals and with high-stress level. The stress and psychological impact on patients were also correlated significantly with several adverse psychological effects, such as fatigue, fear of social contact, poor sleep, loneliness, and depressed mood. The psychological impact of COVID-19 may also evolve and last for a prolonged period after discharge from the hospital. However, there is currently little information on the mental health implications of exposure amongst COVID-19 survivors and their family members. Research exploring the psychological impact amongst survivors of exposure to COVID-19 is desperately needed to understand the effects, mental health toll, and support required in survivors of COVID-19. This study aims to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on COVID-19 survivors and their family members.

Inclusion Criteria:

• COVID-19 survivors (i.e., diagnosed with COVID-19 and discharged from the hospital) and/or a family member of a COVID-19 survivor;
• Aged 18 years or above;
• No medical diagnosis of psychiatric illness

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal to give consent