Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorderas modified by health literacy: an observational study inVietnam
10.24171/j.phrp.2023.0261
- Author:
Han Thi VO
1
;
Tien Duc DAO
;
Tuyen Van DUONG
;
Tan Thanh NGUYEN
;
Binh Nhu DO
;
Tinh Xuan DO
;
Khue Minh PHAM
;
Vinh Hai VU
;
Linh Van PHAM
;
Lien Thi Hong NGUYEN
;
Lan Thi Huong LE
;
Hoang Cong NGUYEN
;
Nga Hoang DANG
;
Trung Huu NGUYEN
;
Anh The NGUYEN
;
Hoan Van NGUYEN
;
Phuoc Ba NGUYEN
;
Hoai Thi Thanh NGUYEN
;
Thu Thi Minh PHAM
;
Thuy Thi LE
;
Thao Thi Phuong NGUYEN
;
Cuong Quoc TRAN
;
Kien Trung NGUYEN
Author Information
1. International Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2024;15(1):33-44
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has increased, particularly among individuals who have recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Health literacy is considered a “social vaccine” that helps people respond effectively to the pandemic. We aimed to investigate the association between long COVID-19 and PTSD, and to examine the modifying role of health literacy in this association.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at 18 hospitals and health centers in Vietnamfrom December 2021 to October 2022. We recruited 4,463 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 infection for at least 4 weeks. Participants provided information about their sociodemographics, clinical parameters, health-related behaviors, health literacy (usingthe 12-item short-form health literacy scale), long COVID-19 symptoms and PTSD (Impact Event Scale-Revised score of 33 or higher). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations and interactions.
Results:Out of the study sample, 55.9% had long COVID-19 symptoms, and 49.6% had PTSD.Individuals with long COVID-19 symptoms had a higher likelihood of PTSD (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63–2.12; p < 0.001). Higher health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99; p = 0.001). Compared to those without long COVID-19 symptoms and the lowest health literacy score, those with long COVID-19 symptoms and a 1-point health literacy increment had a 3% lower likelihood of PTSD (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; p = 0.001).
Conclusion:Health literacy was found to be a protective factor against PTSD and modified the negative impact of long COVID-19 symptoms on PTSD.
