1.Impact of long COVID-19 on posttraumatic stress disorderas modified by health literacy: an observational study inVietnam
Han Thi VO ; 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
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2024;15(1):33-44
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.
Result Analysis
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