DEPRESSION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG COVID-19 SURVIVORS IN MALAYSIA – AN ONLINE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
https://doi.org/10.22452/jummec.vol26no2.17
- Author:
Foong Ming Moy
1
;
Eugene Ri Jian Lim
2
;
Noran Naqiah Hairi
1
;
Awang Bulgiba
1
Author Information
1. Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
2. School of Medicine, International Medical University, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
COVID-19 survivors;
Depression;
Long COVID
- MeSH:
COVID-19
- From:Journal of University of Malaya Medical Centre
2023;26(2):125-132
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: COVID-19 survivors with mental health issues are more likely to have a lower quality of life, reduced work productivity, social troubles, and other health issues. However, information on the mental health of COVID-19 survivors is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to determine the COVID-19 survivors’ mental health status in the form of depression and its associated factors.
Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in Malaysia, during the nationwide lockdown. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. Socio-demographic variables, comorbidities, self-perception of health, information on the person’s acute condition during COVID-19 infection, symptoms and duration of symptoms postCOVID, and state of depression were gathered. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9 was used to assess depression. Factors associated with mild to severe depression were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analyses.
Results: A total of 732 COVID-19 survivors responded to the survey. The respondents were mainly females and of younger age (in their 20s and 30s). One-third of the participants perceived themselves as having poor health. One in five participants reported having Long COVID. Slightly less than half (47.3%) of the respondents had mild to severe depression (total PHQ-9 score of 5-27). In the multivariable analysis, being female (aOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.08,2.62), of younger age (20s – aOR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.47, 7.25; 30s – aOR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.15; and 40s – aOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.20, 4.90; compared to those in their 50s and above), being overweight/obese (aOR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.83), having Long COVID (aOR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.45, 4.16) and perceived poorer health (aOR: 4.54; 95% CI: 2.89, 7.13)
Conclusion: Females, younger age groups, being overweight/obese, having Long COVID and perceiving themselves to be in poor health were factors associated with higher odds of mild to severe depression.
- Full text:2025082111521591111120252.pdf
