The effect of the novel type coronavirus infection on the mental health of the patients

Background: During the pandemic, the health of individuals as well as their daily life routines were affected. Individuals were isolated by social distancing and quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Many studies in the literature shows that epidemic diseases increase the level of anxiety in humans, but there are very few studies conducted with Covid 19 patients evaluating anxiety, stress, depression, sleep quality. Methods: Among the patients who were followed up in hospital with the diagnosis of Covid-19, 114 people who were contacted and agreed to participate in the study are included in the study. A questionnaire about the demographic characteristics of the patients, the DASS-21 scale (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) and the Pittsburgh sleep quality scale (PSQI) was applied. Results: The average age was 49.82 ± 16.74. 34 (29.8%) people had anxiety, 9 (7.9%) people had stress, and 17 (14.9%) people had depression symptoms. The mean PSQI was 8.40 ± 3.87. Sleep quality of 88 (77.2%) people was found to be poor, 26 (22.8%) of them were found to have good sleep quality. Anxiety, stress and depression scales were significantly higher in patients with a history of psychiatric illness (p: 0.040, p:0.47, 0.009 respectively) Conclusion: The risk of depression, anxiety disorder and deterioration in sleep quality increases in patients who are in isolation due to pandemic. As the mental state of individuals is affected, it becomes difficult to adapt to life changes that have become difficult with the pandemic. With the information we will obtain from the current crisis process, the possible future epidemics can be managed successfully.