The Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Recovered COVID-19 Patients: Illness-Related Factors, Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms, Alexithymia and Social Support

• DOI: 10.5455/pbs.20230810072043
• Publication Date: 2023-12-29T23:03:40Z
• Authors: Cansun Cam; Omer Yanartas; Erdogdu Akca; Kemal Sayar
• Keywords: Depression; Toronto Alexithymia Scale; Affect

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on millions of people, affecting their biological, psychological, and social well-being. biological effects SARS-CoV-2 have reportedly been linked to cognitive, emotional, behavioral symptoms. Traumatic experiences associated with the disease treatment procedures are regarded as potential risk factors for emergence posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS); result, severity experience hospitalization can significantly influence mental well-being individuals who contracted COVID-19. This study aims assess that development PTSS among recovered from Method: Sociodemographic features, status, physical were assessed PTSS, alexithymia, perceived support, anxiety, depression examined validated self-report questionnaires (Impacts Events Scale-Revised, Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, Multidimensional Scale Perceived Social Support, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale) in sample 105 inpatients 107 outpatients. Results: scores outpatients not different (t(210)=1.246, p=0.214, t(210)=-0.493, p=0.623, respectively), however, anxiety higher (t(209.880)=-2.938, p=0.004). Hospitalization did affect avoidance hyperarousal but was increased intrusion (t(210)=2.095, p=0.037). In hierarchical regression model, predictors identified; step 3 sleep disturbance initial loss smell taste significant (β=0.282, p<0.010; β=0.163, p=0.019, respectively). 4, depression, alexithymia superior all other variables (β=0.211, β=0.318, β=0.261, respectively, p<0.010) remain final model. results indicated psychological assessments made distinctive contribution overall variation Impacts Scale-Revised scores, extending beyond demographic characteristics, individual variations, Additionally, support an indirect which mediated by (total bunstd=-0.446, S.E.boot=0.057, CIboot 95% (-0.563, -0.338)). direct effect non-significant (cunstd=-0.004, S.E.=0.072, CI (-0.146, 0.137)). Conclusion: contributes literature about worldwide trauma establishing possible PTSS; highlights importance reflecting history patients providing appropriate support.